'Thalaivar 173': Director Cibi Chakravarthi exits Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth film: Report

Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan's Thalaivar 173 seems to be facing another hurdle.

Sources close to the project told DH Online that director Cibi Chakravarthi has reportedly exited the highly anticipated project.

If the reports are true, this will be second directorial exit from the project. Previously, Sundar C has stepped down as the director.

Kamal Haasan had confirmed the exit.

After Sundar's departure, Cibi Chakravarthi, known for Don, took over the project.

The film is currently under pre-production with shooting reportedly set to commence in April.

Sources suggest that now Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Tamil film Dragon, is in talks to take over the director's seat.

However, an official confirmation is still awaited on Cibi's exit and Ashwath Marimuthu's involvement in the project.

Thalaivar 173, which is reportedly eyeing a Pongal 2027 release date, is an action-entertainer produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI).

Reports also suggest that this will be Rajinikanth's high-budget entertainer with a unique theme. It will go into production once Rajinikanth has finished shooting for Jailer 2.

While fans are eagerly waiting for Rajinikanth's next, only time will tell how these changes will affect the future of the project.