Director Gautham Vasudev Menon has opened up about how acting in Leo, headlined by Vijay, became a turning point in stabilising his finances after years of setbacks linked to Dhruva Natchathiram. The long-delayed Vikram-starrer had been stalled by persistent monetary and legal challenges, pushing Menon to seek alternative avenues to manage his obligations.
Speaking in a recent media interaction, Menon said that the lack of backing for Dhruva Natchathiram’s release led him to take up acting assignments. He credited Leo as playing a decisive role in easing his financial strain. He also shared a positive update on his troubled project, noting that the film’s censor process has now been completed under his name, with only a minor issue left to resolve.
Dhruva Natchathiram: Chapter One – Yuddha Kaandam is positioned as a spy action thriller, featuring Chiyaan Vikram as the leader of a covert anti-terror unit known as The Basement. The film’s journey has been unusually prolonged: first announced in 2013 with Suriya, it was shelved before being revived in 2015 with Vikram. Despite multiple release plans, financial hurdles repeatedly forced delays.
Menon’s decision to diversify into acting, he indicated, was crucial in navigating these difficulties and pushing the film closer to completion. With most obstacles reportedly cleared, the filmmaker is now aiming for a theatrical release, though an official date is still awaited. The completion of the censor formalities marks a significant milestone for the project.
The film features a wide ensemble cast, including Ritu Varma, Aishwarya Rajesh, Simran, R Parthiban, Radhika Sarathkumar, and Vinayakan. Menon has also hinted at expanding the story into a broader franchise, signalling his long-term vision for the Dhruva Natchathiram universe.
