The anticipation for Superstar Rajinikanth’s next venture, tentatively titled #Thalaivar173, reached a fever pitch today following bold statements from his daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth.
Speaking at the pre-release event for the film With Love (which she produced), Soundarya described the project as a “deadly film” and expressed absolute faith in director Cibi Chakravarthy.
The Road to Thalaivar 173: A High-Stakes Collaboration
The project is uniquely significant as it marks a rare collaboration between two pillars of Indian cinema: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. While Rajinikanth takes the lead, Kamal Haasan is producing the film under his banner, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI).
Key Details of the Film:
- Director: Cibi Chakravarthy (of Don fame) took over the project in January 2026 after veteran director Sundar C stepped down due to scheduling conflicts.
- Genre: Rajinikanth has described it as a “proper commercial entertainer” with a strong family core.
- Tagline: The official poster carries the intriguing line: “Every hero has a family.”
- Music: Anirudh Ravichander is set to compose the score, continuing his successful streak with the Superstar.
- Timeline: Shooting is scheduled to begin in April 2026, targeting a grand Pongal 2027 release.
A Promise to the Fans
Director Cibi Chakravarthy also addressed the crowd at the event, acknowledging the skepticism some fans felt after he replaced Sundar C.
“As a fan of Thalaivar, I want to tell the fans… when you walk out of the theatres after watching #Thalaivar173, you will be walking out with satisfaction. It’s a promise.”
In Other News: The Superstar’s Autobiography
During the same press cycle, Soundarya shared another massive update: Rajinikanth has begun writing his autobiography.
- The Scoop: The book will trace his journey from his days as a bus conductor in Bengaluru to his meteoric rise in Kollywood.
- The Prediction: Soundarya believes the book will be a “global sensation,” focusing on the “unseen turning points” and values like spiritual balance and humility that have defined his life.