Raaj Kamal Films International has officially revealed the director for Thalaivar 173 — Cibi Chakaravarthi will helm the much-awaited film starring Superstar Rajinikanth. The project is being produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran under Kamal’s banner, Raaj Kamal Films International, and has already locked in Anirudh as the music composer.
Details confirmed: director, producer and composer
The announcement makes the core creative team official. Cibi Chakaravarthi takes charge as director, while Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran back the film as producers. Music maestro Anirudh will compose the soundtrack, continuing his high-profile collaboration with Rajinikanth.
What the makers have said
The production house confirmed that filming will begin shortly. Beyond the director, producers and music composer, further information about the cast, technical crew and shooting schedule will be revealed at a later date. For now, the makers have chosen to keep several details under wraps, building more anticipation among fans.
Why this announcement matters
- Star power: Rajinikanth’s presence makes any update a big deal for Tamil cinema and pan-Indian audiences.
- Producer-director combination: With Kamal Haasan producing under Raaj Kamal, the project has both star and creative backing that raises expectations.
- Music expectations: Anirudh’s involvement signals a likely mass-appeal soundtrack, which is crucial for a festive release.
Release window: Pongal 2027
Thalaivar 173 is slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027. A Pongal release positions the film as a major festival attraction, giving it a broad commercial platform and a built-in audience eager for big-screen spectacle.
What remains unknown
Despite the key confirmations, many questions are still open: who will join Rajinikanth in the cast, who will make up the technical team, and the exact production timeline. The makers have indicated that these details will be announced in stages, keeping fans and trade keenly tuned in.
Director changes and earlier setbacks
The film’s journey hasn’t been without headlines. Earlier reports noted a director change when Sundar C exited the project, a development described by some sources as “a difficult decision.” With Cibi now officially on board, the team appears focused on moving forward and stabilizing the production.
Fan expectations and next steps
With Rajinikanth in the lead, Kamal Haasan producing, Cibi Chakaravarthi directing and Anirudh composing, expectations are high. Fans will be watching closely for casting announcements, first-look materials, and the commencement of filming. If the team keeps to the Pongal 2027 plan, promotion and music releases are likely to pick up pace well ahead of the festival season.
For now, the confirmation of the director and composer sets the stage. The coming months should bring clearer casting details and the first glimpses of what promises to be one of Tamil cinema’s biggest releases next year.