Earlier this month, the producers of Thalaivar 173 had confirmed that Rajinikanth would lead the prestigious venture, produced by Kamal Haasan’s RaajKamal Films International and helmed by Sundar C. But within days from the announcement, Sundar C announced that he would not be working on the film owing to “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.” His decision to opt out sparked widespread speculation online, forcing the film’s producer Kamal Haasan to take up the issue publicly.
Kamal Haasan, speaking to reporters, said that Sundar C had already explained the reasons through a press release and that he had nothing more to say. As the producer, he reiterated that his search is for the right script—one that would satisfy Rajinikanth. “Till my star is satisfied with the script, we will continue to hunt for it. We are currently in the process of finalising a quality script,” he said. Haasan also dropped hints that the team may be open to collaborating with a younger director if the script so demanded. “Expect the unexpected,” he teased the audience, suggesting that the project may take a new creative direction.
#Kamalhaasan about #Thalaivar173 :
— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) November 15, 2025
"I'm an Investor.. I need to choose story which my star likes.. We'll keep on searching till we find the one he likes..We are also searching for another story to act together.. Expect the unexpected.."
pic.twitter.com/LqGgpt3ktx
The reasons for his exit were enumerated in his statement, wherein he mentioned that he was indeed very sad to quit such a major project. He called the opportunity to work with both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan a dream come true and touched upon his long-time association with the icons. He wrote, “Though I’m quitting this opportunity, I will still continue seeking their expert guidance.” He further apologized to the fans who were looking forward to this combination.
RaajKamal Films International had announced sometime back that Thalaivar 173 will be a grand Pongal 2027 release. The project, in particular, is special as it reunites Haasan and Rajinikanth after 46 years. Sundar C had earlier directed Rajinikanth in Arunachalam (1997) and Kamal Haasan in Anbe Sivam (2003), and his exit is all the more significant.
Despite that setback, the makers seem to be determined about presenting a film worthy of its legendary team.
