Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The uncertainty over the director of Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar 173, which is backed by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), appears to have narrowed, with filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu emerging as the strongest name in circulation. While there is still no official announcement, a birthday video shared by RKFI for Ashwath on his birthday has added to speculation that he could be set to helm the project, which has been linked to a Pongal 2027 release.
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The project has gone through multiple changes. Sundar C was first announced as the film’s director, but later stepped away, saying the pressure was overwhelming. Don director Cibi Chakravarthi was then brought on board, and a first look was released earlier this year. However, with no further update after that, speculation grew that he too had exited the film.
After that, the name of Oh My Kadavule and Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu began doing the rounds on social media. Those reports gained fresh attention after RKFI shared a stylish and playful birthday video for the filmmaker, leading to renewed speculation around the film he had once pitched to Rajinikanth. Even so, the makers have not yet issued a formal confirmation.
Here’s the video:
Earlier, Ashwath had spoken about narrating a script for Rajinikanth before moving ahead with Silambarasan’s STR 51. Recalling that meeting, he said he began working on another script for Rajinikanth, spent a month on it and then narrated it to the actor. According to Ashwath, Rajinikanth liked it so much that during the interval block of the narration, he forgot to have lunch and was keen to hear the rest.
Ashwath said Rajinikanth called the script extraordinary, appreciated the villain characterisation, and even discussed possible casting for that role. He added that he had almost got the chance to direct the film, but it did not materialise then because of several other reasons. He also said RKFI had heard the story but could not take it up at the time, adding that the film would happen in the future for sure.
It is still unclear whether STR 51 will be completed before the Rajinikanth film, if Ashwath’s association with Thalaivar 173 is confirmed. STR 51, described as a fantasy rom-com, was announced last year with a glimpse video showing Silambarasan as the God of Love. Ashwath is expected to begin production on that film after Arasan. The plot and details of the extended cast have also been kept under wraps.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
