Superstar Rajinikanth's much-anticipated project, long referred to by fans as #Thalaivar173, has been officially titled 'Dharman', with the announcement made on Wednesday, 24 June in Chennai — coinciding with the film's formal launch pooja ceremony. The title was revealed by actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan, whose production house Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) is backing the project.

The Title Reveal

Kamal Haasan shared the title poster on his X account, writing: 'Dharmame vellum! (Dharma will only win) #Dharman #Thalaivar173 #SuperstarRajinikanth.' The poster itself offered the first visual glimpse of Rajinikanth's character — clad in what appears to be surgical attire inside an operation theatre, holding a scalpel, with one leg placed over the body of a slain rowdy sheeter. The striking image lends weight to longstanding industry speculation that Rajinikanth will portray a doctor in the film.

A Turbulent Road to the Director's Chair

'Dharman' has had an unusually eventful pre-production journey. Sundar C, one of Tamil cinema's most commercially successful directors, was originally announced to helm what Kamal Haasan had described as a magnum opus. His unexpected exit surprised the industry. Director Cibi Chakravarthy was subsequently brought on board at the start of the year, but sources indicated he too stepped away from the project, leaving the makers in search of a third director.

Speculation then turned to Ashwath Marimuthu, best known for directing the blockbuster 'Dragon'. A birthday video posted by RKFI earlier this month — which greeted Marimuthu with the caption 'From Imagination to Inspiration' — had fuelled strong industry rumours. On 24 June, RKFI officially confirmed that Ashwath Marimuthu would direct 'Dharman'.

The Creative Team

The film boasts a high-profile technical crew. Music will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander, one of Tamil cinema's most bankable composers. Cinematography is by Niketh Bommi, with editing handled by Pradeep E Raghav. Action sequences will be choreographed by National Award-winning stunt duo Anbariv. The film is produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran, with S Disney serving as co-producer.

What to Expect Next

With the pooja ceremony marking an official start, the production of 'Dharman' is now formally underway. Given Rajinikanth's stature and the film's high-profile cast of collaborators, anticipation among fans is already running high. The project's troubled director hunt — three names across as many phases — only adds to the curiosity surrounding what the final product will look like under Ashwath Marimuthu's vision.