A Major Roadblock Strikes Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's Highly Anticipated Reunion Film

The dream collaboration, #Thalaivar173, has hit an unexpected snag as director Sundar C makes a sudden exit, leaving fans wondering what's next for the superstar project.

TL;DR

• Director Sundar C stepped down from #Thalaivar173, the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan film, citing "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances."
• The project, produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, was announced just days prior with a massive Pongal 2027 release target.
• Kamal Haasan's production house is now searching for a new director, as fan excitement remains high for this decades-awaited cinematic reunion.

The Grand Announcement That Electrified Indian Cinema Fans Everywhere

Just days ago, the cinematic world erupted with excitement. The news wasn't just big; it was monumental. Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, two of Indian cinema's most iconic figures, were set to reunite for a new film titled #Thalaivar173. This wasn't merely a collaboration between two actors; it was a celebration of five decades of friendship, mutual respect, and unparalleled legacies.

The project was announced officially around November 5, 2025, revealing that Kamal Haasan's prestigious Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) would be bankrolling this magnum opus. The initial director attached to this high-profile venture was Sundar C, a name synonymous with commercial blockbusters. This announcement alone set social media ablaze, with fans envisioning the magic these two legends would create under the RKFI banner.

Adding to the film's grandeur, #Thalaivar173 was positioned as Rajinikanth's 173rd movie and marked his second collaboration with director Sundar C, nearly 28 years after their hit Arunachalam. The ambitious project was initially slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027, with Red Giant Movies handling distribution, further solidifying its status as a significant industry event. Source: [Telugu Times, "#Thalaivar173 Directed By Sundar C Announced," November 6, 2025].

Sudden Departure: Director Sundar C Cites Unavoidable Circumstances

However, the euphoria proved to be short-lived. A mere few days after this thrilling announcement, a major roadblock emerged. On November 13, 2025, news broke that Sundar C had opted out of the directorial duties for #Thalaivar173. The news first surfaced when his wife, Khushbu Sundar, shared an official statement on her social media, which she then promptly deleted. Despite the swift removal, the statement quickly circulated among users on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the director's unexpected departure.

In his statement, Sundar C expressed his profound regret, citing "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" as the reason for his difficult decision. He emphasized the emotional weight of stepping away from a project that he considered a "dream come true," especially one featuring the legendary Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan. His words reflected a mix of personal disappointment and professional commitment to respect the path laid out for him, even if it diverged from his aspirations.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share some important news with you. Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to step back from the prestigious project Thalaivar 173. In life, there are moments when we must follow the path laid out for us, even if it diverges from our dreams. My association with these two icons goes back a long way, and I will always hold them in the highest regard. The special moments we have shared over the past few days will be cherished forever by me. They have taught me invaluable lessons, and I will continue to seek their inspiration and wisdom as I move forward."

— Sundar C (via statement circulated on social media) Source: [Hindustan Times, "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan's film faces a major roadblock, director Sundar C drops out of project days after announcement," November 13, 2025]

A Heartfelt Apology From The Filmmaker To Both Legends And Eager Fans

Sundar C didn't just announce his exit; he also extended a sincere apology to both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for any disappointment his decision might cause. He reaffirmed his deep respect for the two stalwarts, stating that he would continue to seek their "expert guidance" despite stepping away from this particular opportunity. This gesture highlights the strong bond and mutual admiration within the Tamil film industry.

Furthermore, the filmmaker addressed the legions of fans who had eagerly anticipated this collaboration. He promised to "continue bringing entertainment that keeps your spirits high," thanking them for their "unwavering support and understanding." This direct communication aimed to manage expectations and express gratitude, even in the face of such a significant professional setback. For many fans, this news felt like a sudden deflating of a much-hyped balloon. For example, imagine a fan, like Ramesh from Chennai, who had already cleared his calendar for Pongal 2027, meticulously planning to watch the first-day-first-show. News of the director's exit, just when the excitement was peaking, must have felt like a punch to the gut, leaving him wondering what kind of film would emerge now.

Why This Unexpected Director's Exit Is Such a Significant Setback

The departure of Sundar C marks a substantial "roadblock" for #Thalaivar173 even before production could properly begin. Such an early change in leadership often triggers delays, re-evaluations of the script, and a frantic search for a suitable replacement. For a project of this magnitude, featuring two of the biggest names in Indian cinema, any delay is costly, not just in terms of budget but also in maintaining audience anticipation.

For Kamal Haasan, producing this film with Rajinikanth is considered his "biggest bet" as a producer, especially after the immense success of his recent productions like Vikram and Amaran. Source: [iDreamPost, "Kamal Haasan’s Biggest Bet on Rajinikanth," November 11, 2025]. The financial stakes are incredibly high, with Rajinikanth set to take home a hefty remuneration. Kamal's strategy hinges on robust marketing and a successful theatrical run, making the selection of the right director even more crucial to safeguard this massive investment.

The film was designed to be a "cinematic celebration" that blends Rajinikanth's magnetic screen presence with Sundar C's grand storytelling vision. The loss of that specific combination means the creative direction will undoubtedly shift. While another talented director will step in, the initial vision that captivated fans must now be re-imagined, which inherently carries both risks and new opportunities for the project.

Addressing the Rumors Surrounding Sundar C's Unexpected Decision

Whenever a high-profile project faces such an unexpected change, speculation inevitably runs wild. The internet has already started buzzing with various theories behind Sundar C's sudden exit. Some online chatter suggests potential "plot changes or budget issues" as major reasons for his departure. However, these remain purely unconfirmed rumors. Sundar C himself, in his public statement, maintained that the decision was due to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances," offering no specific details.

It's important to remember that such broad explanations are common in the industry when sensitive internal matters arise. Without official confirmation from RKFI or Sundar C, pinning down a definitive reason is speculative at best. While fans might look for concrete answers, sometimes the precise reasons for such decisions remain private, highlighting the complex dynamics often at play behind the scenes of major film productions.

What Lies Ahead For This Dream Collaboration of Cinematic Icons?

With Sundar C no longer at the helm, the immediate priority for Raaj Kamal Films International will be to find a new director capable of steering this ambitious project. No details about who might take over have been officially announced yet. This search will be critical, as the chosen director will need to match the caliber of the stars and the immense expectations surrounding their reunion.

In the meantime, both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan remain busy with their respective careers. Rajinikanth had been teasing his collaboration with Kamal even before the release of his film Coolie. Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Thug Life and is currently shooting for a yet-to-be-announced project. The commitment to #Thalaivar173 from both legends is unwavering, even if the path to its realization now involves an unforeseen detour.

This film is more than just another movie; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of Tamil cinema and a long-standing friendship. Despite this temporary setback, the anticipation for Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's reunion remains sky-high. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close watch for future announcements, eager to see who will ultimately take the director's chair and guide this promised "magnum opus" to the big screen.

Practical Takeaways For Fans And Industry Watchers

• Stay Patient for Official Updates: While the director search is ongoing, wait for official announcements from Raaj Kamal Films International regarding the new helmer.
• The Project Continues: Despite the setback, the film is still a go, affirming the commitment of both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to this iconic collaboration.
• High Stakes for Kamal Haasan: As a producer, Kamal Haasan faces significant investment and strategic decisions to ensure the film's success, making the director choice paramount.
• Anticipation Remains: The reunion of these two cinematic legends, last seen together in Thillu Mullu (1981) in Tamil, continues to be a massive draw, promising a grand cinematic event upon its eventual release.

Frequently Asked Questions About The #Thalaivar173 Project

What is the name of the upcoming film featuring Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan?

The film is tentatively titled #Thalaivar173.

Who are the main stars confirmed for #Thalaivar173?

The film is set to star legendary actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

Why did Sundar C leave the directorial role for #Thalaivar173?

Sundar C stated he made the difficult decision to step back due to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances."

When was #Thalaivar173 originally expected to be released?

The film was initially slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027.

Sources

• Hindustan Times, "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan's film faces a major roadblock, director Sundar C drops out of project days after announcement," November 13, 2025.
• Telugu Times, "#Thalaivar173 Directed By Sundar C Announced," November 6, 2025.
• iDreamPost, "Kamal Haasan’s Biggest Bet on Rajinikanth," November 11, 2025.
• Times Now, "Top Entertainment News Of The Day: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Join Hands; Hardik Pandya, Mahieka's Steamy Pics Go Viral," November 5, 2025.
• IANS, "Kamal Haasan's production house to produce Rajinikanth's #Thalaivar173," November 5, 2025.
• Cinema Express, "Sundar C stepping down from Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173?," November 13, 2025.
• Zoom TV Digital, "Thailavar 173: The creators of the Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan film commemorate 'Two Kings' two decades of camaraderie with fresh promotional material," November 9, 2025.