The Tamil Nadu Producer’s Council has reportedly issued a notice to actor Silambarasan, popularly known as Simbu, for failing to turn up for shoots on time and causing damages to the producer, The News Minute reported. The notice was reportedly served after a complaint by the producer of Silambarasan’s June 2017 release Anbanavan Adangadhavan Asaradhavan.

According to a Times of India report, the notice was issued based on similar complaints by four producers, including Anbanavan Adangadhavan Asaradhavan’s Michael Rayappan.

There is speculation that the notice prevents Silambarasan from appearing in films until the matter is resolved. The actor has been signed on for Mani Ratnam’s next movie, which will go into production in January.

The News Minute quoted a source close to Silambarasan as saying: “They should have called both parties and spoken. But they didn’t do that. Silambarasan was supposed to be paid Rs 3.5 crore, which he didn’t receive. This is why he didn’t go for the shoot.”

The producer’s council is headed by actor Vishal. According to The News Minute report, the source close to Silambarasan alleged that the actor was being penalised because the two were on opposing sides during the 2015 elections for Nadigar Sangam, a union in Chennai for film, television, and stage actors in Tamil Nadu. Vishal’s team eventually won the elections.

Silambarasan’s source also cited an interview given by director Ameer to Indiaglitz, in which he accuses Vishal of trying to damage the actor’s reputation.

However, the Times of India report quoted Vishal as saying, “We’ve only sent a letter to the Nadigar Sangam based on the complaint of Rayappan. He’s said that he has incurred heavy losses and has requested for a meeting. Since this is an actor’s issue, Prakash Raj and I are staying out of it. The Sangam will now talk to Simbu, to know his stand and resolve the problem.”