Dhanush – Superstar Rajinikanth: The Ultimate Combo Loading!

November 17, 2025 Published by Natarajan Karuppiah

In a twist that’s sending shockwaves through Kollywood, versatile actor-director Dhanush is reportedly in advanced discussions to take the director’s chair for Superstar Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated 173rd film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173. The project, backed by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), promises to be a powerhouse of Tamil cinema’s legacy talents—if the stars align.

The speculation ignited after director Sundar C abruptly stepped away from the film earlier this week, citing “unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances.” Industry insiders whisper of creative differences behind the exit, leaving the high-stakes production in search of fresh vision. Enter Dhanush: the 42-year-old powerhouse, fresh off directing and starring in the critically acclaimed Idli Kadai, is emerging as the frontrunner. With prior directorial triumphs like Pa Paandi (2017), Raayan (2024), and Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (2025), Dhanush’s blend of raw realism and emotional depth could infuse Rajinikanth’s mass-appeal charisma with something truly groundbreaking.

What makes this potential pairing even more electric? Dhanush’s personal history with Rajinikanth, his former father-in-law. The duo shares a bond forged over two decades—Dhanush was married to Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya until their amicable divorce in 2024—though they’ve never collaborated on-screen in this director-actor dynamic. Fans are already dubbing it a “fanboy sambhavam,” imagining the synergy of Rajinikanth’s timeless superstardom and Dhanush’s nuanced storytelling.

Kamal Haasan, the multifaceted producer behind RKFI, addressed the directorial shake-up at a recent event, emphasizing his commitment to finding the “right script” that suits the 74-year-old icon. “Until my star is satisfied, we’ll keep scouting,” Haasan quipped, hinting at openness to a “youngster” like Dhanush. The film, distributed by Red Giant Movies, is eyeing a 2026 start post-Rajinikanth’s commitments to Jailer 2, with a Pongal 2027 release in the works. Whispers suggest it could reunite Haasan and Rajinikanth on-screen for the first time since Thillu Mullu (1981), adding layers of nostalgia.

Of course, Dhanush’s packed slate— including his Bollywood venture Tere Ishk Mein with Kriti Sanon, releasing November 28—might complicate timelines. But if talks seal the deal, Thalaivar 173 could redefine collaborations in South Indian cinema, merging three titans: Rajinikanth’s gravitas, Dhanush’s innovation, and RKFI’s ambitious ethos.For now, the industry holds its breath. Official word from the camps could drop any day, but one thing’s clear: Kollywood’s rumor mill is on fire, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. Stay tuned—this could be the blockbuster born from the buzz.