‘Dharman’ is Rajinikanth’s next; Ashwath Marimuthu replaces Cibi Chakaravarthi as director

First look poster of ‘Dharman’ | Photo credit: @RKFI/X

Dharman is the title of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited film, the makers announced on Tuesday (June 24). With the announcement, it is now clear that director Ashwath Marimuthu (Oh My Kadavule, Dragon fame) has replaced Cibi Chakaravarthi (of Don fame) as the director.

The title of the film was revealed at the launch event of the film in Chennai. Actor-producer Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, the banner bankrolling the project, unveiled the film’s first poster at the event to announce the news.

The poster features Rajinikanth as a surgeon with a violent streak. ‘The Deadly Doctor’ is written as the film’s tagline. Notably, there were films with Rajinikanth with “Dharma” in the title, such as Dharma Durai in 1991 and Dharmathin Thalaivan in 1988.

Dharman stars Simran, Raashi Khanna and Yogi Babu in the lead role. With music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the film has cinematography by Niketh Bommi and editing by Pradeep E Ragav.

Ashwath Marimuthu, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Mahendran at the launch of ‘Dharman’ in Chennai on Tuesday, June 24 | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Thalaivar 173 was officially announced last year. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, apart from teaming up for their much-anticipated reunion film (directed by Nelson), also collaborated on Thalaivar 173, where Kamal took on the role of producer.

The project underwent several changes with regard to the director at the helm. Earlier this year, Cibi Chakaravarthi was announced as the director of the project; however, several reports claimed that he had since been replaced by Ashwath Marimuthu. Now the rumors have been confirmed.

Speaking at the film’s pooja ceremony, Rajinikanth acknowledged the numerous changes in the director. “This project was originally supposed to be directed by KS Ravikumar. But that didn’t work out and then we had Sundar C on board as the director. But he had to leave the project due to his other film commitments. Then Cibi Chakaravarthy came in; I loved Cibi’s story, but it was a very sensitive subject. It was about a nuclear scientist, and it required time-consuming shooting in Russia, which required shooting in Afghanistan. so we couldn’t do it to do, then we got to Ashwath Marimuthu,” said Rajinikanth.

Details of the plot remain unknown. Considering how long these two stalwarts have been looking for the perfect script to work on together, there are huge expectations surrounding the project.

At the event, Kamal Haasan recalled how the two decided to work together decades ago. “When Rajinikanth entered the film industry, he acted in a few minor roles, but within three years we were both on the same level. We started acting together in many films and you all know why we stopped acting together. But then we decided that we should work together on a film and that either he or I should produce it. Then 40 years passed and a few years ago we started again about this office Raaj, Kamal Film, when it’s me and I. we are looking for the right script Now we are making two films I am proud that these two youngsters who sat under the tree at AVM Studios have traveled for so long in the film industry,” said Kamal.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 10:22 IST