Is Rajinikanth Next Storyline Echoes Leo

Rajinikanth's upcoming film Thalaivar 173 is drawing comparisons to Thalapathy Vijay's Leo, with reports suggesting that the superstar will play a peaceful family man with a violent past. This setup closely mirrors Leo's central premise, where Vijay portrayed a gentle tea shop owner with a criminal past that resurfaces.

The Thalaivar 173 storyline is expected to follow a similar template, with fans eagerly awaiting how Rajinikanth will bring his unique stamp to this layered, double-life character. Basil Joseph is set to play Rajinikanth's son, while Shobana joins the cast as the female lead, marking a reunion of the iconic "Thalapathi duo" from their 1991 film Thalapathi.

Directed by Cibi Chakravarthi and produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, Thalaivar 173 is shaping up to be an action-packed family entertainer. Location scouting has taken place in Amritsar, Punjab, with the makers aiming for a visually distinct backdrop.

Filming is set to begin after the Tamil Nadu elections on April 28, with a targeted release during Pongal/Sankranthi 2027. The film's music is being composed by Anirudh. Thalaivar 173 was initially planned to be helmed by director Sundar C, but he exited the project due to creative differences. Cibi Chakravarthi took over, and Kamal Haasan stepped in to mediate the situation, ensuring the project stays on track.