Vijay Sethupathi has revealed that he is unaware of the specifics of his character in the upcoming film Arasan, starring Silambarasan TR and directed by Vetrimaaran. Arasan is described as a gangster action movie and a spin-off to Dhanush's Vadachennai.

Speaking at a Behindwoods awards event, Vijay Sethupathi stated that he agreed to be part of the film solely because Vetrimaaran asked him. He said that when Vetrimaaran was writing the story, he envisioned Vijay Sethupathi for a particular character. Vijay Sethupathi expressed his joy at being in Vetrimaaran's thoughts and immediately agreed to the project. "Vetri sir said that I come to his mind constantly when he was writing this character and asked 'shall I continue to have u my in mind'. When I heard that, I was very happy to have me in his thoughts,” shared Vijay Sethupathi.

Vijay Sethupathi has lauded Vetrimaaran's talent, knowledge, and cinematic depth, viewing their collaborations as a valuable learning experience. He also expressed his trust in directors like Mysskin, and said he sometimes agrees to projects without even seeing a script. He didn't even ask about the number of shooting days required for Arasan, such is his faith in the director. "I don't even know how many days I'll be shooting — Vetrimaaran sir will take care of everything,” said Vijay Sethupathi.

Arasan will be the first collaboration between Silambarasan TR and Vetrimaaran. The film revolves around a man in court facing legal trials while pleading innocence, but a flashback reveals his responsibility for violent crimes. Though set in the Vada Chennai universe, it is not a direct sequel but a spin-off with potentially overlapping characters. There are speculations that Andrea Jeremiah may reprise her role as Chandra, and that Samuthirakani and Kishore may also appear, alongside Manikandan and Nelson Dilipkumar.

The film is produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu. Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music, marking his first collaboration with both Silambarasan and Vetrimaaran. R. Velraj is the cinematographer. Shooting is underway in Kovilpatti and is expected to continue until December 24, with the next phase to begin on Chennai sets. The film is anticipated to release in theaters by the end of 2026.

This film marks Vijay Sethupathi's second collaboration with Vetrimaaran, following the Viduthalai series, and with Silambarasan, after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.

Vijay Sethupathi recently completed filming PuriSethupathi, directed by Puri Jagannadh, which is touted as an action entertainer featuring Samyuktha and Tabu.