Rajinikanth’s much-awaited Dharman, also known as Thalaivar 173, has entered its second schedule of filming. The makers announced the development on Thursday with a new video that offers another glimpse of Rajinikanth in his doctor avatar, while also showcasing director Ashwath Marimuthu working with the superstar on set.
The film, which went on floors on June 25, is being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who takes charge of his third feature after Oh My Kadavule and Dragon. Produced by Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner, Dharman has generated considerable curiosity not only because of the pairing of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, but also because of the unusual premise suggested by its first look.
The latest glimpse refers to Rajinikanth’s character as “The Deadly Doctor”, while the footage focuses on the actor bringing his trademark screen presence and swagger to the role. The makers have described the second schedule as “legendary”, adding another layer of anticipation around the project.
Rajinikanth as ‘The Deadly Doctor’
Details about the story remain tightly under wraps, although Ashwath has previously indicated that Dharman will combine the mass appeal of Rajinikanth with elements of a thriller. At the film’s launch, the filmmaker described it as a blend of Padayappa and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, suggesting a combination of Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life persona and a more grounded investigative flavour.
The medical setting has inevitably led to speculation about the nature of Rajinikanth’s character. The first look showed him in a blood-stained medical outfit, holding a scalpel, while the film’s “Deadly Doctor” tagline added to the mystery. There were also reports suggesting that the film could be an adaptation of the popular series The Good Doctor. Ashwath, however, dismissed the speculation and clarified that the reports were untrue.
The cast includes Simran as the female lead, marking her reunion with Rajinikanth after Petta. She also reunites with Kamal Haasan following their collaborations in Panchathanthiram and Pammal K Sambandam. Raashii Khanna is also part of the film, while reports have linked Mysskin and Rukmini Vasanth to the project. Their involvement, however, has not been officially confirmed.
With the story being kept under wraps, the latest schedule update is primarily designed to keep the focus on Rajinikanth’s character and the film’s visual identity.
From director changes to Ashwath Marimuthu
Dharman has had a notably eventful journey even before cameras began rolling. The project was initially announced with Sundar C as director in November last year, before he exited the film. Don filmmaker Cibi Chakravarthi was subsequently chosen to helm the project, and a first look was announced in January. However, the production did not begin as initially planned, with the proposed April schedule being pushed back.
The delay subsequently fuelled speculation that another directorial change could be on the cards. Ashwath Marimuthu’s name eventually emerged amid the reports before the makers officially confirmed him as the director.
The latest development suggests that the production is now moving ahead under Ashwath’s direction. The first schedule reportedly included Rajinikanth’s introductory song and major action portions, with filming taking place in Chennai.
On the technical front, Anirudh is composing the music, with Niketh Bommi handling cinematography and Pradeep E Ragav serving as editor. Popular action choreography duo Anbariv are also part of the team.
For Ashwath, Dharman represents a significant jump in scale after the success of Dragon. For Rajinikanth, meanwhile, the film offers another opportunity to explore a new character while retaining the mass elements that have defined his recent theatrical outings.
With the second schedule now underway, the makers appear intent on revealing Dharman in measured doses. For a film whose premise remains largely a mystery, the latest glimpse does little to answer questions about the story, but it certainly reinforces one fact: Rajinikanth’s “Deadly Doctor” is being designed to arrive with plenty of swagger.
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