Tamil filmmaker Bala released a statement on Sunday evening, December 5, confirming that actor Suriya is no longer starring in the upcoming film, Vanangaan. Stating that the actor has parted ways from the project over a mutual agreement, the acclaimed filmmaker informed that he had doubts regarding the story being suitable for the actor despite making a few minor changes. In his statement, Bala said, "I wanted to make a film called Vanangaan with my dear brother Suriya. However, due to a few changes in the story, I have doubts now whether it will be suitable for Suriya. He has the utmost faith and belief in me and in this story. But, it is my duty as a brother to not bring any embarrassment to him, who has a lot of love, respect, and trust in me. We have discussed and arrived at the unanimous decision that Suriya will be withdrawing from the film. Although the decision has left him saddened, it has been taken in his best interest. The Suriya I saw in Nandha, the Suriya you all saw in Pithamagan, we will surely reunite once again. On the other hand, the work on Vanangaan will continue."

Sharing director Bala's statement, Suriya's production banner 2D Entertainment banner, which was originally bankrolling Vanangaan, also informed on their Twitter page that they too have withdrawn from the project. Their tweet read, "Respecting Bala Anna's feelings and decisions @Suriya_offl we distance ourselves from her #2DEntertainment and the company #வணங்கான். We will always stand by Bala Anna. 🙏🏼 #Vanangaan". Vanangaan had flagged off with a formal pooja earlier this year and was to be the third film for Suriya and Bala after they previously collaborated in films like Nandha (2001) and Pithamagan (2003). Below is the official statement:

As for Suriya's upcoming projects, the National Award-winning actor is currently filming the tentatively titled Suriya 42 with Bollywood sensation Disha Patani under Siva's direction, which is being produced by K. E. Gnanavelraja's Studio Green in association with Vamsi-Pramod's UV Creations banner and will feature music by Devi Sri Prasad. The actor also has in the pipeline the highly-anticipated Vaadivaasal under Vetri Maaran's direction which is being produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu's V Creations banner. Suriya is also making a cameo appearance in the Soorarai Pottru Hindi remake, which has Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead role and is being directed by Sudha Kongara.