Major Roadblock for Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's 'Thalaivar 173': Director Sundar C Steps Down

Just days after its grand announcement, the highly anticipated film uniting Kollywood titans Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan has hit an unexpected snag, as director Sundar C confirms his departure.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• Director Sundar C has officially exited the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer `Thalaivar 173`, which Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International is producing.
• Sundar C cited "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" for his difficult decision, expressing regret to fans and respect for the superstars.
• The unexpected departure, barely a week after his onboarding, has fueled widespread speculation about potential script changes, budget issues, or creative differences behind the scenes.

The Dream Collaboration Hits an Early Snag: Unpacking Sundar C's Exit from Thalaivar 173

Imagine the excitement when two of Indian cinema's biggest legends, Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, were finally set to collaborate on a new film, tentatively titled `Thalaivar 173`. Fans had waited decades for this moment, not just for the star power, but for the sheer weight of their combined legacy. The anticipation only grew when veteran director Sundar C, known for his commercial blockbusters, was officially announced to helm the project, bringing a new dynamic to this dream team.

Then, less than a week after the initial announcement, the dream hit a jarring note. On November 13, 2025, Sundar C released a statement that sent shockwaves through the industry: he was stepping down from the director's chair. This sudden turn of events has left fans buzzing, wondering what could possibly lead to such a swift change in a project of this magnitude.

A Heartfelt Departure from a "Dream Come True" Opportunity

Sundar C didn't mince words about his regret, calling `Thalaivar 173` a "dream come true" project. His official statement, initially shared by his wife, actress and politician Khushbu Sundar (though later deleted from her social media), clearly communicated his disappointment but also his deep respect for both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

"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, #Thalaivar173."

"This venture, featuring the legendary Superstar Thiru. Rajinikanth Avl and to be produced by the illustrious Ulaganayagan Thiru. Kamal Haasan Avl, was indeed a dream come true for me. 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."

— Director Sundar C (Statement, November 13, 2025)

He further apologized to fans for any disappointment, promising to continue delivering entertaining Movies. Sundar C's long-standing connection with both stars is notable; he previously directed Rajinikanth in the hit 1997 film `Arunachalam` and worked with Kamal Haasan in 2003's `Anbe Sivam`. This history only amplified the excitement for `Thalaivar 173`, making his exit even more surprising.

The Rumor Mill Swirls: What Triggered This Unexpected Exit?

With an official reason as broad as "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances," the internet, as expected, has gone into overdrive with theories. Various media reports and social media discussions point to several potential underlying issues. One prominent rumor suggests that Sundar C's script, reportedly a ghost story akin to his `Aranmanai` franchise, faced objections from Kamal Haasan. There's also speculation that Rajinikanth himself might have found the script not up to expectations, leading to a rejection.

Another theory floating around involves significant script corrections demanded by Kamal Haasan, which might have led to creative differences. Some reports even hint that the stalwarts might not have been keen on Sundar C's choice of technicians for the project. Furthermore, logistical challenges such as managing dates or budget constraints, and the pace at which the film was expected to be completed, have been mentioned as possible contributing factors. While these discussions offer plausible scenarios, it's crucial to remember that these are unconfirmed rumors, and studios rarely disclose the intricate internal workings of their productions. The truth behind the scenes often remains shrouded in mystery.

A Pattern of Production Headaches for Raaj Kamal Films International?

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Kamal Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, has faced such significant hurdles on a high-profile project. Earlier, his action movie `Thug Life` reportedly saw multiple actors, including Dulquer Salmaan, Jayam Ravi, and Gautham Karthik, stepping away after initially agreeing to join. This previous instance of talent shuffling has led some to draw parallels, suggesting a potential pattern of operational challenges within the production banner.

However, it's also important to acknowledge that each film project is a complex entity with its own unique set of circumstances. While `Thug Life` and `Thalaivar 173` both saw changes in key personnel, the specific reasons for those changes could be vastly different. Attributing a blanket "production headache" without detailed information might overlook the distinct creative or logistical issues that could arise in any large-scale film production. These projects often involve immense pressure, multiple stakeholders, and intricate scheduling, making them susceptible to unforeseen complications.

Who Will Step Up? The Search for a New Director Begins

The departure of Sundar C leaves `Thalaivar 173` without a captain, throwing the project's timeline into uncertainty. Interestingly, Sundar C wasn't the first director rumored for the film. Initial reports suggested that Lokesh Kanagaraj, fresh off his success, might direct, but that plan reportedly shifted after the performance of Rajinikanth's `Coolie`. There were also brief mentions of Nelson Dilip Kumar being in the running, but that too didn't materialize, underscoring the challenge of finding the right fit for such a monumental collaboration.

Now, with Sundar C out, the buzz has shifted to other prominent names. Fans are eagerly discussing potential replacements, with Karthik Subbaraj's name frequently popping up. He previously directed Rajinikanth in `Petta`, a film that, while not an instant blockbuster, is widely regarded as a strong "fan feast" and has aged well among the superstar's admirers. Other names like Venkat Prabhu and even Mani Ratnam are being floated around, given their proven track records and ability to handle star-studded projects. Raaj Kamal Films International is currently maintaining silence, leaving the industry and fans to await an official announcement on who will finally take the reins.

Example: The Fan Perspective on the News

Just last night, my friend Priya, a die-hard Rajini fan, messaged our WhatsApp group, "Dude, did you see the news about `Thalaivar 173`? Sundar C just left!" Our chat immediately exploded. Karthik from Bengaluru chimed in, "Again? First Lokesh, now Sundar C. What's going on? They HAVE to get Karthik Subbaraj back, `Petta` was epic!" Maya from Chennai added, "I just hope this doesn't delay the Pongal 2027 release. This is the Rajini-Kamal film we've been waiting for!" The flurry of emojis and theories perfectly captured the mixed emotions of disappointment and fervent hope that this project still gets off the ground.

What Happens Next for `Thalaivar 173`?

The core promise of `Thalaivar 173` — Rajinikanth starring, Kamal Haasan producing, and the potential for a cinematic reunion decades in the making — remains incredibly strong. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan last shared the screen in `Thillu Mullu` (1981) in Tamil and `Geraftaar` (1985) in Hindi, making this behind-the-scenes collaboration a historic event. However, Sundar C's exit undoubtedly adds a significant layer of complexity and uncertainty.

For now, the project's original target release for Pongal 2027 seems ambitious given the current directorial vacancy. Sundar C, for his part, is busy with other commitments, including filming `Mookuthi Amman 2` and having appeared in films like `Vallan` and `Gangers` in 2025. The focus now shifts squarely to Raaj Kamal Films International to make a swift and definitive announcement about the new director, hopefully steering `Thalaivar 173` back on course and fulfilling the massive expectations of moviegoers.

Frequently Asked Questions About `Thalaivar 173`

Q. What is the official status of Sundar C's involvement with `Thalaivar 173`?

A. Director Sundar C has officially announced his departure from the project due to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances," just days after his initial announcement as director.

Q. Will Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan still work together on this film?

A. Yes, Rajinikanth is still slated to star in `Thalaivar 173`, with Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International producing. The collaboration remains, though a new director is being sought.

Q. When was `Thalaivar 173` originally scheduled to release?

A. The film was initially announced with a target release date of Pongal 2027.

Q. What are some of the rumored reasons for Sundar C's exit?

A. Speculations include creative differences over the script (possibly a ghost story rejected by the stars), significant corrections demanded by Kamal Haasan, budget issues, scheduling conflicts, or disagreements over technician choices. However, these remain unconfirmed rumors.

Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Stay Tuned for Official Updates: The current situation is fluid. Rely on official announcements from Raaj Kamal Films International or the stars themselves, rather than just rumors.
• Expect Potential Delays: Finding a suitable director for a project of this scale and star power takes time. The Pongal 2027 release date might shift.
• Keep the Faith: Despite the setback, the core idea of Rajinikanth starring and Kamal Haasan producing remains intact. The project's immense potential isn't diminished by a directorial change.
• Engage Respectfully: While speculation is natural, remember that complex situations often lead to such changes. Respect the creative process and the decisions made by the filmmakers.

Sources:

• Onmanorama Staff, "Director Sundar leaves Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan project ‘Thalaivar 173’," Onmanorama, November 13, 2025.
• Santanu Das, "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan's film faces a major roadblock, director Sundar C drops out of project days after announcement," Hindustan Times, November 13, 2025.
• Kumar, "Director Exits Superstar’s Project Days After Announcement," M9 News, November 13, 2025.
• Akhil, "Directors Leaving Star Heroes: Is He Next Option?," M9 News, November 14, 2025.
• / 03:01 pm on Thursday, "Sundar C steps down as director of Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan film," inshorts, November 13, 2025.
• Cinema Express Desk, "Sundar C stepping down from Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173?," Cinema Express, November 13, 2025.
• Shanaz B Syed, "Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan Project Suffers Unexpected Major Twist," iDreamPost, November 13, 2025.
• Updated : Nov 13, 2025, "Sundar C drops out from Rajinikanth's next," TORI, November 13, 2025.
• Anusha Sundar, "Thalaivar 173: Sundar C exit out of Rajinikanth film fueled by these reasons? Here’s what we know," OTTplay, November 14, 2025.
• India Today Entertainment Desk, "Director Sundar C exits Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan," India Today, November 13, 2025.