# Thalaivar173’s Director Shuffle Is the Best News for Sivakarthikeyan Fans — Here’s the Full Story

URL: https://technosports.co.in/thalaivar173s-director-shuffle-is-the-best/  
Published: 2026-06-02  
Updated: 2026-06-02  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Tamil cinema’s most talked-about project just got a major behind-the-scenes twist. Rajinikanth’s upcoming film **Thalaivar173** is reportedly set to see a director change — and the ripple effect could mean a highly anticipated reunion for Sivakarthikeyan fans.

Let’s break it all down, clearly and quickly.

## Thalaivar173: What’s Happening ?

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| Film | Thalaivar173 (working title) |
| Lead Actor | Rajinikanth |
| Original Director | Sundar C (exited) → Cibi Chakaravarthi (likely exiting) |
| Expected New Director | Ashwath Marimuthu (*Dragon* fame) |
| Producer | Kamal Haasan / Raaj Kamal Films International |
| Key Cast | Basil Joseph, Priyanka Arul Mohan |
| Original Release Target | Pongal 2027 (now likely delayed to summer) |

## The Director Domino Effect

It reads almost like a relay race. Thalaivar173 was first announced with **Sundar C** at the helm, but he stepped away due to prior commitments. **Cibi Chakaravarthi** was then brought on board, and things seemed settled — until his involvement in a Telugu project reportedly pulled him away too.

![Thalaivar173](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/thga66-1024x576.webp)

Now, according to online buzz, *Dragon* director **Ashwath Marimuthu** is set to step in. Interestingly, Marimuthu had already narrated a story to [Rajinikanth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajinikanth) — one of Tamil cinema’s most enduring superstars with a career spanning over five decades — and the superstar reportedly liked what he heard. However, the director has reportedly requested that no official announcement be made until final script discussions are completed.

## The Silver Lining: A Cibi–Sivakarthikeyan Reunion?

Here’s the part that has fans buzzing. With the producers still very keen on working with Cibi Chakaravarthi, reports suggest they are looking to pair him with **Sivakarthikeyan** once again. The duo previously delivered the blockbuster *Don* (2022), so a second collaboration would naturally be one of the most-watched announcements in Tamil cinema.

No official word yet — but the momentum is undeniable.

Stay updated with all the latest [Tamil cinema and South film news on TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in), and don’t miss our coverage of [Rajinikanth’s upcoming projects including Jailer 2](https://technosports.co.in).

## What’s Next for Rajinikanth?

Beyond Thalaivar173, the superstar’s plate is full. **Jailer 2** — the highly anticipated sequel featuring Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah, Mohanlal, and Shiva Rajkumar — is reportedly eyeing a **September 11, 2026** release. He also has the **KHxRK Reunion** project lined up alongside Kamal Haasan.

## FAQs

### **Q: Who is the new director of Thalaivar173?**

 Ashwath Marimuthu of *Dragon* fame is reportedly set to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi, though no official announcement has been made yet.

### **Q: Will Thalaivar173 release on Pongal 2027 as originally planned?**

Due to the director change, the Pongal 2027 release is likely to be pushed to a summer 2027 slot, per current reports.