A third director change in less than a year for Rajinikanth’s 173rd film project has been confirmed by Kamal Haasan’s Rajkumar Productions, with Ashwath Marimuthu now officially attached to direct the movie—despite no official contract yet signed. The announcement, made through a special birthday video released by the studio on June 2, 2026, follows the departures of Sundar C and C.P. Chakravarthy, raising questions about creative direction and the film’s 2027 release timeline.
The Third Director in a Year: What Happened
Rajinikanth’s 173rd film, titled Thalaivar 173, has been in limbo since November 2025, when Sundar C was originally announced as director. Just weeks later, Sundar C withdrew, citing “creative differences,” according to Dinamalar. The project then shifted to C.P. Chakravarthy, known for films like Don 2, with an official announcement in January 2026. However, by early 2026, reports surfaced that Rajinikanth was unhappy with Chakravarthy’s script, prompting another search for a new director.
The latest development came on June 2, 2026—Ashwath Marimuthu’s birthday—when Rajkumar Productions released a celebratory video, a move industry insiders say is highly unusual for an unconfirmed director. Marimuthu, who directed O My Kadavule and Dragon, has not yet signed a formal agreement, but the video’s release suggests the studio is leaning heavily toward him. Dinamani reports that Rajkumar Productions has already begun discussions with Marimuthu, though no official statement has been made.
Why This Matters: The Stakes for Rajinikanth’s Career
This isn’t just another director change—it’s a high-stakes gamble for Rajinikanth, who is preparing for what many consider his final lead role before retiring from acting. The film, initially slated for a 2027 release, has already faced delays due to script revisions and director changes. With no shooting yet to begin, the 2027 deadline now appears increasingly uncertain. Industry analysts suggest the repeated delays could push the film into 2028, risking audience fatigue and shifting public attention away from Rajinikanth’s legacy project.
Marimuthu’s involvement adds a layer of intrigue. Known for his bold, experimental style, he has directed only two films so far, but both have gained cult followings. His appointment could either revitalize the project or introduce new creative conflicts. ABP Nadu reports that Rajinikanth’s team is reportedly eager to align with Marimuthu’s vision, but whether this translates into a finalized script remains unclear.
The Birthday Video: A Signal, Not a Confirmation
The special birthday video released by Rajkumar Productions on June 2 is the most concrete signal yet that Marimuthu is the front-runner. Such videos are typically reserved for confirmed projects, though no official press release has been issued. The timing—on Marimuthu’s birthday—suggests the studio is testing the waters with fans and industry insiders before making a formal announcement.
According to Daily Thanthi, Rajkumar Productions has already engaged in preliminary discussions with Marimuthu, but the lack of a signed contract means nothing is final. The studio’s move could be a strategic play to secure Marimuthu before other producers make offers, given his rising profile in Tamil cinema.
What’s Next: Will the Film Finally Start Shooting?
The biggest question now is whether Marimuthu’s involvement will stabilize the project. If he signs on, the next steps will likely include finalizing the script, securing key crew members, and beginning pre-production. However, with no confirmed shooting schedule, the 2027 release window is looking increasingly fragile. Industry sources suggest that even if shooting starts in late 2026, post-production delays could push the film into early 2028.
Rajinikanth’s retirement plans add another layer of pressure. If this film doesn’t materialize as planned, it could overshadow his legacy as one of Tamil cinema’s most enduring stars. Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan’s Rajkumar Productions faces the challenge of delivering a film that meets both Rajinikanth’s expectations and the high anticipation of fans. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Thalaivar 173 can break free from its cycle of delays and director changes.
For now, the only certainty is that Ashwath Marimuthu is the latest name in a revolving door of directors for this high-profile project. Whether this time will be the charm remains to be seen.