Cibi Chakaravarthi and Sivakarthikeyan reuniting again? Here's what we know amid Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar173 buzz

Thalaivar173 is the upcoming Rajinikanth starrer movie, expected to be helmed by Ashwath Marimuthu instead of Cibi Chakaravarthi.

By Goutham S

Published on Jun 02, 2026 | 08:01 PM IST | 334K

(PC: Cibi Chakaravarthi/Sivakarthikeyan, IG)

Thalaivar173, starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, is an upcoming film that is being co-produced by Kamal Haasan under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International. Now, with director Ashwath Marimuthu expected to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi, it appears that the Don-fame filmmaker may reunite with Sivakarthikeyan instead.

Is Cibi Chakaravarthi reuniting with Sivakarthikeyan after exit from Thalaivar173?

According to online buzz shared by Movies Singapore, director Ashwath Marimuthu has stepped in to replace Cibi Chakaravarthi in the tentatively titled Thalaivar173. With final script discussions still underway, the Dragon director has reportedly asked the makers to refrain from making an official announcement until the final script narration is completed.

However, with the producers still keen on working with director Cibi Chakaravarthi, it appears they may collaborate with him on another project. Reportedly, the team is likely to reunite the director with Sivakarthikeyan for a second time.

With the change in director for Thalaivar173, the film may no longer make its planned Pongal 2027 release and could instead be pushed to a summer release next year. However, this remains a report for now, and no official confirmation has been made.

Thalaivar173 was initially announced with director Sundar C. at the helm. However, the filmmaker later exited the project, citing prior commitments. Director Cibi Chakaravarthi then stepped in to direct the film, which was expected to be an action thriller featuring Basil Joseph and Priyanka Arul Mohan in pivotal roles.

However, Cibi's involvement in a Telugu project reportedly led him to step away from the film. Now, it appears that Dragon fame Ashwath Marimuthu will take over as director. Earlier, Ashwath had revealed that he had narrated a story to Rajinikanth, who reportedly liked it.

Rajinikanth’s work front

Rajinikanth is next set to play the lead role in Jailer 2. The upcoming sequel is expected to continue the story of Muthuvel Pandian following the events of the first installment.

Apart from the superstar, the film also stars Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, SJ Suryah, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in key roles. Additionally, Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar are expected to reprise their roles in the sequel. While the makers have yet to announce an official release date, reports suggest that the film could hit the big screens on September 11, 2026.

The superstar also has the tentatively titled KHxRK Reunion in his lineup.

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