After Sundar C’s exit, Kamal Haasan has announced Cibi Chakaravarthi as the new director of Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173. The film will be produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and is slated for a Pongal 2027 release
Thalaivar 173
A month after director Sundar C exited Rajinikanth’s next with Kamal Haasan’s production house, the makers have roped in a new captain. On Saturday, Kamal Haasan announced that the film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, will be directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi. The film will be produced under Haasan’s banner, Raaj Kamal Films International, and is aiming for a Pongal 2027 release.
Who is Cibi Chakaravarthi?
Cibi’s last film was Sivakarthikeyan’s Don, which was released in 2022. It marked his first film as a director. Thalaivar 173 will be his second directorial venture.
Before Don, the filmmaker worked as an assistant director on Atlee’s Mersal and Theri.
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Sundar C on his exit from Thalaivar 173
Earlier, Sundar C issued a statement saying he had made the difficult decision to step back from the film due to “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”
In a heartfelt note titled A Heartfelt Note to My Dearest Fans and Well-Wishers, the director wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share this news. This venture, featuring the legendary Superstar Thiru Rajinikanth Avl and produced by Ulaganayagan Thiru Kamal Haasan Avl, was a dream come true for me. In life, there are moments when we must follow the path laid out for us, even if it diverges from our dreams.”
He added that his association with both icons goes back a long way. “I will always hold them in the highest regard. The moments we shared over the past few days will be cherished forever. They have taught me invaluable lessons, and I will continue to seek their inspiration and wisdom.”
Thanking both stars, he wrote, “I thank them from the bottom of my heart for considering me for this magnum opus.”
Addressing his fans, he said, “Please accept my sincere apologies if this news has disappointed you. I promise to make it up to you and will continue bringing entertainment that lifts your spirits. Thank you for your unwavering support. It means the world to me.”
Kamal Haasan hints at creative differences for Sundar C’s exit
Speaking to reporters outside the airport later, the actor-politician said, “Sundar C has explained the reason for his withdrawal through a press release. I have nothing more to add. As an investor, I want a script that my star likes. That is the healthy way to go about it. We will keep searching for the right stories until he is satisfied. We are currently in the process of finalising a quality script.”
When asked what kind of stories they are exploring for Thalaivar 173, he replied, “Expect the unexpected.”
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