Thalaivar 173: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's Landmark Reunion Directed by Sundar C

The makers of Thalaivar 173 took fans by surprise on Wednesday with an official announcement on social media, confirming that Superstar Rajinikanth will headline the magnum opus directed by Sundar C and produced by Kamal Haasan under his banner Raaj Kamal Films International, alongside R. Mahendran.

The statement read:

“Superstar is set to headline in the magnum opus #Thalaivar173, under Kamal Haasan’s RaajKamal Films International banner and directed by Sundar C. This landmark collaboration not only unites towering forces of Indian cinema but also celebrates five decades of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – a bond that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.”

Commemorating 44 years of RaajKamal Films International, the project is described as a feel-good comedy that aims to bring back the vintage Rajinikanth — the entertainer loved for his humour, charm, and effortless screen presence.

காற்றாய் மழையாய் நதியாய்
பொழிவோம் மகிழ்வோம் வாழ்வோம்!

ராஜ்கமல் பிலிம்ஸ் இண்டர்நேசனல் தயாரிப்பில் சுந்தர்.சி இயக்கத்தில் இனிய நண்பர் சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் ரஜினிகாந்த் நடிக்கும் #Thalaivar173 #Pongal2027 @rajinikanth#SundarC#Mahendran@RKFI @turmericmediaTM pic.twitter.com/wBT5OAG4Au

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 5, 2025

The collaboration marks Rajinikanth’s reunion with director Sundar C after nearly three decades, following their 1997 blockbuster Arunachalam. 

While the key cast and crew are yet to be revealed, fans have already begun requesting Hiphop Tamizha Adhi to compose music, hoping for a fun, massy soundtrack that matches Sundar C’s trademark style.

Thalaivar 173 is set for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027, distributed by Red Giant Movies. With Rajinikanth recently wrapping the Goa schedule of Jailer 2 and Sundar C busy with Mookuthi Amman 2, production for Thalaivar 173 is expected to begin next year.