Sundar C Not Directing Thalaivar 173:
The buzz around Thalaivar 173 just took a surprising turn. What was shaping up to be one of the biggest collaborations in Tamil cinema this decade — Rajinikanth teaming up with director Sundar C — has officially changed course.
What everyone thought was happening
For the past few weeks, talk around town was that Rajinikanth’s next film, Thalaivar 173, would be helmed by Sundar C under Kamal Haasan’s banner, Raaj Kamal Films International. The pairing instantly set social media on fire — a star, a seasoned director, and a powerful producer. It sounded like a blockbuster in the making.
The sudden change
Now, an official statement has confirmed that Sundar C will not be directing the project after all. No detailed explanation has been given, but the tone of the announcement makes it clear that the parting was amicable. Still, it’s the kind of industry shake-up that sparks endless questions: what happened behind the scenes, and who’s stepping in next?
Why this matters
Rajinikanth’s collaborations always carry weight — and with Thalaivar 173 being backed by Kamal Haasan, expectations were sky-high. The idea of Rajini reuniting with Sundar C (who last directed him in Arunachalam nearly three decades ago) had fans nostalgic and excited. A director change at this stage could mean a shift in script, tone, or even release plans.
What happens next
The immediate question is obvious: who will take over the director’s chair? Rumours are already circulating, but nothing official has been said yet. Some believe the project’s creative direction might be evolving — possibly to explore a more experimental or large-scale narrative that fits Rajini’s recent run of films.
The bigger picture
Creative switches like this aren’t new in the film world, but when it’s a Rajinikanth project, every move gets magnified. The good news is that the film itself is very much alive and moving forward. The production house has reassured fans that more details — including the new director — will be announced soon.
Final thoughts
While this twist might have thrown fans for a loop, it also adds a fresh layer of curiosity around Thalaivar 173. A project of this magnitude is bound to evolve, and sometimes, those changes lead to something even more ambitious. For now, fans are just waiting for the next big reveal — because when it comes to a Rajinikanth film, the story behind the scenes is almost as dramatic as the one on screen.
