Cibi Chakravarti has been officially announced as the director of Rajinikanth's 173rd film, Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International. This comes after Sundar C's exit from the project, sparking speculation about potential replacements.
Cibi, known for his work on Don, starring Sivakarthikeyan, has acknowledged scepticism about his capability to direct the film, promising to deliver a satisfying experience for audiences and Rajinikanth's fans.
At a recent event, Cibi revealed he received mixed reactions to the news, with some expressing best wishes and others harbouring doubts. He pledged to prove doubters wrong, stating, "It is a promise," amidst applause from the audience. Production on Thalaivar 173 is set to begin in April, with composer Anirudh on board.
Thalaivar 173 is billed as a commercial entertainer, with Rajinikanth in the lead role. Kamal Haasan is producing the film, though his involvement as an actor remains unconfirmed. The film is expected to release during Pongal 2027, with Red Giant Movies handling distribution.