Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, appears to be moving steadily towards production. On Thursday, the makers shared a behind the scenes still featuring members of the core team and hinted that filming will begin soon.
Makers hint at shoot commencement
The project is backed by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran. The newly released image shows director Cibi Chakravarthi handing over what looks like a bound script to producer Mahendran, suggesting that the film has completed its scripting and pre-production stages.
Along with the image, the makers posted the caption “Arambikalama,” a phrase that will be familiar to fans of Kamal Haasan’s Vikram. The line became a popular catchphrase after the 2022 action blockbuster. By using the phrase, the team appears to be signalling that the film is ready to move into the next phase of production.
Cibi Chakravarthi, who made his directorial debut with Sivakarthikeyan’s Don, has been entrusted with helming the superstar’s 173rd film. The announcement of his involvement earlier this year generated considerable buzz, especially given that this marks a major leap for the young filmmaker.
From Sundar C to Cibi Chakravarthi
Interestingly, the film was initially planned with director Sundar C at the helm. However, the filmmaker later stepped away from the project, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”
Industry reports at the time suggested that Rajinikanth was not entirely satisfied with the screenplay that had been developed for the film. Following this development, Kamal Haasan reportedly suggested that the script should be reworked in a way that better aligns with the superstar’s mass appeal and screen persona.
Eventually, Raaj Kamal Films International confirmed that Cibi Chakravarthi would direct the project. The production banner also hinted at the film’s release window by using the hashtag Pongal 2027 during the announcement. The same hashtag accompanied the latest update as well, indicating that the team is aiming for a festive Pongal release.
On the technical side, the film brings back one of Rajinikanth’s frequent collaborators. Composer Anirudh Ravichander will handle the music for the project. The musician has previously worked with the superstar on several films including Petta, Darbar, Jailer, Vettaiyan and Coolie. Their partnership has often produced chart topping soundtracks and memorable background scores.
Anirudh is also composing for the upcoming sequel to Jailer, which is being directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. With multiple Rajinikanth projects lined up, the composer continues to play a key role in shaping the sonic identity of the superstar’s recent films.
While the makers have not revealed plot details yet, they recently unveiled the film’s tagline, “Every family has a hero.” The line hints that the film could revolve around themes of family and relationships while still delivering the larger than life moments expected from a Rajinikanth entertainer.
More announcements regarding the cast, supporting crew, and storyline are expected in the coming months. For now, the latest update signals that the project has cleared its early hurdles and is gearing up to roll cameras soon.
With Kamal Haasan producing, Cibi Chakravarthi directing and Anirudh composing the music, Thalaivar 173 has already generated considerable curiosity. As production prepares to begin, fans will be watching closely to see what shape Rajinikanth’s next big screen outing takes.
Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Golden Gesture to Please his Fan Wins Our Heart
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
