📌 Key Points
- ‘Dharman’, starring Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, now has Ashwath Marimuthu as director.
- The film experienced three prior director changes, including KS Ravikumar, Sundar C, and Cibi Chakravarthi.
- Rajinikanth revealed Cibi’s project was postponed due to a ‘sensitive nuclear scientist’ subject.
- Ashwath Marimuthu, a fan, received a motivational voice note from Rajinikanth before pitching.
Superstar Rajinikanth has finally shed light on the multiple director changes for his upcoming film ‘Dharman’ with Kamal Haasan. Ashwath Marimuthu is now confirmed to direct, following previous helmers like Cibi Chakravarthi, whose sensitive nuclear scientist project was deemed too complex.
Dharman’s Director Carousel: The Full Story
After KS Ravikumar, Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi, Rajinikanth’s film with Kamal Haasan, Dharman, sees Ashwath Marimuthu as director.
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth ’s upcoming film, produced by Kamal Haasan , has seen yet another director change. Announcing the film’s title as Dharman on Wednesday, the star duo revealed that Ashwath Marimuthu has now been brought on board the project. Talking to the press, Rajinikanth revealed why these changes were made.
Rajinikanth Explains Sensitive Subject
The star then revealed what the film Cibi pitched him was about and said, “The story is very good, but it’s a sensitive subject. It’s about a nuclear scientist…about nuclear weapons. Shooting was to take place in Afghanistan and Russia. It’s a nice subject, but very sensitive and time-consuming. So, we postponed the project and finalised the film with Ashwath Marimuthu .”
Ashwath also spoke at the event and said he’s a fan of Rajinikanth. He revealed that the star sent him a voice note before they pitched the film to Kamal, saying, “We should win at any cost.” The filmmaker stated that despite having decades of experience, the duo keep themselves young and involved in the project.
Ashwath Marimuthu: The New Director
Rajinikanth last starred in the 2024 films Lal Salaam and Vettaiyan, as well as the 2025 film Coolie. The Lokesh Kanagaraj film released amid much hype and performed well at the box office but received lukewarm reviews. Apart from Dharman, the actor also has Jailer 2 with Nelson Dilipkumar lined up. Kamal and Rajinikanth are also shooting a ‘KH X RK reunion’ film that has yet to be titled. That film is also directed by Nelson, and further details are awaited. Unlike Dhaman, the Nelson project will star both of them.
With Ashwath Marimuthu now at the helm, the highly anticipated ‘Dharman’ promises to bring a fresh perspective. Rajinikanth’s candid revelation offers insight into the complexities of filmmaking, leaving fans eager for this star-studded collaboration.
