Commercial hit director Atlee right from his first film 'Raja Rani' has maintained a good rapport with actress Nayanthara and hence worked with her again in Thalapathy Vijay's 'Bigil' as well. Atlee is currently directing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's 'Lion' in which Nayanthara plays the female lead with Priya Mani also in the cast.

The shooting was going on in full swing but came to an abrupt halt due Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan embroiled in a drug case and is in jail for the past three weeks with no clue when he will get bail. SRK is unlikely to resume work until his son is back home which is not certain due to the gravity of the case.

Reports emerged that since Nayanthara has a number of films lined up she has decided to walk out of 'Lion' which has left Atlee utterly shocked. It was even reported that Samantha has replaced her. However, sources close to the director have refuted the rumours and have stated that Nayan is very much a part of the film and understanding the unforeseen circumstances has promised to Atlee to adjust her dates and allot it to him when he resumes work.