Rajinikanth's 'Dharman' enters third schedule; director shares BTS clip
Synopsis
Just 12 days after wrapping its second schedule, 'Dharman' is back in action — director Ashwath Marimuthu's BTS clip of Rajinikanth and Raashi Khanna confirms the third schedule has begun, signalling the production is moving at pace for one of Tamil cinema's most eagerly awaited films.
Key Takeaways
Director Ashwath Marimuthu confirmed the third schedule of Rajinikanth 's 'Dharman' is underway as of 16 September 2026 .
A BTS clip shared on X shows Rajinikanth and co-star Raashi Khanna on set.
The film's second schedule had only wrapped on 4 September 2026 , having begun on 13 August 2026 .
Rajinikanth plays a doctor who takes on criminals in the film.
The technical crew includes composer Anirudh Ravichander , cinematographer Niketh Bommi , and National Award-winning stunt duo Anbariv .
The film is produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.
Director Ashwath Marimuthu confirmed on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 that the third schedule of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's much-anticipated film 'Dharman' is now underway in Chennai, sharing a behind-the-scenes video clip that offered fans their first glimpse of the new shooting phase. The update has sent excitement levels soaring among Rajinikanth's massive fan base.
What the BTS Clip Revealed
Marimuthu posted the clip on his X timeline, writing, 'Back with Thalaivar for Dharman 3rd schedule #superstar @RKFI.' The short video showed Rajinikanth, seated with his back to the camera, in what appeared to be a candid conversation with co-star Raashi Khanna. The clip, though brief, was enough to set social media abuzz, with fan pages dissecting every frame.
Rapid Shooting Momentum
The third schedule has commenced remarkably quickly — the film's second schedule had only wrapped on 4 September 2026. That second schedule, which began on 13 August 2026, saw the production house Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) — the banner of actor, producer, and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan — announce its completion with the tagline 'Swag Mode: ON.' A scene from the second-schedule wrap video showed Rajinikanth in character as a senior medical faculty member lecturing junior doctors, hinting at the film's central premise.
The Look and Story Behind Dharman
In Dharman, Rajinikanth plays a doctor who takes on criminals — a premise that blends the Superstar's signature mass-hero image with a medical thriller backdrop. The title poster, released earlier, depicted Rajinikanth in an operation theatre holding a scalpel, with one foot placed over a slain antagonist — a visual that immediately went viral.
The team's journey to finalise Rajinikanth's look for the film was itself a talking point. In June 2026, a making video released by the production revealed the meticulous process: accessories were laid out for the Superstar to choose from, while Marimuthu personally demonstrated the exact pose he envisioned. Notably, the video also showed Kamal Haasan accompanying Rajinikanth on set — two legends of Tamil cinema sharing a rare, candid exchange.
Marimuthu had earlier reacted to fan anticipation over Rajinikanth's look, sharing a character poster and writing, 'We heard you !! Ithan hair styleu!! Ithan looku! Sexy work @kabilanchelliah,' crediting hair stylist Kabilan Chelliah for the final result.
The Creative Team
The film carries a formidable technical lineup. Music is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, arguably Tamil cinema's most in-demand composer at present. Cinematography is handled by Niketh Bommi, editing by Pradeep E Raghav, and action sequences are being choreographed by the National Award-winning stunt duo Anbariv. The film is produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran and co-produced by S Disney under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.
With three schedules now in motion and no release date yet announced, all eyes will be on when the makers plan to unveil a trailer or confirm a theatrical window for one of Tamil cinema's most keenly awaited releases.
Point of View
Possibly a major 2027 festival date. What's striking is the dual-legend dynamic: Kamal Haasan, as both producer and a visible presence on set, adds an unusual layer of creative authority alongside Marimuthu. The 'doctor who fights crime' premise is a deliberate reinvention for Rajinikanth — blending social messaging with mass-hero iconography — but whether Marimuthu can sustain the credibility of that premise through to the finish line remains the real test for this production.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on Rajinikanth's film 'Dharman'?
The third shooting schedule of 'Dharman' has commenced, as confirmed by director Ashwath Marimuthu on 16 September 2026. He shared a BTS video clip on X showing Rajinikanth and co-star Raashi Khanna on set.
When did the second schedule of 'Dharman' wrap up?
The second schedule of 'Dharman' wrapped on 4 September 2026, just days after it began on 13 August 2026. Production house Raaj Kamal Films International announced the wrap with a video clip.
What role does Rajinikanth play in 'Dharman'?
Rajinikanth plays a doctor who takes on criminals in 'Dharman'. The film's title poster showed him in an operation theatre holding a scalpel, reinforcing the medico-action premise.
Who is producing 'Dharman' and who are the key crew members?
'Dharman' is produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner, with S Disney as co-producer. The film has music by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Niketh Bommi, editing by Pradeep E Raghav, and stunts by National Award-winning duo Anbariv.
Who is directing 'Dharman' and what is his connection to Rajinikanth?
Ashwath Marimuthu is directing 'Dharman'. The third schedule marks his continued collaboration with Rajinikanth on this project, which he referred to as being 'back with Thalaivar' — a term fans use for the superstar.
