Actor and chief of Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), Kamal Haasan, confirmed a day ago that Sundar C has stepped back from Rajinikanth's highly anticipated Thalaivar 173 and that they are actively hunting for a director for this big-ticket project.
The director, who previously collaborated with Rajinikanth in Annamalai (1997) and with Kamal Haasan in Anbe Sivam (2003), said that he had to discontinue with the film due to 'unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances'. Though there is no clear detail of what happened behind the scenes, it is said that Sundar C quit the project due to creative differences.
Against this background, speculations are rife that actor-director Dhanush is under consideration to be roped in for the project. Dhanush recently directed and starred in Idli Kadai. He has previously made Pa Paandi (2017), Raayan (2024), and Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (2025).
Thalaivar 173 will be produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran under the Raajkamal Films International banner and distributed by Red Giant Movies. While it is unclear if Kamal and Rajinikanth will share screen space in Thalaivar 173, they last appeared together in Thillu Mullu (1981) in Tamil and Geraftaar (1985) in Hindi.
Dhanush, meanwhile, awaits the release of Tere Ishk Mein, his third collaboration with Aanand L Rai after Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021). The film that stars Kriti Sanon as the female lead is releasing in theatres on November 28. He also has D54, helmed by Vignesh Raja of Por Thozhil fame, in the pipeline.
