Raashii Khanna joins Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan in Dharman: 'Greatness is discipline'
Synopsis
Dharman — the film once known only as #Thalaivar173 — has a title, a first-look poster, and now a confirmed cast that includes Raashii Khanna alongside Rajinikanth. With Kamal Haasan producing and Anirudh Ravichander scoring, this is shaping up to be one of Tamil cinema's most-watched productions in years.
Key Takeaways
Raashii Khanna has joined the cast of Dharman , starring alongside Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan .
The film was officially titled Dharman on 24 June , replacing the working title #Thalaivar173 .
Rajinikanth's first-look poster reveals him as a doctor, with the tagline 'the Deadly Doctor'.
The film is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced under Raaj Kamal Films International , with music by Anirudh Ravichander .
Raashii also has Farzi Season 2 , an Anees Bazmee comedy, Talakhon Mein Ek , and Bridge in her upcoming lineup.
Actress Raashii Khanna has joined the cast of Dharman, the much-anticipated Tamil drama starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan under his banner Raaj Kamal Films International. The film, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, was officially titled on Wednesday, with the makers simultaneously unveiling Rajinikanth's striking first-look poster as a character described as 'the Deadly Doctor'.
Raashii Khanna on Sharing Screen Space with Legends
Marking the occasion of the film's mahurat ceremony, Raashii shared glimpses on her official Instagram account and reflected on the experience of working alongside two of Indian cinema's most iconic figures. 'Sharing space with legends is a reminder that greatness isn't just talent; it's discipline, humility, and an enduring love for the craft,' she wrote.
She added: 'Grateful for the conversations, the warmth, and the opportunity to be part of a story being told by some of the finest minds and hearts in cinema.' The post underscored what many in the industry observe — that proximity to veterans like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan carries as much value off-screen as on it.
Dharman: Title Reveal and First-Look Poster
The film, previously referred to by its working title #Thalaivar173, was officially christened Dharman on Wednesday, 24 June. Raaj Kamal Films International announced the title on their official X account, writing: 'Dharmame vellum! (Dharma will only win).' The announcement was accompanied by a first-look poster featuring Rajinikanth in medical attire, holding surgical equipment — a departure from his signature action-hero imagery and a strong signal of the film's dramatic arc.
The project is backed by Kamal Haasan through Raaj Kamal Films International, with music by Anirudh Ravichander and stunt choreography by the Anbariv duo, according to the official announcement.
What the Casting Means for Dharman
Raashii Khanna's inclusion adds to an already heavyweight ensemble. Her recent track record — including prominent roles in pan-India releases — makes her a fitting choice for a production of this scale. Notably, this marks one of the rare instances where Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are associated with the same project, making Dharman a generational event for Tamil cinema.
Raashii Khanna's Upcoming Projects
Beyond Dharman, Raashii has a packed slate. She is currently filming an untitled comedy directed by Anees Bazmee, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. Her lineup also includes Talakhon Mein Ek alongside Vikrant Massey, and the thriller Bridge co-starring R. Madhavan. She is additionally set to reprise her role as Megha Vyas in the second season of the acclaimed web series Farzi, which will again feature Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles.
Point of View
Or a stylistic reinvention that still leans on his superstar persona. Raashii Khanna's casting, meanwhile, reflects a deliberate strategy: she is one of the few actors building simultaneous credibility across Tamil, Hindi, and OTT spaces, and her presence here is as much a market signal as a creative one.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dharman and who is it starring?
Dharman is an upcoming Tamil drama starring Rajinikanth, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International. Raashii Khanna has also been confirmed as part of the cast.
What was Dharman previously called?
The film was previously referred to by its working title #Thalaivar173. Its official title, Dharman, was revealed on 24 June alongside Rajinikanth's first-look poster.
What does Rajinikanth look like in the Dharman first-look poster?
The first-look poster shows Rajinikanth in medical attire, holding surgical equipment, with the tagline 'the Deadly Doctor' — suggesting he plays a doctor in the film.
What did Raashii Khanna say about working with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan?
Raashii Khanna wrote on Instagram that 'sharing space with legends is a reminder that greatness isn't just talent; it's discipline, humility, and an enduring love for the craft.' She also expressed gratitude for the conversations and the opportunity.
What other films does Raashii Khanna have coming up?
Raashii Khanna has several projects lined up, including an untitled comedy with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan directed by Anees Bazmee, Talakhon Mein Ek with Vikrant Massey, Bridge with R. Madhavan, and Farzi Season 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi.
