Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Dharman, produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, has found itself at the centre of online speculation after a now-deleted post on X claimed that the superstar and director Ashwath Marimuthu had differences. The rumours have prompted a response from Rajinikanth’s publicist, who has firmly denied any disagreement between the actor and the filmmaker.

Riaz K Ahmed, Rajinikanth’s publicist, addressed the speculation on X, describing the claims as “completely false”. He also shared his observations from the film’s sets, suggesting that the working relationship between the two remains positive.

“This is completely wrong information. I have seen with my own eyes over many days on the shooting location how Director Ashwath Marimuthu works in his energetic style, and how being on the film set brings great courage and joy to the leader. Dharmam is progressing well, quickly, and excellently.”

The clarification comes as the project continues to attract attention, not least because of the several changes it underwent before Ashwath was confirmed as its director. Initially announced as Thalaivar 173, the film represents a significant collaboration between Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who is backing the project under his production banner.

இத� ம�ற�றில�ம� தவறான தகவல� . இயக�க�னர� @Dir_Ashwath அவர�களின� விற�விற�ப�பான ம�றையில� பணியாற�ற�வத� தலைவர�க�க� மிகவ�ம� படபிடிப�ப� தளத�தில� சௌரியமாகவ�ம� சந�தஷ�மாகவ�ம� இர�ப�பத� நான� பல நாட�கள� படப�பிடிப�பில� பார�த�த� இர�க�கிறேன� . தர�மன� படம� நன�றாகவ�ம� வேகமாகவ�ம� சிறப�பாக வளர�ந�த�வர�கிறத� .

— RIAZ K AHMED (@RIAZtheboss) October 7, 2026

Dharman’s journey from Thalaivar 173 to production

The film’s development has been a talking point since its title announcement. At the event in June, Rajinikanth spoke about the different filmmakers who were considered for the project before Ashwath eventually came on board. KS Ravikumar was among the initial choices, followed by Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi. However, the versions developed with the earlier directors did not materialise, leading to another change in the film’s creative direction.

Ashwath Marimuthu, known for directing Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, eventually took charge of the project. His association with Rajinikanth marks their first collaboration, bringing together a filmmaker whose work has largely explored contemporary relationships and youthful characters with one of Indian cinema’s most established stars.

The repeated changes in the film’s directorial lineup have naturally fuelled curiosity about its development. However, the latest speculation about an alleged disagreement between Rajinikanth and Ashwath has been dismissed by the actor’s publicist, who has maintained that production is progressing smoothly.

With Kamal Haasan producing a Rajinikanth-starrer, Dharman also brings together two of Tamil cinema’s most influential figures in a collaboration that has generated considerable interest. The project has been closely followed since its announcement, with the combination of Rajinikanth’s star power and Kamal Haasan’s production backing adding to expectations.

Rajinikanth with Ashwath Marimuthu

Rajinikanth’s Dharman gears up for Pongal 2027

Dharman features an ensemble cast that includes Simran, Raashii Khanna, Yogi Babu and Ram Pothineni alongside Rajinikanth. Anirudh Ravichander has been roped in to compose the music, continuing his association with the superstar. Niketh Bommi is handling cinematography, while Pradeep E Ragav serves as the editor. Action choreography is being handled by the stunt duo Anbariv.

The film is expected to arrive in theatres in January 2027, coinciding with the Pongal festival. While the makers have yet to announce further details about the film’s story, its casting and the combination of talent behind the camera have kept it on the radar of Tamil cinema audiences.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also preparing for the release of Jailer 2, his next collaboration with director Nelson. The sequel to the 2023 blockbuster is scheduled to hit theatres on October 15. With Dharman in production and Jailer 2 nearing its theatrical release, the superstar has two major projects drawing attention, even as his publicist moves to put the latest rumours surrounding the former to rest.

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Raveena Tandon’s association with Kannada cinema has been marked by some memorable choices, from her appearance in Upendra’s cult classic Upendra (1999) to her return to the spotlight with KGF: Chapter 2. The actor is now set to add another Kannada project to her filmography, joining hands with Shivarajkumar for director MG Srinivas’ upcoming film, A for Anand. The collaboration brings together two established performers for the first time, with the film promising an ensemble cast assembled under the direction of a filmmaker known for his genre-driven storytelling.

Raveena, who has built a career spanning Hindi cinema and several other Indian film industries, has consistently moved between mainstream entertainers and projects that offer her distinct roles. Her casting in A for Anand continues that journey, bringing her back to Kannada cinema after her appearance in the Yash-starrer KGF: Chapter 2. The upcoming film also marks a fresh pairing for Shivarajkumar, whose long-standing presence in Kannada cinema continues to see him explore projects across different genres.

Raveena Tandon And Shivarajkumar Share Screen Space For The First Time

The casting of Raveena Tandon in A for Anand is particularly notable because it marks the first time she will share screen space with Shivarajkumar. The actor, who was recently seen in Bail, has several projects in the pipeline and is balancing his commitments across multiple productions. Among his upcoming appearances is Jailer 2, while he has now commenced work on his latest collaboration with MG Srinivas.

The shoot for A for Anand began on Wednesday, with Shivarajkumar kickstarting the project before Raveena joined the sets for her first day of filming. The actor arrived at Bengaluru’s Presidency University campus, where the production commenced on an auspicious note with an inaugural ceremony. The occasion also saw Dr Nissar Ahmed, the university’s founder-chairman, felicitate the team.

The beginning of the shoot signals the next phase of a project that brings together performers from different corners of Indian cinema. While details about Raveena’s character and the film’s storyline remain under wraps, her inclusion adds another familiar face to the cast. Her previous Kannada outing, KGF: Chapter 2, introduced her to a new generation of viewers through a high-profile pan-India production, making A for Anand an interesting follow-up in the language.

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MG Srinivas Brings Together An Ensemble Cast

For MG Srinivas, A for Anand marks another collaboration with Shivarajkumar following Ghost, the slick heist entertainer that brought the actor and filmmaker together previously. Known professionally as Srini, the director has developed an interest in genre-driven narratives, and his latest project is expected to bring together a sizeable ensemble cast. The film’s casting and production details are gradually taking shape as filming gets underway.

The director is also awaiting the theatrical release of Birbal 2, which is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 27. With both projects occupying different stages of production and release, Srini has a busy period ahead as he continues to expand his body of work.

A for Anand is produced by Geetha Shivarajkumar under the Geetha Pictures banner. The technical team includes composer Arjun Janya, cinematographer Mahendra Simha and editor Deepu S Kumar. The combination brings together familiar names from the Kannada film industry, with the crew set to shape the film’s visual and musical identity.

With filming now underway, A for Anand adds another title to Shivarajkumar’s busy slate while bringing Raveena Tandon back to Kannada cinema. Their first collaboration, coupled with MG Srinivas’ direction and the film’s ensemble cast, gives the project an intriguing starting point. Further details about the story, the supporting cast and the film’s release plans are expected to emerge as production progresses.

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​The march followed a meeting of150 MPs of the INDIA bloc in the Central Hall of Parliament, where16 leaders from 16 different parties signed the memorandum that will be submitted to the President.