The much-anticipated project starring superstar Rajinikanth, tentatively titled 'Thalaivar 173' and backed by Kamal Haasan, has finally found its captain. The makers have officially announced that filmmaker Cibi Chakravarti will be directing this major cinematic venture.
Official Announcement Ends Speculation
On January 3rd, the production team took to their official social media handles to make the big reveal. They shared a creatively designed poster featuring five ornate scissors forming a star, with a needle, threads, and cloth in the background. The caption, "Every HERO has a FAMILY," accompanied the visual. The poster itself confirmed two key names: Cibi Chakravarti as the director and Anirudh Ravichander as the music composer.
Kamal Haasan, the film's presenter, amplified the announcement by sharing the poster along with a video montage on his own social media. He heralded the beginning of the project's journey with the caption, "Celebrations begin."
Pongal 2027: The Grand Release Window
In a significant move, the makers have locked a prestigious release window for the film. 'Thalaivar 173' is scheduled to hit the theatres during the Pongal festival in 2027. This period is traditionally a prime slot for major Tamil film releases, indicating the high confidence the team has in the project's scale and appeal.
Cibi Chakravarti, who will be steering this ship, is best known for directing the 2022 film 'Don', starring Sivakarthikeyan. His selection comes after the project faced an earlier hurdle. The film was initially slated to be directed by Sundar C, known for the 'Aranmanai' series. However, Sundar C stepped away from the project reportedly due to creative differences, causing delays and casting uncertainty over its future.
A New Vision for a Superstar Vehicle
The departure of the original director had slowed progress, but the producers have expressed strong faith in Cibi Chakravarti's vision. They believe he possesses the capability to helm a film featuring a legend like Rajinikanth and to meet the enormous expectations that accompany such a star-powered project.
On the work front, Rajinikanth is currently riding high on the success of his last release, Lokesh Kanagaraj's blockbuster 'Coolie'. The superstar is presently busy shooting for its much-awaited sequel, 'Jailer 2'. The announcement of 'Thalaivar 173' sets the stage for another colossal entry in his filmography, now with a clear director and a target release date.
