After months of speculation, Thalaivar 173 has found its new director. Following Sundar C’s unexpected exit, filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi has officially been brought on board to helm the much-anticipated project starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan.
The announcement was confirmed on Saturday by Raaj Kamal Films International, who shared a celebratory post hinting at a strong emotional core for the film. With the tagline “Every hero has a family” and the hashtag #SuperStarPongal2027, the makers revealed that the film is now slated for a Pongal 2027 theatrical release.
A Dream Come True for Cibi Chakaravarthi
For Cibi, this project is deeply personal. Taking to social media, the director shared an emotional note recalling his journey from being a small-town Rajinikanth fan to finally getting the chance to direct the Superstar. He credited both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for believing in him and promised to pour his “heart and soul” into the film.
Cibi made his directorial debut with the 2022 coming-of-age hit Don, starring Sivakarthikeyan, which earned him both commercial success and critical attention. He has often spoken about his admiration for Rajinikanth and had previously met the actor after Don’s release to discuss scripts and cinema at length.
What Happened to Sundar C?
Sundar C was initially announced as the director in November last year, but exited the project within days, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.” While rumours suggested creative differences, his wife Khushbu Sundar publicly dismissed such claims. Kamal Haasan later clarified that as a producer, he prioritises scripts that align with the lead actor’s vision.
What’s Next for the Legends
While Thalaivar 173 gears up for production, Rajinikanth is preparing for Jailer 2 with Nelson Dilipkumar. Kamal Haasan, meanwhile, was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life and is currently working on a new, yet-to-be-announced project.With Cibi Chakaravarthi now at the helm, expectations are high that Thalaivar 173 will blend emotion, scale, and star power—making it one of the most awaited Tamil releases of 2027.
