Chennai: Rajinikanth‘s 173rd film has officially been titled Dharman, with the makers unveiling its first-look poster in Chennai on Tuesday. The film carries the intriguing tagline, “The Deadly Doctor.”
Produced by Kamal Haasan’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, the film marks the first time Rajinikanth will be portraying a doctor in a commercial entertainer.
Rajinikanth appears as ‘The Deadly Doctor’
The first-look poster features Rajinikanth dressed in blue surgical scrubs and sunglasses, holding a blood-stained scalpel inside an operation theatre.
The striking image has already generated considerable excitement among fans, who are eager to see the superstar in a never-before-seen avatar.
The tagline, “The Deadly Doctor”, hints at an intense and action-packed storyline, while the medical setting suggests a departure from Rajinikanth’s recent roles.
Story inspired by real-life doctors
According to the makers, the screenplay draws inspiration from real-life philanthropic medical professionals, including Chennai’s renowned ‘Rs. 5 Doctor’, who became famous for providing affordable treatment to underprivileged patients.
While the film is expected to incorporate themes of compassion and service, it will reportedly feature a major narrative twist, blending social elements with commercial entertainment.
Multiple directorial changes
Dharman has undergone several changes behind the scenes since it was first announced in 2025.
Initially, filmmaker Sundar C was attached to direct the project. However, he later exited the film, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”
Subsequently, director Cibi Chakravarthy joined the project and worked on its pre-production before also stepping away.
The film is now being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, best known for directing the films Oh My Kadavule and Dragon.
Ensemble cast and music
The supporting cast of Dharman includes director-actor Mysskin, actors Simran, Raashi Khanna and comedian Yogi Babu.
The music for the film is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who has previously delivered several chartbusters for Rajinikanth films.
Shooting to begin in Chennai
Principal photography for Dharman is scheduled to commence on June 25, 2026, following the completion of elaborate set construction in Poonamallee, Chennai.
The film is being produced under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International, while Red Giant Movies has come on board as the distributor.
The makers are targeting a grand theatrical release during the Pongal festival in 2027, one of the most lucrative release windows for Tamil cinema.
Anticipation builds among fans
The announcement of Dharman has heightened expectations among Rajinikanth’s fans, particularly because it presents the superstar in an entirely new role.
With an intriguing premise, an accomplished cast and crew, and the backing of Kamal Haasan’s production house, the film is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of 2027.