All posts tagged: ashwath marimuthu

Meet the 6 directors helming Pradeep Ranganathan’s next with Mamitha Baiju, Ashwath Marimuthu

Meet the 6 directors helming Pradeep Ranganathan’s next with Mamitha Baiju, Ashwath Marimuthu

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Tamil actor-filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan has reunited with Mamitha Baiju after Dude and Ashwath Marimuthu after Dragon. The trio will star together in a new film written and produced by him, but directed not by one or two, but by six filmmakers that Pradeep calls ‘The Alpha Unit’ in his announcement video. Sai Abhyankkar will compose the music. Pradeep Ranganathan, Mamitha Baiju and Ashwath Marimuthu in stills from the announcement. Pradeep Ranganathan’s next announced On Monday, Pradeep posted an announcement video which didn’t just announce his next but also his production house, PR Show. The film titled PRS01 will see him star alongside Mamitha and Ashwath in lead roles. Apart from them, the film also introduces debut actor Anamika Mahi and stars Swasika and Telugu actor Sivaji in key roles. The 2-minute-long video begins with Mamitha wiping blood off a blade before she throws it at Ashwath, who catches it with a smile. It then introduces us to Anamika, Swastika and Sivaji smoking a pipe. The video also introduces ‘The Alpha Unit’, made up of six …

Pradeep Ranganathan launches production house PR Show: 6 directors to helm one film | Tamil News

Pradeep Ranganathan launches production house PR Show: 6 directors to helm one film | Tamil News

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3 min readHyderabadJul 6, 2026 03:59 PM IST Actor-filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan has added another role to a resume that already covers writer, director, actor and lyricist. On Monday, he announced his first film as producer, launching his own banner, PR Show, with a project tentatively called PRS1, and the announcement came with a twist nobody saw coming. The film will be written and directed not by one filmmaker but by six. The directing collective, named The Alpha Unit, is made up of six of Pradeep’s former assistant directors: Vishal TR, Yash V, Naren Saoda, Chanakkiyan R, Dhanush Kumar and Ilamparithi. We have had writer duos and director pairs in Indian cinema, but six filmmakers jointly developing a screenplay and directing a film together is being described as a first of its kind experiment. The story, meanwhile, comes from Pradeep himself. Announcing the project on his social media handles, Pradeep Ranganathan wrote, “‘PR Show’ it is. #PRS1 #PRNEXTWAVE. Written & Directed by The Alpha Unit. Banner: @prshowofficial. Story and Produced by: @pradeeponelife. A @SaiAbhyankkar Musical.” Also …

Dharman makers drop poof after fans slam Rajinikanth’s ‘Deadly Doctor’ poster, watch | Tamil News

Dharman makers drop poof after fans slam Rajinikanth’s ‘Deadly Doctor’ poster, watch | Tamil News

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3 min readHyderabadJun 25, 2026 09:43 PM IST A day after unveiling Rajinikanth’s first look from Dharman to a mixed reception, the makers released a making video on Thursday showing exactly how the now talked about look was shot, in what appeared to be a direct response to fans questioning whether the poster was genuine or AI generated. The film, previously known only as Thalaivar 173, had its title and first look revealed on Wednesday at a launch event in Chennai. The poster showed Rajinikanth in blue surgical scrubs, holding a blood stained scalpel inside an operation theatre, with a lifeless body lying beneath him, introducing his character as “The Deadly Doctor.” The reaction online was far from unanimous. While many fans praised Rajinikanth’s intensity in the new look, a significant section criticised the poster’s composition, with some describing the graphics and the way the head and body had been put together as underwhelming, and a few going as far as comparing it to fan made artwork rather than an official studio poster. The criticism …

Kamal Haasan reveals how Dharman with Rajinikanth was born on a flight 40 years ago; director compares it to Padayappa

Kamal Haasan reveals how Dharman with Rajinikanth was born on a flight 40 years ago; director compares it to Padayappa

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Thalaivar 173, the much-awaited film starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan, has finally locked its director and title. After three director changes, Ashwath Marimuthu has been finalised as the director for Dharman. At an event in Chennai announcing the film, Kamal revealed that it has been 40 years in the making, while Ashwath compared it to some of Rajinikanth’s classic hits. (Also Read: ‘Whenever I speak, it becomes a problem’: Rajinikanth hits back at trolls after controversy around his comments on Vijay) Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan worked together for years before becoming stars in their own right. Dharman was born on a flight 40 years ago Kamal spoke at the event about how it has been four decades since he and Rajinikanth decided to work together. “Thank you for being in the market till I made this film. (folds hands) I thank the industry for it,” said Kamal, addressing Rajinikanth. He then spoke of their 50-year friendship, noting that Rajinikanth began with supporting roles, but they became equal stars in less than three years. …

Suspended for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan leak, editor Pradeep E Raghav joins Rajinikanth’s Dharman | Tamil News

Suspended for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan leak, editor Pradeep E Raghav joins Rajinikanth’s Dharman | Tamil News

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4 min readChennaiJun 24, 2026 09:45 PM IST Rajinikanth’s much awaited 173rd film, previously known only as Thalaivar 173, was officially titled Dharman on Wednesday, with a first look poster showing the superstar as a surgeon, scalpel in hand, standing over a fallen man. Among the names confirmed for the technical crew was editor Pradeep E Raghav, the same editor who was suspended by the Southern India Film Editors Association just two months earlier over the piracy leak of Vijay’s Jana Nayagan. The title and poster were revealed by Kamal Haasan, whose production house Raaj Kamal Films International is backing the film, through a post on X that read, “Dharmame vellum,” meaning dharma alone will win. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Dragon and Oh My Kadavule, the film also stars Simran, Raashi Khanna and Yogi Babu, with music by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fifth collaboration with Rajinikanth, and cinematography by Niketh Bommi. The launch was marked with a formal pooja ceremony in Chennai. Sources close to the team told SCREEN that Pradeep E Ragav …

‘When I speak, it’s a problem’: Rajinikanth reveals why he now fears public speaking  | Tamil News

‘When I speak, it’s a problem’: Rajinikanth reveals why he now fears public speaking  | Tamil News

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4 min readNew DelhiJun 24, 2026 04:48 PM IST Superstar Rajinikanth has opened up about the constant scrutiny that comes with being one of India’s biggest stars, admitting that he now feels hesitant whenever he is invited to speak in public because his words often become a topic of debate. The actor made the remarks at the title launch event of his upcoming film Dharman, where he shared the stage with longtime friend and collaborator Kamal Haasan. Speaking about fame, criticism and life in the public eye, Rajinikanth opened up on how every word he says often becomes the subject of scrutiny. “I hesitate when I’m invited to speak. When I speak, it’s a problem. It’s a problem for me. It’s a problem for others. They will start spreading something. If I don’t speak, they’ll ask why I’m not speaking. If I speak, they will ask why I’m speaking now. Some will say I shouldn’t have spoken. After a long time, I realised that those who don’t like us won’t like anything we do or …

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan on their 50-year friendship as Thalaivar 173, Dharman, begins | Tamil News

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan on their 50-year friendship as Thalaivar 173, Dharman, begins | Tamil News

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4 min readChennaiJun 24, 2026 12:35 PM IST Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, until now known only as Thalaivar 173, was officially titled Dharman on Wednesday, with shooting set to begin Thursday. But it was Rajinikanth and producer Kamal Haasan‘s comments at the launch that became the bigger talking point, as the two veteran actors opened up about a friendship that goes back nearly five decades. Rajinikanth recalled how Kamal Haasan had helped him early in his career, long before either of them became major stars. “Whatever I say about my friendship with Kamal Haasan will never be enough. The help, encouragement, and cooperation he gave me were immense. He was already a very big star in the 70s. He recommended me for Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, and that film brought me a great deal of appreciation,” Rajinikanth said, referring to the 1978 film that marked one of their earliest collaborations. Kamal Haasan, in turn, spoke about how quickly the two had become equals in the industry, and how a long pending plan to work together again …

Dharman: Rajinikanth reveals why film with Kamal Haasan saw 3 director changes before Ashwath Marimuthu was finalised

Dharman: Rajinikanth reveals why film with Kamal Haasan saw 3 director changes before Ashwath Marimuthu was finalised

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Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, produced by Kamal Haasan, has seen yet another director change. Announcing the film’s title as Dharman on Wednesday, the star duo revealed that Ashwath Marimuthu has now been brought on board the project. Talking to the press, Rajinikanth revealed why these changes were made. Kamal Haasan plays the lead role in Ashwath Marimuthu’s Dharman. Rajinikanth finalises Dharman with Ashwath Marimuthu Rajinikanth admitted that Ashwath was the fourth director they had announced for the project, saying, “First, we wanted to do a film with Ravikumar. It didn’t work out, so we finalised Sundar C. But he had other projects that were delayed, so he told us he’s stepping away. Then we decided on Cibi Chakravarthi.” The star then revealed what the film Cibi pitched him was about and said, “The story is very good, but it’s a sensitive subject. It’s about a nuclear scientist…about nuclear weapons. Shooting was to take place in Afghanistan and Russia. It’s a nice subject, but very sensitive and time-consuming. So, we postponed the project and finalised …

Thalaivar173: Director Cibi Chakaravarthi still to helm Rajinikanth’s next film? Here’s what we know

Thalaivar173: Director Cibi Chakaravarthi still to helm Rajinikanth’s next film? Here’s what we know

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Rajinikanth is next set to appear in a lead role in Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. With the superstar expected to begin filming for Thalaivar173 soon, there has been uncertainty surrounding the film’s director. However, things now seem to be getting clearer. Director Cibi Chakaravarthi is still working on Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173? According to reports by Valai Pechu, director Cibi Chakaravarthi’s talks with Telugu producers have gone well, and the makers have reportedly agreed to have him helm the Rajinikanth starrer. The filmmaker is also said to be planning a direct Telugu project with Nani in the future. Reportedly, Cibi is yet to give the final narration of Thalaivar173 to Rajinikanth, incorporating the superstar’s suggestions. With pre-production already underway, shooting is expected to begin after the final narration. However, this remains unconfirmed, as no official announcement has been made. Earlier, there were speculations that if Cibi Chakaravarthi exited the project, Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu might take over. Initially, the director himself confirmed that he had narrated a film to the superstar, but it did not …

Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu confirms he was in talks with Rajinikanth for Thalaivar173 before Cibi Chakaravarthi

Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu confirms he was in talks with Rajinikanth for Thalaivar173 before Cibi Chakaravarthi

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Dragon fame Ashwath Marimuthu is currently involved in the pre-production work for his next film, tentatively titled STR51, with Silambarasan TR in the lead. However, the director has now revealed that he was initially the first choice for Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173 before director Cibi Chakaravarthi. Ashwath Marimuthu reveals once being a choice for Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173 According to online reports by Movies Singapore, Ashwath Marimuthu revealed in an interview that he was the first choice for Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173. The Dragon director said, “When I was writing STR51, at one point, it got stuck in a deadlock, so I worked on a different script. During the initial meetings, I discussed an idea with him (Rajinikanth), and he loved it. I then developed it into a full script and narrated it to him for one hour and forty minutes. He was completely hooked on the story during the interval block; he even forgot to have lunch at his age while listening. He said the villain character had come out superbly and even discussed proper casting for it.” “The film …