It’s finally official — Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan are reuniting on screen after decades. Kamal Haasan made the announcement on Wednesday, sharing photos with Rajinikanth and a handwritten note that revealed the film’s title, release timeline, and director. Contrary to speculation, the project will not be helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj or Nelson Dilipkumar, but by Sundar C.
A dream collaboration decades in the making
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kamal wrote,
“Like wind, like rain, like river. Let’s shower, let’s enjoy, let’s live! Superstar Rajinikanth will star in the movie directed by Sundar C and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International. #Thalaivar173 #Pongal2027.”
The film will be Rajinikanth’s 173rd outing and will be released in theatres worldwide under Red Giant Movies distribution. Produced by Kamal’s Raaj Kamal Films International, the project marks a historic collaboration between two of Indian cinema’s greatest icons.
‘A bond that continues to inspire generations’
In the note shared along with the announcement, Kamal spoke of his enduring friendship with Rajinikanth, describing it as “five decades of brotherhood and mutual respect.”
“The landmark collaboration not only unites two towering forces of Indian cinema but also celebrates five decades of friendship and brotherhood between Superstar Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – a bond that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.”
Internet celebrates — fans call it a ‘historic moment’
The announcement sent fans into a frenzy online. Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, who is married to director Sundar C, expressed her excitement on X, writing,
“My heroes in one frame!!! Excitement beyond words!! ❤️❤️”
Fans flooded social media with celebratory messages:
“Rajinikanth-Kamal combo going strong since 1970. Is there any duo like them in any movie industry?” wrote one user. Another said, “After Arunachalam, this combo is going to give another banger blockbuster to the industry.”
However, some fans expressed surprise over the choice of director, with one user commenting,
“The unity I wished for, not the director I asked for.”
Others, meanwhile, welcomed the change in tone, relieved that the film wouldn’t be another dark or gangster-themed project.
“What a relief! Not another run-of-the-mill gangster film. Three cheers to Rajini, Kamal, and Sundar C!” one fan posted.
Rajinikanth, who was last seen in Coolie, has been hinting at a collaboration with Kamal Haasan for months. Kamal, meanwhile, recently appeared in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life and is currently shooting for a yet-to-be-announced project.
The film — tentatively titled #Thalaivar173 — is expected to begin production in 2026 and hit theatres during Pongal 2027, making it one of the most anticipated releases in Tamil cinema history.
