'Kettavan' as good as shelved: Tamil actor Simbu

Chennai, June 19 (IANS) Tamil actor Simbu's much-hyped "Kettavan" has been shelved and he says he has now moved away from it.

"My father made a negatively-titled 'Oru Thalai Raagam', which became a musical hit. I too wanted to try something of that sort and started 'Kettavan'... unfortunately the film couldn't be taken beyond a certain point. The project is as good as off. I have now moved away from it," Simbu, son of well-known filmmaker Vijaya TR, told IANS.

Simbu, who debuted in films when he was just a toddler some decades ago, is one of the most sought-after actors. He is well-trained in singing, dancing and martial arts as well.

But his last few films didn't do well - while his "Kaalai" was a disaster, "Silambaattam" did moderate business at the box office.

But Simbu is not perturbed and concentrating on "Poda Podi", which he says is very much on.

"No, it ('Poda Podi') hasn't been called off and would be my next film. Varalakshmi Sarathkumar, whom the media claimed was out of the project, would be my heroine in the film. Tarun would be the music director," said Simbu.

Asked about his next project "Vaaliban", he said: "If the media names my next film as per its imagination and I'm asked to comment on it, I don't know what I can say!"

Is he still angry with the media?

"My mobile is always switched on and scribes should better check with me before writing anything about me," he said.