Actor Rajinikanth's next, Thalaivar 173, has been shrouded in mystery ever since Cibi Chakravarthy was announced as the director. As reports suggested his departure after that of Sundar C, new reports emerged citing Ashwath Marimuthu as the finalised filmmaker for the project. However, the news is yet to be confirmed by the makers, Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI).
On Tuesday, RKFI's tributary birthday wish for director Ashwath Marimuthu sparked renewed interest in Thalaivar 173 and discussions about the film's director. Now, fresh speculations suggest that Mysskin is set to play a key role in the Rajinikanth-starrer if helmed by Ashwath. This too is yet to be confirmed by the makers.
If these reports materialise, Thalaivar 173 will mark Mysskin's first collaboration with Rajinikanth and second collaboration with Ashwath after Dragon. The actor who debuted as a lead in his own Nandalala in 2010 went on to star in films like Savarakkaththi before Super Deluxe, and Maaveeran further brought him fame as an actor.
On the acting front, Mysskin has I'm Game, his Malayalam debut, coming up next. Helmed by Nahas Hidhayath, the film is headlined by Dulquer Salmaan and also stars Samyuktha Viswanathan and Kathir, among others. The film is scheduled for an Onam release on August 20. On the directorial front, two of his films, namely Pisaasu 2 and Train, have been long-delayed. The latter is headlined by Vijay Sethupathi and is expected to release soon.
Earlier, Ashwath recalled his narration session with Rajinikanth before Silambarasan's STR 51. "I started working on another script for Rajinikanth sir. I worked on it for a month and then narrated it to sir. He loved it. During the interval block, he even forgot to have lunch and was so keen on finishing the narration. He called my script extraordinary and appreciated the story's villain. We even discussed casting for the villain. I almost got the opportunity to direct the film, but due to several other reasons, it didn't materialise then. Even RKFI heard the story but couldn't take it up. The film will happen in the future, for sure," he said. It is also not yet revealed if STR 51 would be completed before the Rajinikanth project if it is confirmed.