The much-anticipated cinematic union of Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan is back in motion. The project, titled Thalaivar 173, has found its new captain after the unexpected departure of its original director. The film's producers have officially announced that director Cibi Chakravarthy will now helm this colossal venture.
A Directorial Change for the Mega Project
On January 3, 2026, the production house Raaj Kamal Films International took to social media platform X to make the pivotal announcement. The post confirmed Cibi Chakravarthy's appointment, effectively putting the film back on its production schedule. This development comes as a major relief for fans after the project faced uncertainty following director Sundar C's exit in November of the previous year.
The official announcement was accompanied by the intriguing tagline, "Every HERO has a FAMILY," offering a strong hint about the film's emotional and thematic core. The film stars Rajinikanth in the lead role and is being produced by Kamal Haasan under his banner, Raaj Kamal Films International.
From Don to Thalaivar: The New Director's Pedigree
Cibi Chakravarthy is not a newcomer to crafting successful commercial cinema. He rose to prominence with the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Don, which was a major box office hit. His proven ability to deliver crowd-pleasing entertainers makes him a fitting choice for a large-scale project like Thalaivar 173, which carries immense expectations.
His predecessor, Sundar C, had stepped down from the director's chair citing "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" and creative differences with the makers. In an emotional statement, Sundar C expressed his regret, noting his long-standing association with both icons. He had previously directed Rajinikanth in the 1997 blockbuster Arunachalam, making his exit from this historic collaboration particularly poignant.
Road to Pongal 2027
With the director's seat now firmly occupied, the pre-production work for Thalaivar 173 has resumed in full swing. The production team is targeting a grand Pongal 2027 release. This sets the stage for what is undoubtedly one of the most awaited film events in Tamil cinema, marking the first full-fledged collaboration between two of the industry's biggest legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
The film's music will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adding another layer of star power to the project. The industry and fans alike will be watching closely as Cibi Chakravarthy takes on the monumental task of bringing this dream project to life.
