When a director exits a Rajinikanth film, Tamil cinema doesn’t just raise an eyebrow — it raises an entire storm. Sundar C’s departure from Thalaivar 173 had fans speculating endlessly, with many pointing fingers at the ambitious epic Sangamithra as the culprit. Now, the director himself has spoken out — and the truth is far more candid and relatable than anyone predicted.

Thalaivar 173 — The Full Picture

Detail	Info
Film Title	Thalaivar 173 (working title)
Star	Rajinikanth
Original Director	Sundar C (exited)
Current Director	Cibi Chakaravarthi (Don fame)
Producer	Kamal Haasan / Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI)
Expected Shoot Start	April 2026
Rajinikanth’s Current Film	Jailer 2 (directed by Nelson Dilipkumar)
Sundar C’s Next	Purushan (with Vishal) + Mookuthi Amman 2 (post-production)

What Sundar C Actually Said

In an interview with Tamil media outlet Puthiya Thalaimurai, Sundar C firmly denied that Sangamithra was the reason for his exit. He explained it plainly: “I didn’t leave Thalaivar 173 because of Sangamithra. Sangamithra is a 2-year commitment, and at this point in time, considering my monetary situation, I cannot get stuck with a single project for 2 years, and I have back-to-back commitments.”

He also revealed the scale of his current workload — Mookuthi Amman 2 was completed 4 months ago, but there is at least 1 year of CGI work remaining, with Nayanthara appearing majorly as Amman in that costume.

It’s a refreshingly honest admission. Rather than hiding behind creative differences or scheduling conflicts, Sundar C openly talked about financial realities and professional commitments — something rare in the carefully managed world of Tamil film industry PR.

Who’s Directing Now — and What’s Next for Rajinikanth?

Cibi Chakaravarthi, known for directing Don, has now come on board to helm Thalaivar 173, with the shoot expected to go on floors from April 2026 under the production banner of Raaj Kamal Films International.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth’s plate is overflowing with landmark projects. He will next appear in Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, featuring Vidya Balan, Mithun Chakraborty, and SJ Suryah, with Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar reprising their roles — and Shah Rukh Khan reportedly making a cameo, scheduled to be filmed in March 2026.

Looking further ahead, Rajinikanth has also announced a historic on-screen reunion with Kamal Haasan in the tentatively titled KHxRK Reunion, to be directed by Nelson Dilipkumar with music by Anirudh Ravichander.

For all the latest updates on Rajinikanth’s upcoming films, Tamil cinema news, and South Indian box office, follow TechnoSports Entertainment. Stay tuned to TechnoSports for all things South Cinema throughout 2026.

FAQs

Q: Why did Sundar C leave Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173?

Sundar C clarified he exited due to back-to-back professional commitments and financial constraints — not because of Sangamithra — as he could not commit to a single two-year project at this stage of his career.

Q: Who is now directing Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173?

Don fame director Cibi Chakaravarthi has replaced Sundar C on Thalaivar 173, with the film co-produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International and shooting expected to begin in April 2026.