Thalaivar 173 pre-production updates: Over 80 looks designed for Rajinikanth as film gears up for shoot
Director Cibi Chakravarthi intensifies pre-production for Thalaivar 173, crafting multiple character looks for Rajinikanth as the ambitious project prepares to enter production soon.
Work on Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, is progressing rapidly as the project moves deeper into its pre-production phase. The makers have begun extensive creative preparations, signalling that the highly anticipated film is steadily gearing up for production.
Director Cibi Chakravarthi, who came on board the project earlier this year, is currently focusing on shaping the visual identity of Rajinikanth’s character. As part of this process, the team has reportedly developed more than 80 distinct looks for the actor, reflecting the scale and ambition planned for the film.
Sources suggest that these variations explore different styles and character dimensions, allowing the filmmakers to experiment with multiple appearances before finalizing the protagonist’s on-screen presentation. Out of the numerous designs created so far, a select few looks have already been shortlisted and are expected to be presented to Rajinikanth for approval in the coming stages.
The extensive makeover exercise highlights the importance being placed on character detailing, with the team aiming to present the superstar in a fresh and distinctive avatar. Such elaborate preparation indicates that the makers are prioritizing visual storytelling alongside performance-driven elements.
Thalaivar 173 marks a significant collaboration, as the film is being produced under Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International banner along with Mahendran. The project has generated strong industry buzz ever since its announcement, especially following changes in direction that eventually saw Cibi Chakravarthi take creative charge of the film.
With scripting completed and pre-production now in full swing, the film is expected to move towards its shooting phase soon. The makers are reportedly targeting a grand festive release window (Pongal 2027), positioning the film as one of the most awaited Tamil cinema projects in the coming years.
As anticipation continues to grow, the ongoing design work suggests that Thalaivar 173 aims to deliver a visually striking and character-driven experience, promising fans a new cinematic presentation of Rajinikanth on the big screen.
