Sreeleela is steadily expanding her presence in Tamil cinema, adding yet another prominent project to her growing lineup. After making her Tamil debut with Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi earlier this year, the actor has signed multiple films across the industry. Her latest addition is Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Dharman, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, which is backing the project.
The film marks Sreeleela’s first collaboration with Rajinikanth, bringing together two actors from different generations. Announcing her inclusion in the cast, the production house shared a video welcoming the actor, accompanied by the caption, “She’s got the spark. She’s got the pataka. Welcoming the gorgeous Sreeleela to Dharman.”
Sreeleela joins an ensemble that already features several familiar faces from Tamil cinema. Simran, Nayanthara, Yogi Babu and Raashii Khanna are among the other actors associated with the project. With her addition, the film continues to expand its cast as it approaches the final stages of principal photography.
Sreeleela Adds Another Big-Ticket Tamil Film to Her Lineup
The actor’s growing association with Tamil cinema has been particularly notable over the past few months. Following her debut in Parasakthi, she joined the casts of two other highly anticipated projects. She will be seen alongside Dhanush and Mammootty in Om, while she has also signed Ajith Kumar’s Daredevil, which reunites the actor with filmmaker Adhik Ravichandran following Good Bad Ugly (2025).
Her inclusion in Dharman further strengthens this expanding slate, placing her alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars. While details about her character remain under wraps, the project offers her another opportunity to explore a different space within Tamil cinema. Her role in the Rajinikanth-starrer is particularly noteworthy, given that it marks her first association with the Superstar.
Dharman also brings Rajinikanth and Ashwath Marimuthu together for the first time. The filmmaker, who made his directorial debut with Oh My Kadavule (2020), subsequently delivered the commercially successful Dragon (2025), starring Pradeep Ranganathan. His collaboration with Rajinikanth marks a significant addition to his filmography, bringing his contemporary storytelling sensibilities together with the screen presence of one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
Rajinikanth Plays a Doctor With a Darker Side in Dharman
One of the major talking points surrounding Dharman has been Rajinikanth’s character. The Superstar reportedly plays a doctor in the film, with the makers describing him as a “Ketta Paiyan”. The phrase is a reference to Rajinikanth’s memorable characterisation in J Mahendran’s 1978 film Mullum Malarum. Some of the posters released by the makers have also featured the actor with blood smeared across his hands, suggesting that the character could have a darker, morally ambiguous side.
The film wrapped its third production schedule in late September. With Nayanthara and Sreeleela among the recent additions to the cast, the production appears to be entering the final stretch of principal photography.
Kamal Haasan is producing Dharman under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner, alongside R Mahendran of Turmeric Media. On the technical front, the film features music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who continues his association with Rajinikanth. The duo have previously collaborated on Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), Jailer (2023), Vettaiyan (2024), Coolie (2025) and Jailer 2 (2026).
The technical crew also includes cinematographer Niketh Bommi, stunt choreographers Anbariv, editor Pradeep E Ragav and production designer Karthik Rajkumar.
Although the makers have yet to announce an official release date, reports suggest that Dharman is targeting an April 2027 theatrical release. With its ensemble cast, a fresh directorial pairing and Rajinikanth in a potentially unconventional role, the film is among the upcoming Tamil projects generating considerable interest.
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela’s Untitled Romantic Film Locks 2027 Release Date
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
