It was announced in June 2018 that director Venkat Prabhu had decided to launch Simbu in his upcoming political thriller Maanaadu, produced by Suresh Kamatchi under the V House Productions banner. The producer later announced that Simbu, who refused to show up for the shoot, had been dropped out of the movie, as he could not afford any delay in the release.

Suresh Kamatchi, in a recent interview to a magazine, opened up on how Simbu was launched in the movie and why he was eventually dropped off. When asked about 'MaghaMaanaadu,' that was announced soon after the drop of Maanaadu, the producer mentioned that Simbu's dad T. Rajendar had, in fact, planned to produce a movie with a budget of 125 crores, under his Chimbu Cine Arts banner.

He further added that he was even willing to offer them the 'Maanaadu' title if only Simbu would get back to his form and resume work in the industry.