The celebration of Pongal 2026 brought a special gift for the millions of fans of Superstar Rajinikanth. In a tradition that has spanned decades, the actor stepped out of his Poes Garden residence in Chennai to greet the massive crowd gathered outside. However, this year’s greeting came with an extra dose of excitement: an official update on his highly anticipated 173rd film.

Confirmed to be a "proper commercial entertainer," Thalaivar 173 is set to be one of the most significant cinematic events of the decade, reuniting two pillars of Indian cinema in a unique producer-actor collaboration.

Filming to Kick Off in April 2026

Addressing the media and fans during the harvest festival, Rajinikanth put an end to months of speculation regarding the production timeline of his next venture. He officially announced that the cameras would begin rolling for the project in April 2026.

While the Superstar is currently busy with the final legs of his other commitments, including the much-hyped Jailer 2, he expressed his readiness to dive into this new script. The film is being designed as a high-octane commercial treat, promising to bring back the "vintage Rajini" style—characterized by his signature charisma, wit, and mass appeal.

A Historic Collaboration: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan

What makes Thalaivar 173 truly monumental is the powerhouse team behind it. The film is produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), marking a historic professional reunion between the two legends after several years.

This collaboration celebrates over five decades of friendship between the "Ulaganayagan" and the "Superstar." While Kamal Haasan takes the producer's chair for this project, the partnership has sparked immense curiosity about whether the two will share screen space, even if only for a brief cameo.

Cibi Chakravarthy Takes the Helm

The journey to finding a director for this magnum opus has seen a significant twist. Originally, the film was to be helmed by veteran director Sundar C. However, due to creative differences and "unforeseen circumstances," Sundar C stepped away from the project late last year.

In his place, the makers have brought on board Cibi Chakravarthy, the young and dynamic filmmaker who delivered the blockbuster Don.

• Fresh Vision: Cibi, an ardent fan of the Superstar, is expected to bring a modern flair to the classic commercial format.

• Music by Anirudh: The project will feature a soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fifth collaboration with Rajinikanth and ensuring a chart-buster musical experience.

A Message for the Farmers

Amidst the film updates, Rajinikanth remained grounded in the spirit of the festival. He took a moment to honor the agricultural community, stating that farmers are the backbone of the country. He emphasized that the prosperity of the nation is directly tied to the happiness of its farmers, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the Pongal crowd.
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