It’s finally official! Indian cinema’s two biggest legends are finally teaming up after a long wait. Tamil cinema’s Superstar Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan is set to buzz the theatres with ‘Thalaivar 173’ directed by Sundar C. The director has directed over 30+ films and has been awarded ‘Kalaimamani Award’ for his contributions in the industry.
The official announcement was made by Kamal Hassan’s Raj Kamal Fims International just a day before Kamal Hassan’s birthday, on Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2025), with two special pictures and a handwritten note.
The Legendary Historic Collaboration
The official post on X (formerly twitter) came with the two superstars hugging each other as the token of acknowledgement of the five long decades of friendship.
The second picture showcased the core team: Kamal Hassan, Rajnikanth, Director Sundar C, the producer and the production banner representatives. The caption under the post read: “Happiness unlimited #Thalaivar173 #Pongal2027”
The handwritten note by Kamal Hassan reflecting on their 50-year friendship was the best part of the post that made fans overwhelmed with mixed emotions. The original text was in Tamil and in English it reads:
“My dear Rajni,
We have become two small rivers that can even melt iron rocks. Like wind, like rain, like river. Let’s shower, let’s enjoy, let’s live!
With love Kamal Hassan
2025”
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Thalaivar 173 set to release in Pongal
Concluding the big announcement, Raaj Kamal Films International shared a note confirming the union, that reads:
“Superstar Rajinikanth is set to headline in the magnum opus #Thalaivar173, under Kamal Haasan’s RaajKamal Films International banner directed by Sundar C.
This landmark collaboration not only unites two towering forces of Indian cinema but also celebrates five decades of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan bond that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike. a
Commemorating 44 years of Raajkamal Films International, #Thalaivar173 unites Superstar Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence with Sundar C’s direction, in a landmark production envisioned by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran.
#Thalaivar173 is slated for a grand theatrical release through Red Giant Movies during Pongal 2027.”
What’s next for the fans?
The plot and storyline of the upcoming movie is not yet revealed. The final cast will likely be disclosed by the end of 2025. The project is speculated to be an action-drama, mass entertainer with an emotional grip, featuring both the vintage actors in lead roles.
After the recent success with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie (2025), Rajnikanth is busy filming the sequel of Jailer. The announcement of the next mega project has left the fans excited and social media is constantly buzzing with trending hashtags on Instagram and X.
Kamal Hassan is also gearing up to act in his ‘237th project’ directed by Anbariv and written by Syam Pushkaran. He is actively focusing more towards the production side with the upcoming major films. On the other side, director Sundar C is currently busy with Mookuthi Amman 2, a sequel to the 2020 fantasy-comedy.
Written by: Supriya