Just four days ago, Kamal Haasan confirmed long-standing rumours about his reunion with Rajinikanth by announcing a film under his production banner, which is to be helmed by Sundar C. Kamal is, however, only the producer as of now, dismissing previous speculations of the two starring together.
On Sunday, the makers, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), unveiled a video of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sundar C meeting to finalise the project, and commencing it officially. Rajinikanth is seen descending from his car and entering the RKFI office in his usual style. Kamal Haasan is second to enter, followed by Sundar C. The three are then honoured with shawls by Mahendran, following which Kamal expresses his elation in reuniting with the two.
The video also had a small poem-like note, signed by Kamal Haasan. It read in Tamil, "As wind, rain, and river, we will shower, we will be happy, and we will live." Tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, the film is slated to hit theatres for Pongal 2027.
At the Coolie audio launch, Rajinikanth expressed interest in reuniting with Kamal Haasan, following which the latter confirmed their reunion at a recent event. While it is unclear if Kamal and Rajinikanth will share screen space in the film, they last appeared together in Thillu Mullu (1981) in Tamil and Geraftaar (1985) in Hindi. Their working collaboration extends all the way to the 70s when they both first worked together in Rajinikanth’s debut, Apoorva Raagangal, in 1975. Some of their other notable collaborations include Moondru Mudichu, Pathinaru Vayathinile, Aadu Puli Attam, Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, Thappu Thalangal, Aval Appadithaan, Alavuddinum Arbutha Vilakkum, and Ninaithale Inikkum.
Sundar C last directed Rajinikanth in the 1997 film, Arunachalam. He also worked with Kamal in Anbe Sivam (2003). The director is currently filming Mookuthi Amman 2 with Nayanthara in the lead. The makers are yet to reveal details regarding the rest of the cast and crew. Thalaivar 173 will be produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran under the Raajkamal Films International banner and distributed by Red Giant Movies.
