# Ashwath Marimuthu Confirmed to Direct Rajinikanth in Thalaivar 173 — Mandela Director Locks In Superstar Reunion

URL: https://technosports.co.in/rajinikanth-in-thalaivar-173-mandela-director-locks-in-superstar-reunion/  
Published: 2026-06-02  
Updated: 2026-06-02  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Thalaivar fans, wake up — this is massive! Fresh off the success of *Vettaiyan*, director **Ashwath Marimuthu** has been officially roped in to helm **Thalaivar 173**, Rajinikanth’s next big-screen outing. The news has sent Tamil cinema circles into a frenzy as the talented young director reunites with the Superstar for the second consecutive time.

According to sources, the project is being fast-tracked with a grand-scale script currently in final stages. Marimuthu, who impressed everyone with his sharp storytelling in *Mandela* and confident handling of Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life image in *Vettaiyan*, is expected to bring a perfect balance of mass appeal and meaningful content once again.

## Thalaivar 173: Everything We Know So Far

| Detail | Information |
| --- | --- |
| **Director** | Ashwath Marimuthu |
| **Star** | Rajinikanth (Thalaivar 173) |
| **Previous Collaboration** | Vettaiyan (Thalaivar 172) |
| **Genre** | Yet to be officially revealed |
| **Current Status** | Script finalization stage |
| **Expected Shoot Start** | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
| **Producer** | Likely Lyca Productions |

![Thalaivar 173](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/thaliiil-1024x576.webp)

This back-to-back collaboration is rare in Rajinikanth’s career and shows the superstar’s growing confidence in younger directors who understand both his aura and modern audience expectations. After the mixed-to-positive response to *Vettaiyan*, fans are hoping Marimuthu delivers a full-on mass entertainer this time.

The announcement adds even more excitement to an already stacked year for South Indian cinema. While we’ve been following intense dramas like **Doctor on the Edge**, **One of a Kind Romance**, **Spooky In Love**, and **[The Legend of Kitchen Soldier](https://technosports.co.in/park-ji-hoon-kitchen-soldier-kang-ha-kyung/)**, this Rajinikanth update feels like a true event film in the making.

For more on the legendary actor’s incredible journey, visit the [Rajinikanth page on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajinikanth). Follow all the latest South cinema updates in our **[Tamil Cinema News Hub](https://technosports.co.in/tamil-cinema-news/)**.

Having Ashwath Marimuthu direct Rajinikanth again feels like a smart and exciting move. After proving he can handle the Superstar’s charisma in *Vettaiyan*, fans are now expecting something even bigger. Thalaivar 173 is already generating huge pre-buzz — and rightfully so. 2027 is shaping up to be a massive year for Rajinikanth fans!

## ❓ FAQs

### **Q: Who is directing Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173?**

  
A: Ashwath Marimuthu, the director of *Mandela* and *Vettaiyan* (Thalaivar 172), has been confirmed to direct Rajinikanth’s next film.

### **Q: When is Thalaivar 173 expected to go on floors?**

  
  
A: The project is currently in the scripting stage with shooting likely to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.