In keeping with his trend of starring in films named after the super hit films of his father-in-law and superstar Rajnikanth, Dhanush's next film has been titled 'Maapillai'. The film is produced by Nemichand Jabak and is directed by Suraaj. Bollywood's teenage sensation, Hansika Motwani, is likely to make her debut in Tamil movies opposite Dhanush in the film.

Hunt is on to select a suitable actress to play the role of Dhanush's mother-in-law in the film, played with much aplomb by the late Srividhya in the original version. When actress Khushboo was approached to do the powerful role, she refused it saying that she is content with the 'sister' roles that she's presently doing in films. Actress Nadhiya, for reasons best known to her, is also said to have refused to portray the role.

Simran, despite being offered a heavy sum to do the role, has opted out of it citing that she's pregnant again. Simran had earlier accepted to do the role but had to go for a medical check-up later which confirmed her motherhood for the second time. Obviously, she stepped out of the film. Anu Hassan, who has made a name for herself hosting reality shows on television, is the actress who has stepped in as Simran's replacement.