Filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi has been announced as the new director for Rajinikanth's upcoming film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International. Chakaravarthi, known for directing 'Don', replaces Sundar C, who exited the project due to unforeseen circumstances. The film, which reunites Rajinikanth and Haasan, is slated for a Pongal 2027 release. Chakaravarthi expressed his lifelong dream of directing the superstar in an emotional social media post.