Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173 locks director Cibi Chakravarti, Pongal 2027 release confirmed

• What happened: Cibi Chakravarti has been officially appointed director of Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan.

• Why it matters now: The announcement ends months of uncertainty after the earlier director exited, putting the high-profile project back on track.

• What changes for people: Fans now have clarity on the film’s creative leadership, music, and release window.

• Who is affected: Rajinikanth fans, the Tamil film industry, distributors, and Pongal box-office stakeholders.

Superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited next film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, has formally moved into a new phase with the appointment of Cibi Chakravarti as director. The film is backed by Kamal Haasan, features music by Anirudh Ravichander, and is slated for a Pongal 2027 release, the makers confirmed on January 3.

The announcement brings closure to speculation around the project’s leadership after earlier delays stalled its progress.

Official announcement by the makers

The production team revealed the update through an official poster and social media announcement. The visual featured tailoring tools arranged in a star motif, alongside credits confirming Cibi Chakravarti as director and Anirudh Ravichander as composer.

The poster also reaffirmed the Pongal 2027 release window, traditionally one of the biggest periods for Tamil cinema.

Kamal Haasan shared the announcement with a short montage and captioned it, “Celebrations begin,” signalling the producer’s confidence in the new creative setup.

Why the director change matters

The project had earlier hit a roadblock after Sundar C exited due to creative differences, leaving the film’s future uncertain. His departure reportedly slowed development and delayed pre-production.

With Cibi Chakravarti, known for the 2022 hit Don, stepping in, the producers believe the film now has a clear creative direction capable of handling a star of Rajinikanth’s stature.

Industry observers say locking the director and release window is a crucial step in restoring momentum to a film of this scale.

Big expectations, bigger stakes

Pongal releases often define the early-year box office in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets. A Rajinikanth film during this festive window typically draws massive theatrical footfall, making Thalaivar 173 a key title for exhibitors and distributors.

The combination of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan as producer, and Anirudh’s music has further raised expectations.

Rajinikanth’s current lineup

On the professional front, Rajinikanth was last seen in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, which emerged as a blockbuster. He is currently filming Jailer 2, the sequel to his 2023 hit, alongside preparations expected to begin for Thalaivar 173 once pre-production is completed.

What to watch next

• When principal photography officially begins

• Casting announcements for key supporting roles

• Whether the film targets a large-scale theatrical rollout for Pongal 2027