Was the coming together of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for Thalivar 173 to help the latter come out of a Rs 178 crore that was incurred due to flop of Thig Life ? see; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkA9Y4CYJ80 , YouTuber Cheyyaru Balu says that Mahendran co producer in RKFI mismanaged the Thug Life business and more so after a top excecutive in Star Vijay ( now part of Jio HotStar ) quit. Mahendran is an ex Star Vijay employee. Secondly is Rajinikanth not taking a risk by uniting with C Sundar whose films have no appeal outside Tamil Nadu ? For a Rajini film budget, the film has to do reasonably well in other States and overseas to make it feasible. Kamal Haasan and Red Giant of Inbanidhi Stalin are producers of the new project. We had reported Sundar C- Rajini project ( https://southfilmy.blogspot.com/2025/10/mammoottys-patriot-london-shoot-details.html:
With his retirement rumors doing the rounds for a few days, superstar Rajinikanth has announced a new film with director Sundar C, which is like a big gamble given the latter’s image.
Whether a director delivers strong content or not, every director has their own set of audiences. Some filmmakers have a universal audience reach, while others are limited to specific markets. Heroes like Rajinikanth, who enjoy a massive fan base across all languages and regions, always need to collaborate with directors who can make films with pan-India and global appeal.
Rajinikanth recently took a risk by teaming up with Director Siva for Annaatthe (Peddanna). Siva’s market is primarily rooted in Tamil Nadu, and he does not carry a brand that appeals internationally or in other language markets. This was reflected clearly in the film’s initial buzz and openings.
Rajinikanth also appeared in a crucial cameo role in Lal Salaam, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth. Due to the director’s limitations, the film could not secure strong openings either.
Now, Rajinikanth is taking another bold risk, or a big gamble, by signing his next project with Sundar C. Even though the actor and director delivered a blockbuster earlier with Arunachalam, Sundar C’s recent films, despite being hits, have largely appealed only to the Tamil Nadu audience. For a Rajinikanth film, a universal appeal is crucial. If Sundar C continues his usual route, the film could become a major risk.
However, the positive side is that Kamal Haasan, who is producing the film, is also convinced of the script. So, there is definitely hope that the film might turn out to be a universal entertainer. Still, it remains to be seen how this risk plays out for Rajinikanth.
Guest Appearance : Thappu Thalangal
Cameo : Thillu Mullu Financier : Mullum Malarum Extended Cameo : Moondru Mudichu Associate Director : Aval Appadithaan Distributor : Arunachalam ( Salem area) Advisor : Thalapathy / Padayappa Producer : #Thalaivar173
Muthu film kerala release by Aandavar 
That too when movie competed with #Kuruthippunalr
