New Delhi, June 24, 2026: The cinematic world has just been set ablaze with one of the biggest announcements of the year. Indian cinema icon Superstar Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated 173rd film has officially been titled Dharman. Breaking a period of immense suspense, the filmmakers unveiled a breathtaking and aggressive first-look poster, simultaneously announcing that the movie’s principal photography is scheduled to begin tomorrow, June 25, 2026.
This massive project brings together an extraordinary combination of powerhouse talent. Dharman is being bankrolled and presented by none other than legendary actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan under his prestigious banner, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). The official title reveal and puja launch ceremony took place on Wednesday morning in Chennai, immediately driving fans into a frenzy across social media platforms.
The First Look: Enter the ‘Deadly Doctor’
The newly released first-look poster hints at a radically different, darker avatar for Rajinikanth compared to his recent ventures. The image features the Superstar dressed in blue medical scrubs, standing tall as a surgeon with a lethal twist. Clutched firmly in his hand is a surgical scalpel dripping with blood, while his arms bear deep wounds and stains. Adding to the gritty atmosphere, Rajinikanth is depicted stepping his foot over a man who appears to have been brutally beaten.
Emblazoned across the poster is the arresting tagline: “The Deadly Doctor.” The makers shared the visual with a powerful Tamil caption, “Dharmame Vellum”, which translates to “Justice Will Prevail.”
Speaking at the grand launch event in Chennai, the director promised that while the visual imagery leans heavily into dark thriller territory, Dharman will ultimately be a wholesome commercial entertainer packed with intense family elements, suspenseful thrills, and mass-appealing action sequences.
The Director’s Seat: Settle the Suspense
Before arriving at this definitive blueprint, the journey of Thalaivar 173 was marked by a revolving door of creative changes that left fans guessing for months.
- The Original Choice: The movie was initially announced in late 2025 with veteran filmmaker Sundar C attached to direct. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, he chose to step down shortly after.
- The Second Phase: The makers then brought on board Don director Cibi Chakaravarthi. While pre-production advanced under his supervision, unexpected creative shifts led to his exit as well.
- The Final Masterstroke: Enter Ashwath Marimuthu, the highly acclaimed young director behind the romantic-comedy hit Oh My Kadavule and the box-office success Dragon. Marimuthu had quietly kept his involvement under wraps until Rajinikanth was fully convinced by the finalized script. This marks Marimuthu’s first time directing the Superstar, a dream milestone for the young filmmaker.
Star-Studded Cast and Top-Tier Crew
To match the monumental scale of a Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan collaboration, the production house is assembling an elite group of actors and technical experts.
The On-Screen Ensemble
While the full casting sheet remains tightly guarded, major announcements have already sent waves of excitement through the industry. Celebrated actress Simran has been locked in as the female lead. This marks a joyous reunion, as she previously shared screen space with Rajinikanth in the 2019 blockbuster Petta, and has historically delivered classic hits alongside producer Kamal Haasan in movies like Panchathanthiram. Joining her is the versatile Raashii Khanna and popular comedic star Yogi Babu, guaranteeing a strong balance of drama, romance, and humor.
Historical Echoes of ‘Dharma’
For longtime followers of Tamil cinema, the title Dharman strikes a deeply nostalgic chord. The word represents righteousness and justice, a recurring theme throughout Rajinikanth’s historic career. The Superstar has previously struck gold at the box office with “Dharma” embedded in his movie titles, most notably with the action-drama Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988) and the timeless rural blockbuster Dharma Durai (1991). Fans are already speculating that Dharman will continue this lucky streak, blending old-school cinematic values with modern-day edge-of-your-seat thrill.
With the cameras officially rolling on June 25, Dharman establishes itself as an instant focal point for moviegoers. The unique combination of a young, energetic director, a dark and bloody “Deadly Doctor” medical premise, and the backing of Kamal Haasan ensures that this movie will be one of the most talked-about cinematic events heading into 2027.