India, Jan. 3 -- After Sundar C's exit from the Rajinikanth-starrer produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, director Cibi Chakaravarthi has been roped in to helm the project. Tentatively titled Thalaivar 173, the film is expected to hit screens for Pongal 2027.

On Saturday, Raaj Kamal Films International confirmed that Cibi would be directing the film, starring Rajinikanth, and produced by Kamal. Making the announcement, they wrote, "Every HERO has a FAMILY. #Arambikalama #Thalaivar173 #SuperStarPongal2027" This comes after the names of everyone from Nelson Dilipkumar to Lokesh Kanagraj were floated as contenders for the much-awaited film.

Cibi also announced the news, writing, "Once, a small-town boy's big dream was ...