Superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited project, previously referred to as Thalaivar 173, has officially been titled “Dharman – The Deadly Doctor”, with the makers also unveiling the first-look poster. The announcement has sparked massive excitement among fans, who are eager to see the legendary actor in a powerful new avatar blending intensity, authority, and mystery.
The first-look poster, shared by Raaj Kamal Films International on social media, presents Rajinikanth in a striking and commanding look. His character appears to carry a dual shade—hinting at a man who is both a doctor and a rebel figure. The visual has quickly gone viral, with fans flooding social media with fire and heart emojis, celebrating yet another larger-than-life transformation of the veteran star.
The film, which was initially announced in January 2026, has already seen several behind-the-scenes changes. The production has undergone creative reshuffling, with filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu officially coming on board as the director. This change follows earlier reports that director Sundar C had stepped away from the project due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to further adjustments in the creative team.
Industry buzz also suggests that casting discussions are underway, with actors like Sai Pallavi and Kathir being considered for important roles, though an official confirmation is still awaited. Meanwhile, acclaimed composer Anirudh Ravichander has been confirmed to handle the music, adding to expectations for a high-energy soundtrack.
The project has generated significant anticipation due to its rumored collaboration between two giants of Tamil cinema—Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan—a pairing that has long been speculated and eagerly awaited by fans. If finalized, the film is expected to be one of the most high-profile releases in Indian cinema.
On the work front, Rajinikanth is also preparing for Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The sequel is expected to escalate the action and scale of the original blockbuster, with returning characters and potential high-profile cameos, further building anticipation among audiences.
As Dharman continues to take shape, expectations remain sky-high for what could become one of Rajinikanth’s most unique and intense roles in recent years.