The long-running mystery surrounding the director of Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated Thalaivar 173 may finally be nearing a resolution. While an official announcement is yet to arrive, recent developments have fuelled speculation that filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu is set to helm the project, which is being backed by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International.
RKFI’s birthday post sets social media abuzz
The project has witnessed multiple twists over the past year. Director Sundar C was initially announced to direct the film but later stepped away from the venture, admitting that the pressure associated with handling a Rajinikanth starrer proved overwhelming. Following his exit, Don director Cibi Chakravarthi reportedly came on board and was expected to take the project forward.
A first-look announcement generated excitement earlier this year, but the absence of further updates soon led to rumours that Cibi too had moved away from the film. As speculation intensified, Ashwath Marimuthu’s name began circulating widely across social media platforms and industry circles.
Those rumours gained further momentum after Raaj Kamal Films International released a stylish birthday video for the filmmaker. While the production house did not directly mention Thalaivar 173, fans were quick to connect the dots, interpreting the gesture as a subtle indication of a future collaboration with the superstar.
The project is currently being eyed as a major Pongal 2027 release, though neither Rajinikanth nor the production house has officially confirmed Ashwath’s involvement.
A story Rajinikanth once called “extraordinary”
Interestingly, this is not the first time Ashwath Marimuthu has been linked to a Rajinikanth project. The filmmaker had previously spoken about narrating a script to the superstar, revealing that the actor was deeply impressed by the story.
From Imagination to Inspiration
Birthday wishes to Director @Dir_Ashwath#HBDAshwathMarimuthu #AshwathMarimuthu pic.twitter.com/3qoU2gV6EV— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) June 2, 2026
“I started working on another script for Rajinikanth sir. I worked on it for a month and then narrated it to sir. He loved it. During the interval block, he even forgot to have lunch and was so keen on finishing the narration. He called my script extraordinary and appreciated the story’s villain. We even discussed casting for the villain. I almost got the opportunity to direct the film, but due to several other reasons, it didn’t materialise then. Even RKFI heard the story but couldn’t take it up. The film will happen in the future, for sure,” he had said.
The resurfacing of those comments has only strengthened the belief among fans that the script in question could eventually become Thalaivar 173.
At the same time, questions remain regarding Ashwath’s immediate commitments. The director is currently attached to STR 51, starring Silambarasan TR. The fantasy romantic comedy was announced last year with a glimpse introducing Silambarasan as the “God of Love”. While details regarding the plot and supporting cast remain under wraps, Ashwath recently revealed that the film’s title will begin with the letter “I”.
Industry observers are now keenly watching whether STR 51 will be completed before work begins on Rajinikanth’s next outing. For now, neither project has received a detailed production timeline.
Until an official announcement arrives, the birthday post remains the strongest clue yet that Ashwath Marimuthu may finally be preparing to direct the superstar in a project that has been years in the making.
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