Actor-Producer Udhayanidhi Stalin is keeping his fingers crossed as his first action-based film as a hero is getting ready to release on Pongal 2016.Sources reveal that Udhay has already started booking theatres to release Gethu` for the grand festival of Tamils.

This is the first Udhayanidhi starrer that does not include Santhanam in its cast.

Speaking to Indiaglitz, the Nanbenda` actor clarified why Santhanam was not cast in Gethu`, which is his fourth film as the lead hero.

"The film has very less scope for humour. It`s a crime thriller. Dumping excessive humor in this film would be a mistake. There is no solid and bulk role that would warrant an actor like Santhanam. But there is a constable character that comes as the hero`s friend. Karunakaran has acted in that character that comes throughout the film. He has given his brand of comedy and punch lines in the film within the scope of the script and his role. "

Directed by Thirukumaran of Maan Karate` fame, Gethu stars Udhayanidhi Stalin and Amy Jackson in lead roles while Sathyaraj plays a pivotal role of Udhay`s father. Vikranth plays the lead villain role for the first time. Harris Jayaraj has scored music and the songs have been released on the Christmas festival day.