Director Ashwath Marimuthu revealed on Wednesday that he has commenced the third schedule of shoot for his upcoming film Dharman. Ashwath made the announcement with a video showing the glimpse of a scene shot with Rajinikanth and Raashii Khanna at a restaurant. "Back with Thalaivar for Dharman 3rd schedule," Ashwath shared.

The film is produced by Kamal Haasan under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner, alongside R Mahendran of Turmeric Media. Besides Rajinikanth and Raashii Khanna, the film also stars Simran and Yogi Babu. It brings Rajinikanth and Simran back together for another collaboration after 2019's Petta. According to reports, Rukmini Vasanth and Ram Pothineni are also part of the cast, with Ram speculated to portray the film's antagonist.

Dharman marks the 173rd film in Rajinikanth's career. Ashwath Marimuthu boarded the film after Sundar C exited the project, then tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, and Cibi Chakaravarthi was mysteriously detached from it after RKFI roped in the Don director. It marks Ashwath Marimuthu's third film as a director in Tamil; his directorial debut, 2020's Oh My Kadavule, and sophomore film Dragon became hits at the box office. He also directed a remake of his debut film in Telugu, titled Ori Devuda.

On the technical front, Dharman has composer Anirudh, cinematographer Niketh Bommi, editor Pradeep E Ragav, art director Karthik Rajkumar, and stunt choreographers Anbariv.

The makers are yet to announce a release date for Dharman. Rajinikanth's upcoming films also include Jailer 2, which is scheduled for an October 15 release. The Superstar is expected to reunite with Kamal Haasan for an onscreen collaboration that is directed by Nelson. The film, tentatively titled RK x KH, will bring both actors together after 1981's Thillu Mullu.