Bollywood and South Indian cinema icon Rajinikanth is reportedly reuniting with director Sundar C after 28 years for a new untitled film, as per reports on October 15, 2025. The project, produced by Vels Films International in collaboration with Sundar C-Khushbu Sundar’s Avni Cinemax, Nayanthara-Vignesh Shivan’s Rowdy Pictures, and Ivy Entertainment, is slated to begin shooting immediately after the completion of Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer 2, which is targeting a June 12, 2026, release. The duo’s last collaboration was the 1997 blockbuster Arunachalam, directed by Sundar C and written by Crazy Mohan, which grossed over ₹30 crore and remains a cult favorite. This new venture, described as a quickie project, aims to deliver Rajinikanth’s signature mass entertainment, generating buzz in India’s ₹101 billion film industry.
A Long-Awaited Collaboration: From Arunachalam to Arunachalam 2.0?
Arunachalam (1997) was a pivotal film for both, with Rajinikanth in dual roles as a village heir reclaiming his legacy, blending comedy, drama, and social commentary. It was a commercial hit, grossing ₹30.2 crore against a ₹10 crore budget, and cemented Sundar C’s status as a commercial director. Reports indicate the new film will follow a similar vein—entertaining yet impactful—potentially titled Arunachalam 2, though unconfirmed. “Rajinikanth is expected to complete a film before joining the sets of the much-awaited project with Kamal Haasan, as the script for that is yet to be finalised,” a source told Cinema Express. Sundar C, currently helming Mookuthi Amman 2 with Nayanthara, brings his expertise in crowd-pleasing narratives, one of which was Arunachalam’s satirical take on rural-urban divides.
Production and Timeline: Post-Jailer 2 Quickie
Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and set for June 12, 2026, features Rajinikanth as Muthuvel Pandian, a returning cast member like Ramya Krishnan, and new additions including Vidya Balan and Anna Rajan. Once wrapped, Rajinikanth will pivot to the Sundar C project, aiming for a Diwali 2026 release to capitalize on festive slots. The film, backed by Vels Films’ Ishari K. Ganesh, promises high production values with Anirudh Ravichander potentially scoring, given his ties to the team. “The script is ready, and Rajinikanth loved the narration—it’s a mass entertainer with heart,” an insider revealed . Shooting will likely start in early 2026, post-Jailer 2’s post-production, ensuring Rajinikanth’s packed slate aligns with his health-conscious schedule.
A Superstar’s Selective Comeback
For Rajinikanth, 74, the reunion is a nostalgic nod to his 1997 peak, post his Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2024. Sundar C, 57, credits Rajinikanth for his breakthrough: “Arunachalam was my launchpad—now, it’s full circle.” Fans on X erupted, trending #RajiniSundarC with 1 million posts: “28 years later—massy magic returns!” In India’s 780-language diverse landscape, the film could bridge Tamil and Bollywood audiences, with Rajinikanth’s pan-Indian pull from Jailer (₹600 crore). Amid his Kamal Haasan multistarrer and Coolie with Lokesh Kanagaraj, this project underscores his selective choices, prioritizing quality over quantity.
A Legacy Reloaded
Rajinikanth and Sundar C’s reunion isn’t nostalgia—it’s a blockbuster blueprint. After Jailer 2, it asks: Can 28 years later, masti meet mass? With the duo’s chemistry, the 2026 release answers yes, promising a vision that blooms eternal.
-By Manoj H