It was believed that after filmmaker Cibi Chakravarthy onboarded Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, with a promotional video, it would be smooth sailing, as Cibi replaced director Sundar C to helm the project. Rumour mills in the industry suggest that the film, produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), will undergo another change as Ashwath Marimuthu is taking over the director's seat from Cibi.
Reports state that the actor suggested shifting the script's tone from levity to seriousness, which resulted in differences. It is worth noting that Ashwath had earlier said he had a narration opportunity with Rajinikanth, and though the actor liked the script, the project couldn't materialise owing to various other reasons.
Rajinikanth, who last starred in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, awaits the release of Jailer 2, a sequel to his hit 2023 film Jailer, with Nelson Dilipkumar. Also, Rajinikanth will act alongside Kamal Haasan in an untitled film directed by Nelson with music by Anirudh.