All posts tagged: Chakaravarthi

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

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 …

Thalaivar 173: Rajinikanth starrer makers likely to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi as director? Find out

Thalaivar 173: Rajinikanth starrer makers likely to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi as director? Find out

Superstar Rajinikanth is currently working on his next release, Jailer 2, and is also expected to begin filming his next venture, Thalaivar173, soon. However, it appears that the film may once again undergo a change in its directorial team. Is Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173 set to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi as director? According to Valai Pechu, Don director Cibi Chakaravarthi is likely to be replaced as the director of Thalaivar173. Reportedly, the filmmaker is involved in a dispute with a Telugu production house over a film starring Nani, which he opted out of due to creative differences. However, the producers claim to have already spent money on the untitled project’s pre-production and are asking him to repay the amount. Speculation suggests that the team even requested a partnership in Thalaivar173, but the producers, RKFI, rejected the proposal. Due to the issue reportedly remaining unresolved, the makers may replace Cibi as director and instead bring in Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu. The latter had earlier revealed that he narrated a story to Rajinikanth, which the superstar liked. However, these reports …

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

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 …

Thalaivar173 Update: Rajinikanth to finalize on a look for Cibi Chakaravarthi directorial from 83 different styles?

Thalaivar173 Update: Rajinikanth to finalize on a look for Cibi Chakaravarthi directorial from 83 different styles?

Thalaivar173, the upcoming film starring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role, is expected to go on floors soon. Directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi, the filmmaker has reportedly shortlisted three looks for the movie, with the actor set to personally choose and finalize one. Thalaivar173 Update: Rajinikanth to finalize final look from 83 different styles? According to online reports, director Cibi Chakaravarthi has designed 83 different iterations of Rajinikanth’s look for the upcoming film. He is said to have collaborated with leading stylists and shortlisted three potential looks. Speculation suggests that Rajinikanth will choose the look that suits him best from these options. However, this remains unconfirmed, as no official announcement has been made yet. Thalaivar173 is being co-produced by Kamal Haasan under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). Initially, the team had planned to collaborate with director Sundar C; however, he later opted out of the project due to prior commitments, after which Cibi Chakaravarthi took over the responsibility. The film is also expected to feature Basil Joseph and Priyanka Mohan in pivotal roles. …

Thalaivar 173: Cibi Chakaravarthi comes onboard as director for Kamal Haasan-Rajinikanth starrer after Sundar C’s exit, calls it ‘dream come true’

Thalaivar 173: Cibi Chakaravarthi comes onboard as director for Kamal Haasan-Rajinikanth starrer after Sundar C’s exit, calls it ‘dream come true’

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are joining forces for a mass entertainer like no other. Thalaivar 173 remains one of the most anticipated films. However, the project took a setback when director Sundar C dropped out due to ‘unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances’. But the good news is that Cibi Chakaravarthi has now come onboard to direct the ambitious project. Cibi Chakaravarthi to direct Thalaivar 173 A while ago, on January 3, 2026, filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi took to X (formerly Twitter) and announced being part of Thalaivar 173 as its director. The overwhelmed filmmaker penned a long note, expressing gratitude to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for giving him this dreamy opportunity. Cibi started his post by sharing that as a small-town boy, his only big dream was to meet his favourite ‘Super star’ (Rajinikanth) and take a picture with him, and how his passion for the megastar drove him towards cinema.  Check out Cibi Chakaravarthi’s post: Chakaravarthi further expressed in his emotional note, “Today is that day. #Thalaivar173 Day. And I remember Thalaivar saying, “Dreams do come true. …

Rajinikanth’s film with Kamal Haasan gets new director after Sundar C’s exit, Cibi Chakaravarthi to direct Thalaivar 173

Rajinikanth’s film with Kamal Haasan gets new director after Sundar C’s exit, Cibi Chakaravarthi to direct Thalaivar 173

After Sundar C’s exit from the Rajinikanth-starrer produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, director Cibi Chakaravarthi has been roped in to helm the project. Tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, the film is expected to hit screens for Pongal 2027. Rajinikanth’s next film, Thalaivar 173, will be produced by Kamal Haasan and directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi. Cibi Chakravarthi roped in for Thalaivar 173 On Saturday, Raaj Kamal Films International confirmed that Cibi would be directing the film, starring Rajinikanth, and produced by Kamal. Making the announcement, they wrote, “Every HERO has a FAMILY. #Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027” This comes after the names of everyone from Nelson Dilipkumar to Lokesh Kanagraj were floated as contenders for the much-awaited film. Cibi also announced the news, writing, “Once, a small-town boy’s big dream was to meet his favourite star “SUPER STAR” & take a picture with him, which drove his passion towards cinema — and the big dream happened one day. Then he had the biggest dream of directing his Superstar. He came so close, but got missed. Then …