For months, Thalaivar 173 has been whispered about as one of Tamil cinema’s biggest upcoming collaborations, a massive blockbuster project bringing together the legendary Tamil icons: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.
But last week, the project took an unexpected turn that sent the industry into a shock. Director Sundar C, who was earlier announced to helm the film, stepped away from the project. He stated that he had to step down with a heavy heart due to an “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”
The exit came as a shock, especially for the fans who were eagerly waiting for Rajinikanth–Sundar C reunion nearly three decades after Arunachalam. As the producer Kamal Haasan confirmed Sunder’s exit adding the note that he respects his decision and he has “nothing more to add” since Sundar has already explained it with his post.
Kamal also emphasized that the production is not rushing and they will continue to search for a script that will satisfy Rajnikanth. On a note he said, “Until my star is satisfied with the script we will keep scouting for it.” He also hinted that they might bring a younger filmmaker.
Entry Of Dhanush
Within hours of Sundar C’s exit, a new name began circulating that no one saw coming, yet somehow made perfect sense: Dhanush.
Many reports from trusted sources are hinting that the actor-filmmaker is in the talks to take charge of Thalaivar 173. And just like that, the question of “Who will replace Sundar C?” shifted to “Is Dhanush really directing his father-in-law onscreen?”
While neither Dhanush nor the production house has issued a confirmation, the fact that multiple major outlets reported the same possibility was enough to intensify curiosity. For a film already sitting on enormous expectations, this potential pairing added an entirely new layer of excitement.
Why Dhanush Makes Sense More Than Anyone Expected
Dhanush is both an actor and filmmaker. His directional work varies from Pa Paandi (2017)to Raayan (2024) and Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (2025). He recently directed and acted in Idli Kadai which became a major hit at the box office.
Dhanush has quietly transformed from a national-award-winning actor into a filmmaker over the years. Working with Rajinikanth would be a major milestone in his career and would definitely bring fresh energy to a legacy project.
Also read: Bison OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch Mari Selvaraj and Dhruv Vikram’s Diwali Hit
If Dhanush Takes Over, What Changes?
Honestly, quite a lot will change. A Dhanush-helmed Rajinikanth film would likely bring:
- Modern storytelling layered with strong emotional beats
- A grounded but powerful portrayal of Rajinikanth
- A fresh cinematic identity that could stand apart in Rajini’s filmography
- A new-age collaboration bridging three generations: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Dhanush
So, Is Dhanush Really Coming On Board?
As of now the talks are just speculations but nothing is confirmed. All reports agree that the possibility is real, but the deal is not signed. Given the scale of the project, official confirmation will only drop once the script, timeline, and creative vision are airtight. Until then, the industry watches closely, and fans hold their breath.
Written by: Supriya