Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan’s Film Gets New Director After Sundar C’s Exit; Cibi Chakaravarthi To Helm Project

After Sundar C and Rajinikanth parted ways last year, it was officially announced on Saturday that Cibi Chakravarthi will direct Thalaivar 173. Following Sundar C’s exit from the Rajinikanth-starrer produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, Cibi Chakravarthi has been brought on board to helm the project. Tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, the film is scheduled to release during Pongal 2027.

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan’s Thailaivar 173 Gets New Director

Raaj Kamal Films International confirmed the news on Saturday, stating that Cibi would be directing the film starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan. They shared a heartfelt message: “Every HERO has a FAMILY. #Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027.” This announcement follows speculation that included names like Nelson Dilipkumar and Lokesh Kanagraj as potential directors for the highly anticipated project.

Celebrations begin#Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027 @rajinikanth @Dir_Cibi @anirudhofficial #Mahendran @APIfilms @homescreenent@RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram pic.twitter.com/abzvPfuEf9

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 3, 2026

Cibi Chakravarthi also shared his excitement, posting, “Once, a small-town boy’s big dream was to meet his favourite star, ‘SUPER STAR,’ and take a picture with him. That passion for cinema drove him — and one day, that dream came true. Now, I’ve had the biggest dream of directing my Superstar. I came so close, but missed it. Yet, I continued believing it would happen someday — and today is that day. #Thalaivar173 Day.”

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

He further added, “I remember Thalaivar saying, ‘Dreams do come true. Miracles do happen.’ Sometimes, life exceeds even our wildest dreams, especially with legends like Ulaganayagan, Padma Shri @ikamalhaasan sir, and #Mahendran sir as our producer. I am forever grateful to @rajinikanth sir, @ikamalhaasan sir, and #Mahendran sir — and I promise to dedicate my heart and soul to honor their trust.”

About Cibi Chakravarthi

For those unfamiliar, Cibi made his Tamil film industry debut with the 2022 coming-of-age comedy Don, starring Sivakarthikeyan.

Sundar C’s Exit From Rajinikanth-Kamal Film

In November last year, the production house announced that actor-director Sundar C had been brought on to direct Thalaivar 173. However, just a few days later, on November 13, Sundar C announced his departure from the project. It was due to “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”

Speculation arose that his script was rejected. But Sundar’s wife, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, dismissed these rumours as “hearsay” and posted pictures with Kamal Haasan. She praised him as an “encyclopedia of cinema,” effectively quelling any rumours of a rift. Regarding the project, Kamal Haasan stated, “As an investor, I want a script that my star likes for the film. That is the healthy way to go about it.”

Rajnikanth, Kamal’s Upcoming Projects

Both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have been teasing collaborations even before the release of Rajinikanth’s upcoming Jailer 2. It has been directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life and is currently working on an as-yet-untitled project. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is set to star in Jailer 2, which will be released in the near future.

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Also Read: Dhanush Wishes ‘Thalaiva’ Rajinikanth On His 75th Birthday; Shares Sweet Post For Former Father-In-Law

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.