Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
Credit: RKFI
A massive controversy hit the Kollywood industry after Khushboo Sundar confirmed via social media that her husband and director, Sundar C, has exited the highly anticipated Thalaivar 173—the prestigious project uniting superstars Rajinikanth and producer Kamal Haasan.
This surprising departure happened just days after Raaj Kamal Film International (RKFI) had proudly announced their next film with superstar Rajinikanth on November 9. In his statement, Sundar said that he had to quit the film due to “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.” Reacting to this news, producer Kamal Haasan said that the show will go on, and he’s on the hunt for the right script. He spoke to the media on his return from New Delhi. He added there is even a possibility of a youngster being picked as the director, and talking about the type of script the team is looking for, the actor said, “Expect the unexpected.” These are the top directorial names currently circulating in Kollywood circles as potential candidates for Thalaivar 173.
K S Ravikumar
Reports suggest high-stakes discussions are currently underway between KS Ravikumar and producer Kamal Haasan regarding the legendary filmmaker taking the director's chair for the coveted Thalaivar 173.
Dhanush
Kamal Haasan is scouting for directors, and Dhanush is one of the strong contenders. The multi-talented actor and director has responded positively and has already submitted 2-3 promising scripts. Despite advanced creative negotiations, the project’s final approval rests on Rajinikanth accepting his former son-in-law as the director.
Venkat Prabhu
Having proven his box-office mettle with films like Maanadu and GOAT, filmmaker Venkat Prabhu has emerged as a serious contender.
AR Murugadoss
AR Murugadoss' name is being seriously considered despite delivering flops like Sikandar and Madharaasi.
S Shankar
Director Shankar, a filmmaker synonymous with grand-scale hits, is widely viewed as one of the top contenders to join this massive Rajinikanth collaboration.
Karthick Naren
Credit: Facebook/@karthicknarenfilms
Karthick Naren is being seriously weighed as a directorial option, project sources confirm. The director has expressed his skills and versatility through films such as the acclaimed Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016), Mafia: Chapter 1 (2020), Maaran (2022) and Nirangal Moondru (2024).
Siruthai Shiva
With a proven track record of generating numerous blockbusters in Kollywood, Siruthai Siva is also among the top contenders. He is seen as a highly suitable and perfect choice to direct the prestigious Rajinikanth venture.
Rajesh M. Selva
As a close and highly reliable associate, Rajesh M. Selva is also in the race and has successfully delivered two films for the Raaj Kamal Film International (RKFI) banner. His insider status makes him a strong candidate, and he is also under active consideration to direct the Rajinikanth project.