Sudden Twist for Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan's Thalaivar 173

In a shocking turn, director Sundar C has stepped away from the highly anticipated Thalaivar 173, leaving fans buzzing and the project searching for a new helmer just days after its grand announcement.

TL;DR

• Director Sundar C announced his departure from Thalaivar 173, the upcoming film starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan.
• He cited "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" for leaving what he called a "dream come true" project.
• The surprise exit, just days after the official announcement, has ignited fan speculation about script, budget, and creative differences.

Imagine getting the dream gig: directing none other than Superstar Rajinikanth, with Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan producing. That's exactly where Sundar C found himself a mere week ago, attached to the highly anticipated project, Thalaivar 173. Now, just days later, the dream has taken an unexpected detour.

The film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, promised a massive collaboration, bringing together two giants of Indian cinema: Rajinikanth as the lead and Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International backing it. The initial announcement on November 5, 2025, sent waves of excitement through Kollywood and among fans globally. Source: [India Today, "Director Sundar C exits Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan," November 13, 2025].

However, the celebratory mood quickly shifted. On November 13, 2025, director Sundar C issued a statement announcing his "difficult decision" to step back from the project. He attributed his departure to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances," leaving many to wonder what transpired behind the scenes so rapidly. Source: [Onmanorama, "Director Sundar leaves Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan project ‘Thalaivar 173’," November 13, 2025].

Navigating a Dream Derailed: Sundar C's Heartfelt Statement

Sundar C's statement, shared initially on social media by his wife, actress and politician Khushbu Sundar (and later deleted), was laced with a mix of regret and respect. He described Thalaivar 173 as "indeed a dream come true" and spoke highly of his association with 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... In life, there are moments when we must follow the path laid out for us, even if it diverges from our dreams." — Sundar C (Official Statement, November 13, 2025)

He expressed his deep regard for the superstars, stating he would "always hold them in the highest regard" and would "continue to seek their inspiration and wisdom." Despite stepping away, he thanked them for considering him for the "magnum opus" and offered sincere apologies to disappointed fans, promising to keep "bringing you entertainment that keeps your spirits high."

The Enduring Legacy and Shared History of the Stalwarts

This project wasn't just another film; it represented a significant reunion. Sundar C had previously directed Rajinikanth in the 1997 hit Arunachalam, a successful collaboration that fans hoped to see rekindled after 28 years. He also worked with Kamal Haasan on the critically acclaimed Anbe Sivam in 2003.

The idea of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan collaborating on a project, even with Kamal primarily producing, carries immense weight. The two legends last shared screen space as actors in Thillu Mullu (1981) in Tamil and Geraftaar (1985) in Hindi. Thalaivar 173 was initially slated for a Pongal 2027 release, a timeline that now feels uncertain without a director at the helm.

Behind the Curtain: Unpacking the Speculation Surrounding the Exit

Whenever a director exits a high-profile project, especially one featuring such colossal names, speculation runs wild. Sundar C's official statement, while polite, offered little concrete detail, prompting a flurry of theories across social media and media reports.

One common line of thought points to potential creative differences. Rumors suggest that either Rajinikanth wasn't entirely satisfied with Sundar C's script, or that producer Kamal Haasan had too many corrections, perhaps objecting to a ghost story concept unlike Sundar C's Aranmanai franchise. Source: [OTTplay, "Thalaivar 173: Sundar C exit out of Rajinikanth film fueled by these reasons? Here’s what we know," November 14, 2025].

Example: Imagine a situation where a director is passionate about a unique script, perhaps a dark thriller, but the star and producer envision a more commercially safe, family-friendly entertainer. This difference in artistic vision, while common in filmmaking, can create an unresolvable impasse, leading to an amicable parting of ways to avoid creative compromises that satisfy no one.

Other speculations hint at more logistical hurdles, such as budget constraints or Sundar C's inability to manage the demanding dates and pace required for a superstar film. There's even a more intriguing rumor that Sundar C released his exit statement without the prior knowledge of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, suggesting a breakdown in communication.

It's important to remember that these are largely unconfirmed reports and speculation. The only official word remains "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances." However, Kamal Haasan's production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, has faced similar roadblocks recently. Their action movie Thug Life saw multiple actors like Dulquer Salmaan and Jayam Ravi reportedly exit the project earlier, indicating that Thalaivar 173 isn't an isolated incident for the banner.

The Director Hunt Begins Anew: Who Will Take the Helm?

This isn't the first time Thalaivar 173 (or the broader idea of a Rajini-Kamal collaboration) has seen a director shuffle. Earlier, Lokesh Kanagaraj was reportedly in talks but moved on after the performance of Coolie. Nelson Dilip Kumar's name also briefly surfaced before Sundar C was officially announced.

Now, with Sundar C out, the hunt is on once more. Fans are already actively suggesting names. A popular choice making the rounds is Karthik Subbaraj, who previously delivered the "fan feast" film Petta for Rajinikanth. That movie, while not an instant blockbuster, "aged well" and is still cherished by fans. Source: [M9 News, "Directors Leaving Star Heroes: Is He Next Option?," November 14, 2025].

Subbaraj has a reputation for meeting timelines, which could be appealing to the producers looking to keep the Pongal 2027 target. However, he also has a tendency for budgets to go "overboard at times," presenting a potential trade-off between creative vision and financial discipline. Other prominent directors like Venkat Prabhu and even Mani Ratnam are also being tossed around by fans as potential candidates.

As of now, there's been no official acknowledgment or statement from either Rajinikanth or Kamal Haasan's camps regarding Sundar C's exit or the search for a new director. Meanwhile, Sundar C remains busy with his own projects, including acting in Vallan and Gangers (2025), filming One 2 One as an actor, and directing Mookuthi Amman 2.

Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Keep an eye out for official updates: The silence from the Thalaivar 173 team suggests they are working diligently behind the scenes.
• Don't read too much into rumors: While fun to discuss, the speculated reasons for Sundar C's exit remain unconfirmed.
• Expect a fresh creative direction: With a new director, Thalaivar 173 could take on a completely different shape.
• The Rajini-Kamal magic endures: Despite this hiccup, the excitement for a collaboration between these titans remains sky-high.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thalaivar 173 Q. What is Thalaivar 173? A. Thalaivar 173 is the tentative title for an upcoming Tamil film starring Superstar Rajinikanth, produced by Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner. Q. Why did Sundar C leave the project? A. Director Sundar C officially stated he left due to "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances." Unofficial reports and fan theories suggest creative differences over the script, budget issues, or communication breakdowns. Q. When was Thalaivar 173 expected to release? A. The film was initially slated for a Pongal 2027 theatrical release. The status of this date is now uncertain given the change in direction. Q. Will Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan share screen space in Thalaivar 173? A. The current reports indicate Rajinikanth is starring and Kamal Haasan is producing. There has been no official word on whether Kamal Haasan will also appear as an actor in the film. Sources

• India Today, "Director Sundar C exits Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan," November 13, 2025.
• Onmanorama, "Director Sundar leaves Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan project ‘Thalaivar 173’," November 13, 2025.
• OTTplay, "Thalaivar 173: Sundar C exit out of Rajinikanth film fueled by these reasons? Here’s what we know," November 14, 2025.
• M9 News, "Directors Leaving Star Heroes: Is He Next Option?," November 14, 2025.