Earlier, we reported about filmmaker Cibi Chakravarti being attached to direct Rajinikanth's 173rd film. Cibi is known for director Don, starring Sivakarthikeyan. The filmmaker’s selection for Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International, came after Sundar C's widely-discussed exit from the project. Following his exit, many big names were being discussed to have been eyed for the project, including Nithilan Saminathan of Maharaja fame, Parking director Ramkumar Balakrishnan, Dragon fame Ashwath Marimuthu, SU Arunkumar of Chithha and Veera Dheera Sooran, and RJ Balaji. Maybe this is why Cibi's choice for Thalaivar 173 came as a bit of a surprise to many.
At a recent event, the filmmaker acknowledged the first reactions he received to the news of him being part of the project. In his first public appearance after it, Cibi Chakravarti said that he received best wishes from those from whom he did not expect the messages. At the same time, the filmmaker revealed that he is aware of some people having a bit of skepticism about his capability to direct the film. Acknowledging the skepticism, he said that the film would satisfy audiences for sure, especially Rajinikanth's fans. “It is a promise,” the filmmaker pledged, to warm applause from the audience.
Recently, Rajinikanth revealed that production on the film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, would commence in April this year. Billed as a “commercial entertainer,” he said that the film would be a piece of commercial entertainment. While Kamal is set to produce the film, he is yet to confirm his involvement in the film in an acting capacity. However, Raaj Kamal Films International has announced that composer Anirudh is part of the project. The makers are yet to reveal further details about it.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth's next film Jailer 2 is still in production.