RJ Balaji reveals why he is not directing Nayanthara-starrer 'Mookuthi Amman 2' after the successful prequel: "They had an idea of what to do but...'

The much-awaited sequel to Nayanthara’s 2020 film 'Mookuthi Amman' is officially in the works, and the actress stole the spotlight in a divine red saree during the recent puja ceremony of 'Mookuthi Amman 2' in Chennai, alongside director Sundar C and his wife, actress Khushbu Sundar. Many in the audience were curious to know why actor-turned-director RJ Balaji did not helm the project, as he did the first part. Balaji recently addressed the concerns.
In an interview with Galatta, Balaji clarified that his vision did not align with the direction the makers had planned for 'Mookuthi Amman 2'. He admitted that while the team had a concrete idea for the sequel, he did not have a structured plan, leading to the decision to bring in a new director. “I am not interested in doing Mookuthi Amman 2 now. My plans, my journey, and the things that are written for me didn’t fit into this. So, they had an idea of what to do, but I didn’t have any. That’s why there is another director,” he explained.

RJ Balaji also revealed that it was he who had suggested Sundar C for the project. Since the 'Madha Gaja Raja' filmmaker was instrumental in shaping his understanding of films, he believed that Sundar C would be the right choice to take the franchise forward.
While addressing the media at the recent pooja ceremony of the sequel, producer Ishari Ganesh stated that 'Mookuthi Amman 2' was being developed as a 'pan-world film.' He further revealed that the project was being made on a staggering budget of Rs 100 crores.
Meanwhile Nayanthara's previous outing was the Bollywood action flick 'Jawan' starring SRK in the lead.