Thalaivar 173: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan to staff up for director Sundar C

Veteran actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are all set to collaborate on a brand new venture directed by widespread Tamil filmmaker Sundar C. The movie, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, is produced beneath the Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) banner and will probably be launched by Red Giant Movies throughout Pongal 2027.

The information was introduced as we speak (November 5) by RKFI in a press launch. “This landmark collaboration not solely unites two towering forces of Indian cinema but in addition celebrates 5 a long time of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – a bond that continues to encourage generations of artists and audiences alike,” learn the press launch.

It added, “Commemorating 44 years of Raajkamal Films International, #Thalaivar173 unites Superstar Rajinikanth’s magnetic display presence with Sundar C’s route, in a landmark manufacturing envisioned by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran.”

The upcoming movie marks a reunion between Rajinikanth and Haasan after 46 years. Notably, Sundar beforehand helmed Rajinikanth within the hit movie Arunachalam and Haasan within the critically-acclaimed Anbe Sivam.

The information concerning the reunion first got here out after the discharge of Coolie, Rajini’s current movie with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Kamal Haasan confirmed the information early in September whereas talking on the NEXA SIIMA Awards 2025. “We have been united way back, however selected to stay aside as a result of they saved splitting a biscuit and giving us solely half every. We needed a full biscuit every, and we acquired it and relished it properly. Now we’re content material with simply half a biscuit once more, so we’ve got come collectively,” he stated.

Later, Rajinikanth advised reporters on September 17 that the venture was within the strategy planning stage. “The movie will get rolling if we lock a very good script. We are planning in the direction of it, however hope we discover a good story,” he had stated then.

Speculations have been rife that Lokesh, who additionally helmed Kamal Haasan in 2022’s Vikram, will direct the movie. Later, social media was abuzz with speculations that actor-director Pradeep Ranganathan is likely to be helming the movie. Now, plainly Winner-director Sundar C has received the jackpot.

Sundar, who made his debut in 1995 with Murai Maman, is thought for helming many acclaimed movies corresponding to Ullathai Allitha, Arunachalam, Anbe Sivam, Kalakalappu and Aranmanai. Earlier this yr, his long-delayed Madha Gaja Raja, starring Vishal and Santhanam, made field workplace data regardless of releasing after 13 years. Sundar, whose final directorial was Gangers, co-starring Vadivelu, is at present helming Mookuthi Amman 2, starring Nayanthara.