Arasan promo: Vetrimaaran goes back to the world of Vada Chennai, as Silambarasan wants Dhanush to play himself on screen

The promo of Arasan features Silambarasan appearing in two distinct timelines, in one, he is seen standing trial in court for multiple murders, and in the other, he plays a gangster-like figure.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | Updated: October 17, 2025 07:25 PM IST

2 min read

Arasan marks the first collaboration of director Vetrimaaran and actor Silambarasan.

The promo for Vetrimaaran’s upcoming film Arasan, starring Silambarasan, has been officially launched.

Acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran, known for Vada Chennai, is returning to the same cinematic universe with a new chapter titled Arasan. The film marks his first collaboration with actor Silambarasan (Simbu). A five-minute promo has been released, offering a glimpse into the film’s world and themes.

The promo opens on a self-aware note, featuring Silambarasan and director Nelson in conversation. In the scene, Silambarasan suggests that Nelson make a film about his life, insisting that only Dhanush should play his character. The exchange immediately sets up Arasan as a meta project with deep political undercurrents.

From the visuals, Silambarasan appears to play an aging gangster facing trial for three murders. The promo also shows a younger version of the character, sporting a funky hairstyle reminiscent of Dhanush’s look in Vada Chennai. It concludes with the line: “An untold tale from the world of Vada Chennai,” confirming its connection to Vetrimaaran’s earlier work. Interestingly, it’s also the seventh anniversary of the film today.

Also Read | Beyond sprawling scale and complex characters, Vetrimaaran’s Viduthalai Part 2 is a coming-of-age journey of an ideology

Arasan also marks a shift in Vetrimaaran’s regular creative team. For the first time, he is collaborating with composer Anirudh Ravichander, stepping away from his frequent partners Santhosh Narayanan and G.V. Prakash Kumar. One of the most intriguing moments in the promo is the conversation between Silambarasan and Nelson. Silambarasan jokingly tells Nelson that, although his story is entirely true, the film should begin with a disclaimer claiming it to be fictional, otherwise, Nelson might get into trouble. It’s a sharp, satirical touch, characteristic of Vetrimaaran’s blend of realism and political commentary.

The release date for Arasan has not yet been announced, but the promo has already sparked strong anticipation among fans eager to see Vetrimaaran return to the gritty world of Vada Chennai.

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