Bringing together two legends once again, it’s now official that Superstar Rajinikanth will team up with director Sundar C for his next venture, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173. The announcement marks a reunion after nearly three decades, as the duo last collaborated on the 1997 blockbuster Arunachalam, which remains one of the most memorable milestones in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career.
The film will be produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), marking the first ever collaboration between Rajinikanth and the prestigious banner. The association of the two cinematic stalwarts: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, makes this project one of the most anticipated ventures in Indian cinema.
According to reports, Thalaivar 173 is set to go on floors once Rajinikanth completes his ongoing commitments for Jailer 2 and director Sundar C wraps up his upcoming film: Mookkuthi Amman 2 and his previously confirmed project with actor Vishal. The team is said to be planning a grand-scale entertainer that blends Sundar C’s trademark commercial flair with Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen presence.
The film is being targeted for a Pongal 2027 release, ensuring a festive treat for fans. Distribution will be handled by Inban Udhayanidhi’s Red Giant Movies, which has been associated with several major Tamil blockbusters in recent years.
Further details regarding the cast, crew, and genre of Thalaivar 173 will be revealed closer to the commencement of production. The announcement, coming just a day before Kamal Haasan’s birthday on November 7th, serves as a delightful surprise for both Rajinikanth and Kamal fans alike – a symbolic celebration of Tamil cinema’s most iconic duo coming together once again through this remarkable collaboration.
Happiness unlimited #Thalaivar173 #Pongal2027@rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan #SundarC #Mahendran @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram pic.twitter.com/Hgswm1VP1K
— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) November 5, 2025