Ashwath Marimuthu tipped to direct Rajinikanth's Thalaivar173
Synopsis
Rajinikanth's much-awaited Thalaivar173 has now seen two directors exit without a replacement being named — and a birthday post from Kamal Haasan's RKFI for director Ashwath Marimuthu may be the closest thing to a hint fans have got yet. No confirmation, but the Tamil film industry is reading between the lines.
Key Takeaways
RKFI posted a birthday greeting for director Ashwath Marimuthu on Tuesday , sparking speculation he will direct #Thalaivar173 .
Sundar C was the original director but stepped back citing 'unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.' Director Cibi Chakravarthy was subsequently announced but reportedly also exited the project. #Thalaivar173 is produced by Kamal Haasan 's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) and stars Rajinikanth in the lead.
No official confirmation of Ashwath Marimuthu 's appointment has been made by the makers as of Tuesday .
A birthday greeting posted by Kamal Haasan's production house Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) for director Ashwath Marimuthu on Tuesday has intensified industry speculation that Marimuthu is the latest candidate to helm #Thalaivar173, the much-anticipated Rajinikanth starrer that has already cycled through two directors without an official replacement announcement.
The Birthday Post That Sparked Speculation
On Tuesday, RKFI shared a video on its social media timelines with the caption: 'From Imagination to Inspiration Birthday wishes to Director @Dir_Ashwath #HBDAshwathMarimuthu #AshwathMarimuthu.' The accompanying song — featuring phrases like 'Hit 'em up', 'give them a fun ride, Serving that thump right' — was read by fans as a coded signal of a directorial announcement. No official confirmation has been made by the makers.
A Project With a Turbulent History
#Thalaivar173 has been through considerable upheaval since Kamal Haasan first announced that RKFI would produce the film, describing it as a magnum opus. Veteran director Sundar C — one of Tamil cinema's most commercially successful filmmakers and husband of actress-politician Khushbu — was originally attached to the project. His exit came as a surprise to the industry.
In a statement titled 'A Heartfelt Note to My Dearest Fans and Well-Wishers', Sundar C said: 'It is with a heavy heart that I share some important news with you. Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to step back from the prestigious project, #Thalaivar173.' He described the film as 'a dream come true' and added that 'in life, there are moments when we must follow the path laid out for us, even if it diverges from our dreams.'
Sundar C also acknowledged his long association with both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, saying he would 'always hold them in the highest regard' and thanked them 'from the bottom of my heart for considering me for this magnum opus.'
Cibi Chakravarthy's Brief Stint
Following Sundar C's departure, the makers announced early in the new year that director Cibi Chakravarthy would take charge of the film. However, industry sources subsequently indicated that Cibi Chakravarthy had also moved on from the project, prompting the production house to reportedly scout for a new director once again. No official statement has been issued by RKFI on Cibi Chakravarthy's status.
Who Is Ashwath Marimuthu?
Rumours linking Ashwath Marimuthu to #Thalaivar173 had been circulating in Tamil film circles before RKFI's birthday post gave them fresh momentum. The director is known for his emotionally grounded storytelling in Tamil cinema. His inclusion in an RKFI birthday post — a production house that rarely extends such gestures without purpose, fans argue — has fuelled the belief that a formal announcement may be imminent.
What Happens Next
As of now, #Thalaivar173 remains without a confirmed director, with the production house yet to make any official statement about Ashwath Marimuthu's involvement. Fan communities and trade circles are closely watching RKFI's social media for further signals. The film, once formally greenlit with a director, is expected to rank among the most high-profile Tamil productions in recent memory given the star power of Rajinikanth and the producing clout of Kamal Haasan.
Point of View
Still no confirmed name — that is an unusual degree of pre-production turbulence even by Tamil cinema's fluid standards. The fact that RKFI chose to publicly celebrate Ashwath Marimuthu's birthday rather than quietly confirm him suggests either a soft launch strategy or that negotiations are still live. What the pattern does reveal is the scale of expectation this project carries: two accomplished directors have walked away from what should be a career-defining opportunity, which raises questions about creative alignment between the production house and its directorial choices. Until RKFI makes a formal announcement, the birthday post is fan fuel — nothing more.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is reportedly directing Rajinikanth's Thalaivar173?
Director Ashwath Marimuthu is reportedly being considered to direct Thalaivar173, based on a birthday greeting posted by producer Kamal Haasan's RKFI on Tuesday. However, no official announcement has been made by the production house.
Why did Sundar C exit Thalaivar173?
Sundar C cited 'unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances' for his exit in a public statement, without specifying the reasons. He described the project as a dream and expressed gratitude to both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for the opportunity.
Who directed Thalaivar173 after Sundar C?
Cibi Chakravarthy was announced as director following Sundar C's departure. However, industry reports subsequently indicated that Cibi Chakravarthy had also moved on from the project, though RKFI has not issued an official statement on his status.
What is Thalaivar173?
Thalaivar173 is the working title for an upcoming Tamil film starring Rajinikanth in the lead, produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). Kamal Haasan had described it as a magnum opus when he first announced the project.
Has RKFI officially confirmed Ashwath Marimuthu as director?
No. As of Tuesday, RKFI has not made any official announcement confirming Ashwath Marimuthu as the director of Thalaivar173. The speculation stems entirely from the production house's birthday post for the director on social media.
