Superstar Rajinikanth’s 173rd Film Officially Titled ‘Dharman - The Deadly Doctor’: Shooting Commences on June 25!

The cinematic world is abuzz with excitement as the official details for Superstar Rajinikanth’s 173rd film have been unveiled. Following months of speculation under the working title Thalaivar 173, the production house held a grand launch event to reveal the film's official title: Dharman - The Deadly Doctor.

Adding to the fervor, principal photography is scheduled to begin tomorrow, June 25, 2026.

📋 The Project Quick Sheet

Detail	Specifications
Official Title	Dharman - The Deadly Doctor (Thalaivar 173)
Lead Star	Superstar Rajinikanth
Producer	Kamal Haasan (Raaj Kamal Films International - RKFI)
Director	Ashwath Marimuthu (Oh My Kadavule, Dragon)
Music Composer	Anirudh Ravichander
Action Directors	Anbariv Masters
Female Leads	Simran and Raashii Khanna
Shooting Start	June 25, 2026

The Birth of a New Avatar: "The Deadly Doctor"

The title reveal was accompanied by a spine-chilling first-look poster that presents Rajinikanth in a completely unique light. Clad in blue medical scrubs and wearing his signature sunglasses, the Superstar is seen standing in a dimly lit operating theater, holding a blood-stained scalpel.

The poster features the Tamil caption "Dharmame Vellum" (Justice will prevail), subverting the typical medical drama trope. Director Ashwath Marimuthu confirmed that Dharman is not a story about a conventional local doctor, but a swaggy, mass-entertainment thriller tailored specifically for die-hard fans.

Marimuthu teased that the movie's energy will be a highly potent mix of the character style from Rajinikanth's Padayappa and the thrill elements of Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

A Historic Cinematic Reunion

Beyond the title, the biggest talking point of Thalaivar 173 is the production backing. Dharman - The Deadly Doctor is being bankrolled by none other than Universal Hero Kamal Haasan under his prestigious banner, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI).

At the launch event, the two icons opened up about their legendary 50-year-old friendship. Kamal Haasan revealed that they had flyingly agreed decades ago to produce a film together, a dream that has finally manifested. While Haasan is strictly involved as a producer, Rajinikanth leads the project single-handedly on screen.

How Ashwath Marimuthu Stepped In

During the launch, Rajinikanth candidly shared the behind-the-scenes evolution of the script. Ashwath Marimuthu is actually the fourth director associated with the project.

• The Evolution: Early pre-production was originally discussed with veteran K.S. Ravikumar, followed by filmmaker Sundar C, both of whom had to step away due to scheduling conflicts.

• The Script Shift: Later, Don director Cibi Chakravarthi was attached to helm a story centered around a nuclear scientist with international locations. However, the team felt that high-concept script required a more favorable timeline.

• The Final Fit: The search finally ended when Ashwath Marimuthu pitched his commercial family thriller concept, instantly winning over both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

High-Octane Action and Stellar Crew

The technical crew is stacked to ensure a premier theatrical experience. Hit-machine Anirudh Ravichander is handling the musical canvas and background score. Given the blood-splattered look of the title poster, the presence of the Anbariv Masters (action choreographers for KGF, Vikram, and Leo) promises intricately styled, high-impact fight choreography.

The film also marks a massive reunion on the casting front. Acclaimed actress Simran reunites with Rajinikanth after Petta (2019), alongside the vibrant Raashii Khanna, both locked in as the central female leads.

With the first schedule commencing on June 25, Dharman - The Deadly Doctor has comfortably secured its spot as one of the most anticipated pan-Indian cinematic events.