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Rajinikanth’s ‘Thalaivar 173’ Gets New Director Cibi Chakravarti, Pongal 2027 Release Confirmed

Cibi Chakaravarthi takes over directing Rajinikanth's 173rd film after Sundar C's exit; the film reunites Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan after 40 years and releases Pongal 2027.

  • On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the makers announced director Cibi Chakaravarthi has joined Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for Thalaivar 173 under Raaj Kamal Films International.
  • After Sundar C's exit, producers cited creative differences and his statement on "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" days after he was roped in November last year.
  • The production confirmed that Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran produce Thalaivar 173 under Raaj Kamal Films International, with Anirudh Ravichander composing music and Red Giant Movies reported to distribute during Pongal 2027.
  • The announcement reunites two legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who have worked together on 21 films and are collaborating after 40 years, last appearing in 1985's Geraftaar.
  • Fans immediately speculated on a Kalki 2898 AD actor cameo, while Cibi Chakaravarthi, director of Don , had narrated a script to Rajinikanth a few years ago amid Dhanush rumors.
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The Hindu broke the news in India on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
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