Rajinikanth’s upcoming film with Kamal Haasan as producer has already seen several directors attached to the project before it settled with Ashwath Marimuthu. Recently, an X post, now-deleted, reported that there were disagreement between the filmmaker and the actor. The online speculation about the film has now prompted a response from the actor’s publicist.

A project initially announced as Thalaivar 173, the film underwent changes before Oh My Kadavule and Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu was confirmed as its director. Titled Dharman, the film marks Rajinikanth’s first collaboration with Ashwath and is produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International.

Rajinikanth’s publicist Riaz K Ahmed has now dismissed rumours of a rift between the actor and Ashwath, describing the claims as “completely false”. On X, he wrote, "This is completely wrong information. I have seen with my own eyes over many days on the shooting location how Director Ashwath Marimuthu works in his energetic style, and how being on the film set brings great courage and joy to the leader. Dharmam is progressing well, quickly, and excellently."

The film’s journey to production has previously been a subject of discussion. At the title announcement in June, Rajinikanth explained that KS Ravikumar was initially considered to direct the project, followed by Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi. The versions developed by the earlier filmmakers did not materialise, and Ashwath eventually came on board.

Dharman stars Rajinikanth alongside Simran, Raashii Khanna, Yogi Babu and Ram Pothineni, with Anirudh Ravichander composing the music. Niketh Bommi is handling cinematography, Pradeep E Ragav is the editor, and the action choreography is by Anbariv. The film is expected to release in January 2027 for Pongal. Rajinikanth will next be seen in Nelson's Jailer 2, which is scheduled to release on October 15.