Director Sundar C has abruptly withdrawn from Thalaivar 173, the highly anticipated Rajinikanth-starrer produced by Kamal Haasan, citing "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances" in a statement released on November 13, 2025. The filmmaker, who was set to helm the reunion of Tamil cinema's two biggest icons, confirmed his exit through his publicist, sending shockwaves across the industry and fanbase.

In an emotional note, Sundar C expressed deep regret, stating that life sometimes forces paths to diverge from dreams. He highlighted his long-standing admiration for both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, describing recent interactions with them as "special moments" that taught him invaluable lessons. Despite stepping away, he vowed to continue seeking their guidance in the future.

The director issued a formal apology to the superstars and fans, acknowledging the disappointment caused by his departure. "I thank both of them from the bottom of my heart for considering me for this magnum opus," he wrote, promising to compensate audiences with future entertaining projects. His wife, actress Khushbu Sundar, briefly shared the statement on Instagram before deleting it.

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Thalaivar 173 was announced as a grand collaboration blending Rajinikanth’s mass appeal with Kamal Haasan’s creative vision under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner. Originally slated for a Pongal 2027 release, the project now faces uncertainty as producers scramble to find a replacement director.

The sudden exit has fueled speculation, though no official reason beyond "unavoidable circumstances" has been disclosed. Fans remain hopeful that the film—billed as a cinematic milestone—will proceed with a new visionary at the helm to deliver the promised spectacle.

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