In a major cinematic revelation that has sent social media into a frenzy, the makers of Superstar Rajinikanth’s 173rd film have officially unveiled its title and first-look poster. The highly anticipated project is titled Dharman – The Deadly Doctor.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, marks a fresh start for the project, which has been at the center of intense speculation regarding its direction and casting for over a year. Backed by Kamal Haasan’s prestigious Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), the film is now officially helmed by director Ashwath Marimuthu, known for his work on Oh My Kadavule and Dragon.
The first-look poster presents Rajinikanth in a terrifyingly stylish avatar. Dressed in blue surgical scrubs and sporting his signature salt-and-pepper look, the Superstar is seen standing inside an operating theater. Holding a bloodied surgical tool in one hand and resting a foot on a prone figure, the image exudes a dark, intense energy.
The poster is accompanied by the powerful Tamil tagline, “Dharmame Vellum!” (Righteousness alone will triumph), adding a layer of moral complexity to the “Deadly Doctor” persona.
The journey to Dharman has been anything but conventional. Since its initial announcement in 2025, the film underwent several high-profile changes behind the camera:
- Director Transitions: The project was originally set to be directed by Sundar C, who later opted out due to “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”
- The Second Shift: Filmmaker Cibi Chakravarthy (of Don fame) was subsequently brought on board to helm the project. After conducting extensive pre-production work, he too exited the film, leaving the directorial chair vacant once again.
- The Final Choice: Following a period of rumours, Ashwath Marimuthu emerged as the definitive director. According to sources, Marimuthu worked closely with Rajinikanth to refine the script, ensuring it met the Superstar’s vision before the official launch.
With the official puja ceremony concluded in Chennai today, the production is moving at lightning speed, with filming scheduled to commence tomorrow, June 25, 2026.
The film boasts an elite technical crew and a compelling cast:
- Music: The chart-topping Anirudh Ravichander will handle the musical score.
- Cinematography: Niketh Bommi.
- Editing: Pradeep E. Ragav.
- Action Choreography: The renowned stunt duo Anbariv.
- Cast: Alongside Rajinikanth, the film features Simran and Raashii Khanna in prominent roles, with further cast announcements expected in the coming weeks.
The announcement of Dharman has sparked a massive wave of excitement, with fans analyzing every detail of the poster—from the surgical equipment to the broken glass surrounding the Superstar. Director Ashwath Marimuthu has been quick to debunk rumours that the film is based on any “five-rupee doctor” story, emphasizing that Dharman is a unique, high-octane narrative tailored to Rajinikanth’s legendary screen presence.
As the cameras begin to roll, the industry and the audience alike are waiting to see how this collaboration between the Universal Hero Kamal Haasan as producer and the Superstar Rajinikanth as the lead unfolds on the big screen.
With a powerhouse team and a gripping premise, Dharman – The Deadly Doctor is poised to become one of the most talked-about projects in Tamil cinema.
