Rajinikanth Calls ‘Thalaivar 173’ a “Proper Commercial Entertainer”; Shoot to Begin in April

Panaji: Superstar Rajinikanth during the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in Panaji, Goa, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_29_2025_000016B)

Superstar Rajinikanth has shared a fresh update on his upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘Thalaivar 173’, confirming it will be a “proper commercial entertainer.” Greeting fans outside his residence during Pongal, the actor also revealed that filming is expected to begin in April 2026.

Backed by Kamal Haasan’s RKFI

The film is being produced under Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), marking a high-profile collaboration between two of Tamil cinema’s biggest icons—currently confirmed at the production level.

Director Change: Sundar C Out, Cibi Chakaravarthi In

The project saw a key shift after Sundar C exited. The makers subsequently roped in Cibi Chakaravarthi to helm the film, bringing the project back on track with an April start plan.

Release Window

As per current reporting, the makers are eyeing a Pongal 2027 theatrical window, subject to schedule finalisation.

What’s Next

With the genre positioned firmly in the “mass commercial” zone, expectations now move to the next official updates—supporting cast, music/technical crew confirmations, and the first formal title announcement.

By – Sonali