Thalaivar 173 director announced: Cibi Chakaravarthy to helm Rajinikanth’s Pongal 2027 release

The awaited announcement regarding the Thalaivar 173 director has finally been made official, bringing clarity and excitement among fans and the film fraternity alike. After prolonged speculation and reports about Sundar C’s exit from the project, the makers have confirmed that Cibi Chakaravarthy, known for directing the blockbuster Don, will be helming Superstar Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173 and the music will be composed by Anirudh. The announcement poster comes with the tag line “Every family has a Hero”.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Cibi Chakaravarthy’s name has been linked with a Rajinikanth project. A few years ago, industry buzz suggested that he would direct Thalaivar 170, a project that eventually materialized as Vettaiyan under the direction of TJ Gnanavel. Now, fate brings Cibi back into the spotlight, officially finalizing his first collaboration with the Superstar, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Adding further weight to the project is its prestigious backing. Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International will be producing Thalaivar 173, making this collaboration particularly special. While Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan may not be sharing screen space in this film, the association of these two legends through a single project has already generated immense excitement among fans.

Thalaivar 173 is scheduled for a grand Pongal 2027 release, and production is expected to commence once Rajinikanth completes his ongoing commitment, Jailer 2. Details regarding the remaining cast and crew are yet to be announced.

Cibi Chakaravarthy was initially set to begin his second directorial venture with Sivakarthikeyan for SK24, backed by Passion Studios. However, due to unforeseen delays, the project has been pushed back. With Sivakarthikeyan now moving on to his next film with Venkat Prabhu (SK26), it is expected that Cibi Chakaravarthy will return to the SK collaboration after wrapping up his current commitment with RKFI.

Every HERO has a FAMILY#Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027 @rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan @Dir_Cibi @anirudhofficial #Mahendran @APIfilms @homescreenent@RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram pic.twitter.com/IkVVMgi3q8

— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) January 3, 2026

Every HERO has a FAMILY#Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027 @rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan @Dir_Cibi @anirudhofficial #Mahendran @APIfilms @homescreenent@RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram

Promo music : in-house pic.twitter.com/8s954ZIHUM

— Turmeric Media (@turmericmediaTM) January 3, 2026