Two titans of Indian cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, are officially joining forces for 'Thalaivar 173' with a surprising director at the helm, sparking a flurry of online reactions.
- Superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan confirm their reunion for #Thalaivar173, marking a historic collaboration after decades.
- Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International will produce the film, with Sundar C taking on directing duties.
- The highly anticipated movie is slated for a Pongal 2027 theatrical release, but the director choice has garnered mixed reactions among fans.
Imagine the collective gasp across the internet when the news broke: two of Indian cinema's biggest legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, are finally reuniting for a new film. This isn't just a movie; it's a monumental event, a celebration of five decades of friendship and cinematic prowess. But amidst the overwhelming excitement for their comeback, one detail has truly set social media ablaze: the choice of director, Sundar C.
Kamal Haasan himself made the official announcement on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, taking to his social media to share the exciting details. He posted pictures with Rajinikanth, accompanied by a heartfelt, handwritten note. This project, tentatively titled #Thalaivar173, will be Rajinikanth’s 173rd film, produced by Kamal Haasan’s renowned Raaj Kamal Films International. The film is aiming for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027, with Red Giant Movies handling distribution.
“Like wind, like rain, like river. Let's shower, let's enjoy, let's live! Superstar Rajinikanth will star in the movie directed by Sundar C and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International #Thalaivar173 #Pongal2027.”
— Kamal Haasan on X (formerly Twitter)The note further underscored the profound bond shared by these two luminaries, stating, "The landmark collaboration not only unites two towering forces of Indian cinema but also celebrates five decades of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – a bond that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike." This project also commemorates 44 years of Raaj Kamal Films International, adding another layer of significance.
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The Internet's Divided Response to This Epic Cinematic Reunion
The news, as expected, sent fans into a frenzy. Khushbu Sundar, actor-politician and wife of director Sundar C, expressed her elation, writing, "My Heroes in one frame!!! Excitement beyond words!!" Many fans echoed this sentiment, celebrating the enduring "Rajinikanth - Kamal combo" and their incredible journey since the 1970s. Source: Hindustan Times, "Rajinikanth's film with Kamal Haasan officially announced; choice of director leaves internet split. Know all about it", Nov 05, 2025.
However, not everyone was on the same page, particularly concerning the director. Before the official announcement, names like Lokesh Kanagaraj (known for 'Coolie') and Nelson Dilipkumar (director of 'Jailer') were heavily speculated. The reveal of Sundar C, while certainly a veteran, caught many off guard. One fan's comment perfectly encapsulated the sentiment: "The unity I wished for. Not the director I asked for." Source: Republic World, "Confirmed: Not Lokesh Kanagaraj Or Nelson Dilipkumar, This Filmmaker Will Direct Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Starrer", Nov 05, 2025.
Yet, for some, Sundar C's involvement brought a different kind of relief. There was a sense of satisfaction that the film might steer clear of the currently popular gangster genre. "What a relief, that it is not going to be another run-of-the-mill gangster film! Three cheers to Rajini, Kamal and Sundar C! Waiting for Pongal 2027!" exclaimed a hopeful fan. This diversity of opinion highlights the sheer anticipation surrounding anything involving these two legends.
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Decades in the Making: A Friendship Forged in Film
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's journey together dates back almost five decades. They shared screen space in over 21 films, establishing a powerful on-screen chemistry long before becoming the individual superstars we know today. Their collaborations in the 1970s were legendary, showcasing their versatile talents in diverse roles.
Films like 'Anthuleni Katha' (1976), 'Ninaithale Inikkum' (1979), 'Pathinaru Vayathinile' (1977), 'Uruvangal Maralam' (1983), 'Aval Appadithaan' (1978), and 'Thayillamal Nannilai' (1979) are just a few examples of their shared cinematic history. Source: News24, "Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan reunite after 46 years: A look at their other iconic films", Nov 06, 2025. This extensive shared past makes their official reunion not just a fresh project, but a nostalgic trip down memory lane for generations of fans.
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The Director's Chair: Why Sundar C's Choice is a Bold Move
The surprise over Sundar C's appointment stems from a few factors. While he is an experienced filmmaker known for hits like 'Aranmanai', 'Madha Gaja Raja', and 'Giri', his more recent films have primarily resonated with the Tamil Nadu audience, as noted by industry observers. Rajinikanth’s films, particularly at this stage of his career, are often expected to have pan-India and global appeal, leveraging his massive fan base across various languages and regions.
This situation presents a 'big gamble' for Rajinikanth. He has, in the past, taken risks with directors whose market reach was perceived as limited, such as Siva for 'Annaatthe' and his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth for 'Lal Salaam'. These collaborations, while noteworthy, experienced limited success compared to his other blockbusters. Source: Greatandhra, "Big Gamble by Rajinikanth", Nov 06, 2025.
However, this perspective has its counterpoints. Firstly, Kamal Haasan, a filmmaker and creative visionary himself, is producing the film and is reportedly "convinced of the script." His discerning eye for storytelling and quality cinema might suggest that Sundar C has something truly special in store. Secondly, Sundar C and Rajinikanth have a successful history together, having delivered the blockbuster 'Arunachalam' decades ago. This demonstrates that when they collaborate, they can certainly create magic that transcends expectations.
Consider this example: Imagine you're a seasoned chef known for exquisite fine dining, but your latest restaurant venture introduces a chef known primarily for popular, comforting street food. The initial reaction from critics might be surprise, even skepticism. But if the veteran chef (Kamal Haasan) has tasted the new menu (the script) and is fully on board, it suggests an innovative blend, a unique culinary experience that could surprise everyone. This is the intriguing challenge now facing Sundar C—to take his established style and craft a universal blockbuster that appeals to the global fanbase of both legends.
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What the Superstars Have Been Up To Lately
Both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have been incredibly active, keeping their respective fanbases engaged with a string of high-profile projects.
Rajinikanth recently starred in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ensemble project, 'Coolie'. This film was a massive success, achieving box office earnings exceeding Rs 500 crore worldwide and ranking as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. Source: India Today, "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan unite for Thalaivar 173, eye Pongal 2027 release", Nov 05, 2025. He is currently filming the sequel to his 2023 blockbuster, 'Jailer'. Titled 'Jailer 2' and directed by Nelson, Rajinikanth will reprise his iconic role as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. The film is set to feature a star-studded cast including Shiva Rajkumar, Mohanlal (in cameo appearances), Nandamuri Balakrishna, and veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty.
Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s 'Thug Life' and is currently shooting for another yet-to-be-announced project. His involvement not just as a co-star but also as the producer through Raaj Kamal Films International signals a deep commitment to #Thalaivar173, making it a passion project for him.
This reunion is more than just a film; it's a testament to an enduring friendship, a strategic move in a dynamic industry, and a potential treat for cinema lovers worldwide. The coming months are sure to bring more updates, and the anticipation will only continue to build as Pongal 2027 approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's #Thalaivar173
- Hindustan Times: "Rajinikanth's film with Kamal Haasan officially announced; choice of director leaves internet split. Know all about it" (hindustantimes.com)
- India Today: "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan unite for Thalaivar 173, eye Pongal 2027 release" (indiatoday.in)
- Devdiscourse News Desk: "Cinematic Giants Unite for '#Thalaivar173'" (devdiscourse.com)
- News18: "Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan Reunite After 50 Years For #Thalaivar173 With A Heartfelt Note; EXPLAINED" (news18.com)
- Zoom TV Digital: "Today's Leading Entertainment Headlines: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan Collaborate" (zoomtventertainment.com)
- Adgully Bureau: "Rajinikanth stars in Thalaivar173, presented by Kamal Haasan’s Raajkamal films" (adgully.com)
- Republic World: "Confirmed: Not Lokesh Kanagaraj Or Nelson Dilipkumar, This Filmmaker Will Direct Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan Starrer" (republicworld.com)
- News24: "Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan reunite after 46 years: A look at their other iconic films" (news24online.com)
- IANS: "Kamal Haasan's production house to produce Rajinikanth's #Thalaivar173" (ians.in)
- Greatandhra: "Big Gamble by Rajinikanth" (greatandhra.com)
- Mark Your Calendars: Pongal 2027 is the target, so get ready for a festive cinematic treat.
- Expect the Unexpected: With Sundar C at the helm, this reunion might offer a different flavor than recent blockbusters, potentially moving beyond common genres.
- Stay Tuned for Updates: Details about the wider cast, crew, and plot are sure to drop as production gets underway.
- Celebrate the Friendship: More than just a film, this project is a beautiful tribute to an iconic, five-decade-long brotherhood in Indian cinema.