Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Thalaivar 173, backed by Kamal Haasan, is being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The movie, which saw two filmmaker changes, was named Dharman in June 2026. Recently, reports
came in that things are not as easy on set as they look, as the star and filmmaker are facing a rift on set. But now, amid the growing chatter, the superstar’s team has rubbished these rumours with an official statement.
In a public post, the representative of Rajinikanth has shut down these claims, writing, “This is completely incorrect information. I have witnessed firsthand over many days of shooting that Thalaivar feels very comfortable and happy working with director @Dir_Ashwath, thanks to his dynamic working style. The film Dharman is progressing well, rapidly, and excellently.”
How Did The Claims Come In?
As per a now-deleted post, reported by TOI, Rajinikanth and Ashwath were having disagreements on set, which had made the atmosphere on the set uncomfortable to work in. This unverified, now-deleted post quickly gained attention, with the internet getting curious to know the truth.
Directors’ Exit From Thalaivar 173
Initially, director Sundar C was announced to direct the film, but he later stepped away from the project, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.” Following this, Cibi Chakravarthy was officially announced as the new director before he, too, was replaced.
Dharman Title Announcement
Rajinikanth’s much-awaited Thalaivar 173 finally received its official title, Dharman – The Deadly Doctor, in June. Along with the title announcement, the makers also unveiled the film’s first-look poster, offering a glimpse into Rajinikanth’s intense and powerful new avatar.
What Lies Ahead For Thalaivar
On the work front, Rajinikanth is gearing up for Jailer 2, the sequel to Nelson Dilipkumar’s 2023 blockbuster. The upcoming film is expected to raise the stakes significantly, with Muthuvel Pandian facing even more formidable threats. The sequel will also receive a wide IMAX release. The trailer gives fans a closer look at his return as Tiger, while also expanding the scale of the story established in the first film. The returning cast includes Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, Vinayakan and Jaffer Sadiq. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and Kannada star Shivarajkumar are also back after starring in cameo roles in the first film.
