Chennai

In a major milestone for Tamil cinema, the title and first look of superstar Rajinikanth’s 173rd film, produced by Kamal Haasan, were officially unveiled at a grand launch and puja ceremony held on Wednesday.

The film, titled Dharman, is being jointly produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) along with R Mahendran. The project has already generated significant excitement due to the long-standing friendship between the two legendary actors.

Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, the film features music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Simran and Raashii Khanna play the female lead roles.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan recalled his decades-old bond with Rajinikanth and a commitment they made nearly 40 years ago.

“About four decades ago, while travelling to Mumbai, we decided that one of us should produce a film starring the other. That long-held promise has finally been fulfilled today,” Haasan said, thanking the industry and fans for their continued support over the years.

Rajinikanth, in turn, appreciated Haasan’s trust and encouragement since their early days in the film industry during the 1970s. He said the producer had given him complete creative freedom, even choosing not to review the story.

“Kamal placed full faith in me, saying he would not interfere or even ask for the script. That made the responsibility even greater,” Rajinikanth said. He added that after evaluating several scripts and directors, they finalised Ashwath Marimuthu for the project.

The actor described the film as a collaborative effort aimed at delivering commercial success.

Director Ashwath Marimuthu said Dharman would be a family-oriented thriller with strong entertainment value. He hinted that Rajinikanth plays a stylish doctor and that the film carries thematic elements reminiscent of the stars’ iconic past works such as Padayappa and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.

The launch event was attended by several notable figures from the Tamil film industry, including producers Kalaipuli S Thanu and G K M Tamil Kumaran, along with directors Lingusamy and R K Selvamani. Shooting officially began after a traditional puja ceremony.

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Dharman is one of two major collaborations bringing Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan together after a long gap, the other being KH x RK, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, where the two legends will reportedly share screen space again after decades.