Superstar Rajinikanth has officially locked the director for his next project, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173. The film will be helmed by Cibi Chakravarthi, best known for directing Don. With the announcement
now out in the open, curiosity around the storyline has begun to intensify, especially amid reports that the film could blend action with comedy.
Is Rajinikanth Playing A Tailor In Thalaivar 173?
According to industry buzz doing the rounds online, Thalaivar 173 may see Rajinikanth essaying the role of a humble tailor who lives a peaceful life with his family. Beneath this calm exterior, however, lies a dangerous past that the character has deliberately buried in order to start afresh.
The speculation suggests that despite his efforts to stay away from trouble, danger eventually finds its way back into his life, forcing him to tap into his long-suppressed skills to protect his loved ones. While the premise has sparked excitement among fans, it is important to note that these details remain unconfirmed, with the makers yet to make an official announcement.
Adding fuel to the speculation, the film’s announcement poster featured visual elements like tailoring scissors, precision tools, and fake passports, subtly hinting at a narrative that could mix mass action with humour and intrigue.
How Cibi Chakravarthi Came On Board
Initially, Thalaivar 173 was announced with Sundar C at the helm, which would have marked a reunion between the filmmaker and Rajinikanth after many years. However, Sundar C later stepped away from the project due to prior commitments.
Following his exit, reports suggested that several filmmakers narrated scripts to the superstar, including Ashwath Marimuthu, Nithilan Saminathan, and Ramkumar Balakrishnan. Eventually, the project landed in the hands of Cibi Chakravarthi, marking his second directorial venture. The filmmaker later shared an emotional note expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work with Rajinikanth.
What’s Next For Rajinikanth
Before Thalaivar 173 goes on floors, Rajinikanth will be seen headlining Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The film is a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer and is expected to hit theatres in August 2026.
The sequel is rumoured to feature appearances by stars such as Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, Vijay Sethupathi, Vidya Balan, and Mithun Chakraborty. In a recent interview with Bengali media, Mithun Chakraborty also claimed that Shah Rukh Khan would make an appearance in the film, though the makers are yet to confirm the same. Actress Nora Fatehi is also expected to feature in a special dance number.
