Superstar Rajinikanth will begin shooting for his next film, tentatively titled Thalaivar173, in April 2026, with production expected to continue until September 2026. Directed by Cibi Chakravarthy, the film is reportedly a full-fledged family entertainer and is targeting a Pongal 2027 theatrical release. The project is backed by Kamal Haasan, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.

What’s the Latest Update?

Rajinikanth is currently occupied with Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer.

Once filming wraps up, he will immediately transition to Thalaivar173, marking another major collaboration in Tamil cinema.

Shoot Schedule:

Start Date: April 2026
Wrap Target: September 2026
Release Window: Pongal 2027

Genre & Story Tone

Unlike high-octane action dramas, Thalaivar173 is said to be:

A family entertainer
Packed with humor and emotional elements
Designed for a festival-season audience

Reports also suggest that a popular Malayalam actor may play a pivotal supporting role, expanding the film’s cross-industry appeal.

Directorial Change

Initially, the film was expected to be helmed by Sundar C, but the project later shifted to Cibi Chakravarthy, known for directing Don starring Sivakarthikeyan.

This change reportedly aligns the film more closely with a youthful, entertainment-driven narrative approach.

Movie Facts (Structured Data Block)

Title (Tentative): Thalaivar173
Lead Actor: Rajinikanth
Director: Cibi Chakravarthy
Producer: Kamal Haasan
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander
Genre: Family Entertainer
Shoot Period: April – September 2026
Target Release: Pongal 2027

Key Entities

Rajinikanth – Lead Actor, Indian Cinema Icon
Cibi Chakravarthy – Director, Thalaivar173
Kamal Haasan – Producer & Founder, Raaj Kamal Films International
Anirudh Ravichander – Music Director

Final Verdict

Thalaivar173 is shaping up to be a strategically planned festive entertainer, combining Rajinikanth’s mass appeal with a family-friendly narrative. With a structured shoot timeline and a Pongal 2027 target, the film positions itself as a major box-office contender. Backed by Kamal Haasan and powered by Anirudh’s music, expectations are high for this collaboration to deliver both commercial success and wide audience appeal.