Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Shruti Haasan Replaces Samantha In Indo-UK Film
Samantha is taking a break from acting because she is pregnant.
Because of this, she will no longer act in the film Chennai Story.
Shruti Haasan will play the role instead.
The movie is being made by an Indo-UK team.
Philip John is directing it, and Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John wrote the screenplay.
The story is based on a book by Timeri N. Murari.
It follows Nikhil, who travels from Wales to Chennai to find his father.
He asks Anu, a clever private detective played by Shruti, to help him.
Shruti Haasan has replaced Samantha in the Indo-UK film Chennai Story.
Samantha is taking a break from movies during her pregnancy.
Chennai Story is directed by BAFTA winner Philip John and written by Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John.
The film is based on Timeri N. Murari’s novel The Arrangements of Love.
The story follows Nikhil, a Welshman of South Asian origin, and Anu, a Chennai private detective.
- Who
- Shruti Haasan, Samantha, director Philip John, writer Nimmi Harasgama, and the film’s characters Nikhil and Anu.
- What
- Shruti Haasan has replaced Samantha in the Indo-UK film Chennai Story.
- When
- The replacement was reported after Samantha announced a break from movies during her pregnancy; no specific date is given.
- Where
- The film’s story is set across the United Kingdom and India, including Chennai.
- Why
- Samantha stepped back from the project while taking a break from movies during her pregnancy.
Samantha’s Break
Chennai Story’s Recasting
Reason for the change
Samantha’s Break
Samantha is taking a break from movies during her pregnancy and has stepped back from Chennai Story.
Chennai Story’s Recasting
The production has cast Shruti Haasan in Samantha’s place so the film can proceed.
Future plans
Samantha’s Break
Samantha has said she plans to return with Maa Inti Bangaram 2 after delivering the baby.
Chennai Story’s Recasting
Shruti Haasan will portray Anu, the private detective who helps Nikhil search for his father.
- Film
- Chennai Story
- New lead actress
- Shruti Haasan
- Original lead actress
- Samantha
- Director
- Philip John
- Screenwriters
- Nimmi Harasgama and Philip John
- Source material
- The Arrangements of Love by Timeri N. Murari
- Setting
- The United Kingdom and India