Rajinikanth with Kamal Haasan and Sundar C.
Credit: Raaj Kamal Films International
Less than 24 hours after the announcement of Superstar Rajinikanth's next film #Thalaivar173, social media and industry circles are already buzzing with intense speculation and theories. The announcement gained extra attention because it followed the anticipation that Rajinikanth and his contemporary, Kamal Haasan, would finally collaborate on a project.
While the two did unite, Ulaganayagan stepped in as the producer, not the co-star. This production talk had been circulating for over a year, with Kamal Haasan himself confirming to Deccan Herald back in May 2023.
He said, “Yes, we’ve spoken about it, and you’ll get to know soon.” (sic) While the official confirmation took about 18 months, insiders claim the pre-production is moving at a rapid pace under the supervision of Sundar C. The movie will be one of the quickest productions in Rajinikanth's career, and it is said that the filming will happen in just a 90-day window.
While fans anticipated an announcement about the Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan film, that project has been deferred, raising speculation that it might be Rajini’s final film of his illustrious acting career.
Post-Jailer, Rajinikanth was keen to star in a light-hearted comedy, seeking a break from the market's high-violence and intense action dramas. After reviewing several potential scripts, he was most impressed by and chose to proceed with the story narrated by Sundar C.
Though fans predict a horror flick, insiders confirm the movie's genre is comedy, describing it as a light and effortless watch filled with Thalaivar swag.
How did it all start?
It all started after the success of Vikram (2022). Kamal Haasan was eager to work with Rajinikanth, and the two industry veterans often discussed possible collaborations. However, aligning their schedules and visions proved difficult.
Kamal then came up with the idea of producing a film with Rajini with Lokesh Kanagaraj at the helm.
Lokesh Kanagaraj out, Nelson Dilipkumar in
Unfortunately, after the Coolie debacle, Lokesh Kanagaraj's project failed to take off and was put on the back burner.
Insiders reveal that Nelson Dilipkumar joined the project a couple of months ago. While filming Jailer 2, Rajinikanth heard a new script from Nelson and took it to Kamal Haasan.
Kamal Haasan's agreement sets the project in motion
After suggesting some necessary changes and improvisations, Kamal approved the project. The film is currently in its nascent stage, with story development expected to take a few more months.
The tentative plan is for the project to begin filming around June/July 2026.
A quick collaboration by RKFI
In the interim, Rajinikanth has signed a quick, 90-day film with Sundar C. Meanwhile, Kamal will clear his current commitments before they both join the sets for what is being called Rajinikanth's "last showdown."
Why Kamal Haasan has chosen to produce this film
Before Vikram, Kamal Haasan's salary was substantially lower than Superstar Rajinikanth, who commanded over Rs 100+ crores (Kamal earned less than 40% of that).
Vikram's success closed the financial gap, nearly equalising their remuneration. Kamal Haasan's movie for producing Rajinikanth's film is specifically to ensure both legends receive equal pay for this highly anticipated film.
Kamal Haasan has signed a two-film contract with Rajinikanth, covering both #Thalaivar173 and #Thalaivar174. Rajinikanth's daughter is also expected to join the project as a co-producer for #Thalaivar174.
Insiders suggest that the remuneration package for these films will set an unprecedented benchmark that will be extremely difficult for any other actor in Indian cinema to surpass.