In a move that has sent surprised everyone in the Tamil film industry, director Sundar C has abruptly exited the much-hyped superstar project ‘Thalaivar 173’, just a week after it was officially announced. The film, which was set to star Rajinikanth and be produced by Kamal Haasan, was touted as a historic collaboration between the two icons after 46 years.
While the director cited “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances” for his decision, industry insiders are speculating that the formidable combination of two strong-willed legends may have been the real reason behind his exit.
A “Dream” Project Cut Short
In an official press release, Sundar C stated he was stepping away from the project with a “heavy heart.” He called it a “dream come true” opportunity but added, “In life, there are moments when we must follow the path laid out for us, even if it diverges from our dreams.”
His statement, while diplomatic, has sparked intense debate. Sources close to the industry suggest that Sundar C, having previously directed Rajinikanth in ‘Arunachalam’ and Kamal Haasan in ‘Anbe Sivam’, is intimately familiar with their distinct and powerful working styles. This insider knowledge may have led him to foresee a potentially untenable situation.
The Clash of Titans: A Director’s Dilemma
According to analysts, the core of the issue lies in the contrasting approaches of the two superstars. Rajinikanth, in today’s market, is said to be extremely particular that a film he commits to must become “his” film, with his image and market demands taking precedence.
On the other hand, Kamal Haasan, a renowned filmmaker himself, is known for his hands-on involvement, a trait that is only amplified when he is also the producer. “If both stars pull in different directions, the director stuck in the middle suffers the most intense struggle,” a source commented.
The Rajini’s Touch
Possible reason being the superstar’s recent run of underwhelming performances at the box office. Though Rajinikanth remains a cultural icon, his last few films have struggled to deliver the massive commercial impact once taken for granted.
Adding to the hesitation is the perception that directors who recently worked with him—TJ Gnanavel, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Aishwarya Rajinikanth, and Siruthai Siva—have all faced setbacks or been labelled “jinxed” after delivering flops with the superstar.
For a director like Sundar C— who is known for giving runaway hits with balanced budgets, expectations, and market realities—signing on to a project already carrying the weight of consecutive flops may have seemed too risky. Industry insiders suggest he may have preferred stepping away rather than being tied to a venture facing heightened scrutiny and unpredictable returns.
A Strategic Exit
Faced with the prospect of navigating these two powerful creative forces, it is suspected that Sundar C made a calculated decision. Rather than risking a messy exit mid-way through production, he is believed to have chosen a clean break at the very outset to preserve his creative integrity and professional dignity.
His exit now leaves a major question mark over who will step into the director’s chair for this film being touted as a magnum opus, which is slated for a Pongal 2027 release.
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