When Tamil cinema fans think of Ashwath Marimuthu, they often remember Oh My Kadavule (2020), a new romantic comedy that wins people's hearts with its blend of humour and emotion. Since then, Marimuthu has started to build his reputation as a director who balances light‑hearted moments with genuine feeling. After the success of Dragon (released February 21, 2025), he’s already gearing up for his next big project: a fantasy‑romance movie known as STR 51, or God of Love. Here’s what we know so far about this anticipated film.
1. Collaboration with Silambarasan TR (Simbu)
For STR 51, Ashwath Marimuthu is starting with actor Silambarasan TR, popularly called Simbu or STR. This is their first collaboration. Simbu is set to play a character referred to as the “God of Love”, a modern redesign of his own 2004 hit Manmadhan, but with a fresh twist for today’s audience. This time, Simbu’s character will show the deeper, more complicated sides of love. These are themes that Marimuthu has looked at before, but now he’ll do it in a bigger and more magical way.
2. Story and Tone
Although detailed plot points are under secrecy, Marimuthu has hinted that STR 51 will show the heartfelt emotions of Oh My Kadavule and Dragon with the larger‑than‑life appeal typical of a Silambarasan film. Early rumors:
Fantasy Elements: The movie will include magical or otherworldly elements, suitable for a "god" figure.
Romantic Undercurrents: True to Marimuthu’s style, relationships and emotional journeys will drive the story.
Mass Appeal: Expect energetic sequences, catchy music, and dynamic visuals that cater to both family audiences and youth.
3. Production Timeline
In the March 2025 interview, Marimuthu shared that the story and treatment for STR 51 have been finalized. He plans to start preparatory work by the end of March or April. The shooting schedule is set to kick off in late August or September 2025, aiming for a summer 2026 release.
“We’re ironing out the final details of the script and designing the look of the film,” Marimuthu said. “Once the prep is done, we hope to be released by August.”
Thanks to this timeline, audiences can expect impressive set-pieces and high-quality visual effects.
4. Behind the Scenes: Crew and Music
While the cast beyond Simbu remains unannounced, some production partners are already on board:
Production House: AGS Entertainment. They produce Dragon, is again producing Marimuthu’s next venture.
Creative Producer: Archana Kalpathi, credited on Dragon, is likely to return for this movie.
Music: Though unconfirmed, Marimuthu has previously collaborated with composer Leon James (for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon). His style is a perfect fit for the film's soundtrack.
We know how important music is in Tamil fantasy films, you can look forward to a high-energy album that masterfully weaves together romantic melodies and grand, heroic themes.
5. What Fans Can Expect
Strong Emotional Core: Thanks to Marimuthu's touching storytelling, the character relationships in this fantasy will feel true to life.
Visual: In this movie, with its god-of-love story, there should be stunning sets, imaginative costumes, and maybe CGI to make the myths real.
Simbu’s Performance: With his charm and dancing, Simbu as a god-like character is sure to have great screen presence and appeal to everyone.
Humour and Heart: Marimuthu's great at mixing humor with life lessons, so you can expect a really balanced and entertaining film.
6. What to Expect from STR 51
Director Ashwath Marimuthu only has STR 51 officially announced right now; he's known for making about three films every five years, so don't be surprised if he starts more stories soon after this one. For now, STR 51 is shaping up to be a big deal for a few reasons:
Marimuthu's new challenge: It's a chance for him to dive into the fantasy genre.
Simbu's comeback as a lover boy: Simbu gets to play a "man of love" type character again, but with a fresh twist.
A summer spectacle: Look for it to hit theaters in Summer 2026. This movie aims to give audiences both emotion and grand visuals.