The anticipation for Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173 has reached fever pitch as producer Kamal Haasan’s team evaluates two acclaimed directors to helm this prestigious collaboration. Following Sundar C’s unexpected exit from the project, industry buzz suggests Nithilan Saminathan of Maharaja fame and Ramkumar Balakrishnan of Parking fame are the leading contenders for the coveted director’s chair.
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Thalaivar 173: Director Candidates at a Glance
| Director | Recent Hit | Achievement | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nithilan Saminathan | Maharaja (2024) | Critical & commercial success | Gripping thriller narratives |
| Ramkumar Balakrishnan | Parking (2024) | National Award winner | Intense emotional storytelling |
| Original Choice | Sundar C | Exited due to creative differences | Commercial masala entertainers |
Why These Two Directors Stand Out
Both filmmakers have earned stellar reputations for their distinct storytelling sensibilities—Ramkumar for his grounded intensity and emotional detailing, and Nithilan for his sharp narrative control and gripping screenplay style. This marks a strategic shift from Rajinikanth’s usual collaborations with established commercial directors.
Nithilan Saminathan: The Maharaja Magic
Nithilan delivered one of 2024’s biggest surprises with Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi. The film’s intricate plot, unexpected twists, and powerful emotional core resonated with both critics and audiences. His ability to balance commercial entertainment with meaningful storytelling aligns perfectly with what modern Rajinikanth films demand.
Ramkumar Balakrishnan: National Award Excellence
Ramkumar’s Parking earned him a National Award for its nuanced exploration of class conflicts and neighborly tensions. The film showcased his talent for extracting powerful performances while maintaining tight narrative control. His grounded approach could bring a refreshing dimension to Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life persona.
For more insights on Tamil cinema’s emerging directors and their impact on star-driven projects.
The Sundar C Situation Explained
Sundar C stepped away from the project days after the formal announcement by issuing a press note, stirring widespread discussion. Kamal Haasan later addressed the situation, emphasizing that they’re searching for a script that genuinely appeals to Rajinikanth, even if it means bringing in a younger director.
Kamal Haasan wants to finalize everything this month and announce the film on Rajinikanth’s birthday along with revealing the director. Rajinikanth’s birthday falls on December 12, making it the perfect platform for the grand announcement.
Rajinikanth’s New Direction Strategy
Rajinikanth is currently in talks with smaller directors and is not pursuing big or star directors. This strategic shift reflects his willingness to trust fresh voices and unique narratives rather than relying solely on established commercial formulas. The move mirrors his collaboration with Nelson Dilipkumar for Jailer, which became one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema.
What We Know About Thalaivar 173
The film marks the historic collaboration between two legends—Rajinikanth as the lead actor and Kamal Haasan as the producer under Raaj Kamal Films International. While plot details remain under wraps, the project has generated immense buzz given the stature of both icons.
Reliable sources indicate that both Nithilan Saminathan and Ramkumar have pitched their scripts to Rajinikanth, and it now seems one of these two has been finalized as the director.
Discover more about Rajinikanth’s evolving filmography and his collaboration with new-age directors.
The Birthday Announcement Timeline
Industry insiders believe the official announcement will arrive on Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday on December 12, 2025. This timing would generate maximum publicity and allow the team to kickstart pre-production activities immediately after finalizing the creative team.
The project represents more than just another Rajinikanth film—it’s a symbol of Tamil cinema’s two biggest icons joining forces, potentially creating cinematic history. Whether it’s Nithilan’s thriller expertise or Ramkumar’s emotional depth that wins the day, Thalaivar 173 promises to be a landmark venture.
Stay updated on the latest developments through Raaj Kamal Films International’s official website and follow Rajinikanth’s official social media for announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the directors being considered for Thalaivar 173?
The two frontrunners to direct Thalaivar 173 are Nithilan Saminathan, who directed the critically acclaimed thriller Maharaja starring Vijay Sethupathi, and Ramkumar Balakrishnan, the National Award-winning director of Parking. Both filmmakers have pitched their scripts to Rajinikanth and producer Kamal Haasan. According to industry sources, discussions are ongoing, and the final announcement is expected on Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday on December 12, 2025. This marks a shift from working with established commercial directors to trusting emerging talents with unique storytelling abilities.
Why did Sundar C exit from Thalaivar 173?
Sundar C officially stepped down from Thalaivar 173 just days after the project was announced, citing “unforeseen circumstances” in his press statement. Industry reports suggest the exit was due to creative differences between the director and the production team. Producer Kamal Haasan later explained that they are searching for a script that genuinely appeals to Rajinikanth, indicating that Sundar C’s narration may not have fully aligned with what the superstar envisioned for this prestigious collaboration. The team is now focused on finding the right creative match, prioritizing story quality over established director credentials.
