Honestly, trying to keep up with the Superstar is a full-time job. Just when you think the man might finally slow down and enjoy a quiet life in Poes Garden, he drops a bombshell that resets the entire industry. This morning in Chennai, specifically outside his residence during the Pongal festivities, Rajinikanth basically set the internet on fire. He didn't just wave at the massive crowd; he gave us the roadmap for his next two years.
The big talk right now? It's all about Thalaivar 173.
While everyone was still busy debating the mixed reception of Coolie—which, let's be real, still made a ridiculous amount of money—Rajini confirmed that his next massive venture kicks off this April. This isn't just another action flick. It’s a collaboration that sounds like a fever dream for any Tamil cinema fan: Rajinikanth acting in a film produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI).
Thalaivar 173: The Latest Movie of Rajinikanth We Didn’t See Coming
Most people thought the next one would be a quick sequel or a safe bet. Instead, we’re getting a film directed by Cibi Chakravarthy. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he directed Don with Sivakarthikeyan. It was a massive hit, sure, but Cibi is relatively new. Putting the weight of a Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan production on his shoulders is a gutsy move.
The latest movie of Rajinikanth is already being whispered about as a potential remake or adaptation of the 2022 English film The Outfit. For those who haven't seen it, that's a tight, claustrophobic thriller about a tailor who gets tangled up with mobsters. Imagine Rajini in a sharp suit, playing a low-key but lethal craftsman. It’s a huge departure from the "mass" masala we usually expect.
Wait, it gets better.
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Anirudh Ravichander is back on music duties. Again. Some people are saying "Anirudh fatigue" is real, but let's be honest—when that title card hits and his score kicks in, nobody is complaining. The film is eyeing a Pongal 2027 release. That's a long wait, but the production scale suggests they aren't rushing it.
What Happened to Coolie?
We have to talk about Coolie. Released in August 2025, it was supposed to be the definitive "Lokesh Kanagaraj x Rajinikanth" masterpiece. It did well, crossing the ₹500 crore mark easily, making Rajini the only Indian actor with three films in that bracket (alongside 2.0 and Jailer). But the reviews? They were a bit of a rollercoaster.
Lokesh tried something different. It wasn't part of the LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), which kinda bummed out some fans who wanted to see Rajini meet Vikram or Leo. Instead, it was a standalone gold-smuggling heist. It was dark, it was violent (it even got an 'A' certificate, a rarity for the Superstar), and it felt very "un-Rajini" in parts. Some loved the grit; others missed the "Superstar" charm.
The Jailer 2 Hype is Getting Weird (In a Good Way)
While Thalaivar 173 is the new shiny object, the latest movie of Rajinikanth that will actually hit theaters first is Jailer 2. Nelson Dilipkumar is returning to the director's chair, and the release date is locked for June 12, 2026.
The cast list for this sequel is getting out of hand. We’re looking at:
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- Vijay Sethupathi (Confirmed for a cameo, though he says he hates "hero-elevating" villain roles).
- Vidya Balan and Mithun Chakraborty (Bringing that pan-India appeal).
- S.J. Suryah (Because you can't have a chaotic movie in 2026 without him).
- Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar are expected to return for their scene-stealing roles from the first film.
Rumors about a Shah Rukh Khan cameo have been floating around too. Mithun Chakraborty recently played it coy when asked about it, which in Bollywood/Kollywood speak usually means "yes, but I can't say it yet." If that happens, the box office might actually explode.
Why Rajini's Recent Choices Matter
There’s a shift happening. Rajinikanth is 75. He knows he can’t do the same gravity-defying stunts he did in Baashha or Padayappa. In Vettaiyan (late 2024), he played a senior cop dealing with encounter killings and educational scams. It was a "message" movie hidden inside a commercial shell.
He’s experimenting.
Whether it’s working with TJ Gnanavel (the Jai Bhim director) or now Cibi Chakravarthy, he’s moving away from the "invincible hero" trope. In the latest movie of Rajinikanth, he seems more interested in being an actor who happens to be a Superstar, rather than just a cardboard cutout of his former self.
Some fans hate it. They want the sunglasses flip and the cigarette toss (well, the candy toss now). But if you look at the trajectory from Jailer to Coolie and now toward Thalaivar 173, there’s a clear desire to leave a legacy of diverse cinema, not just hits.
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The Kamal Haasan Connection
The most fascinating part of the current landscape isn't just the movies themselves, but the politics behind them. Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth haven't shared a screen in a major way since the 80s. While Kamal is only producing Thalaivar 173 for now, Rajini himself hinted today that "the plan is there" for them to act together.
The problem? They need a script that satisfies both their massive egos and their even more massive fanbases. Lokesh Kanagaraj was originally supposed to direct this "mega-collab," but he’s reportedly out of that specific project for now to focus on Kaithi 2.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve on the latest movie of Rajinikanth, here is what you need to keep an eye on over the next few months:
- Monitor April 2026: This is when Thalaivar 173 officially starts filming. Expect "leaked" photos of Rajini’s new look. If he’s sporting a more grounded, realistic look, the "The Outfit" remake rumors are likely true.
- Jailer 2 Teasers: With a June release date, expect the first teaser to drop around March or April. Watch for the musical theme—Nelson and Anirudh usually drop a "viral" track (like Kaavaalaa) months in advance to build hype.
- The "Hukum" Factor: Check the distribution rights. For Coolie, the rights were sold for astronomical prices (₹53 crore for just the Telugu states). If Jailer 2 or Thalaivar 173 surpasses these numbers, we are looking at a potential ₹1000 crore contender.
- Cast Confirmations: Keep an eye on Raaj Kamal Films’ social media. If Kamal Haasan is announced for a "special appearance" in Thalaivar 173, it will become the biggest Indian film of the decade instantly.
The reality of being a Rajini fan in 2026 is a mix of nostalgia and genuine surprise. We come for the style, but lately, we’ve been staying for the stories. Whether he's a retired jailer, a gold-smuggling union leader, or a sophisticated tailor, the man remains the sun around which the entire industry orbits.
To stay updated, follow the official handles of Sun Pictures and Raaj Kamal Films International, as they are the primary gatekeepers for the most accurate production news. Avoid the "fan-made" posters on X (formerly Twitter) that claim a release next month—the timeline is firmly set for June 2026 and January 2027.