Rajini to act in Kamal’s film; set for ’27 Pongal release

CHENNAI: In a moment that thrilled fans of Tamil cinema, Kamal Haasan on Wednesday confirmed that he would produce Rajinikanth’s next venture, his 173rd film, under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner. The film will be directed by Sundar C and is scheduled to hit theatres during Pongal 2027.

The announcement on ‘Thalaivar 173’, made just days ahead of Kamal Haasan’s birthday on November 7, brought an end to the speculation surrounding the project’s creative team. It also signalled the coming together of two titans of the Tamil film industry.

Raaj Kamal Films described the collaboration as a celebration of “five decades of friendship and brotherhood” between Kamal and Rajinikanth - two icons whose careers have defined generations of Tamil cinema. Their partnership, the statement noted, continues to inspire both artists and audiences alike.

Taking to X, Kamal penned a Tamil poem, which when loosely translated says, "As wind, as rain, as river, we will pour. We will rejoice, we will live."

Commemorating 44 years of Raajkamal Films International, ‘Thalaivar 173’ also marks Rajinikanth’s reunion with director Sundar C, nearly 28 years after their previous collaboration in the hit film ‘Arunachalam’ (1997).

Meanwhile, the superstar is currently filming ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson.