Nayanthara is reuniting with Rajinikanth after five years in the upcoming Tamil film Dharman. The makers officially announced her casting on Sunday, October 25, 2026, revealing a new poster featuring the two stars. Welcoming another collaboration with the veteran actor, Nayanthara affectionately described him as the “One and Only Superstar.”
The film, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, already features Simran, Raashii Khanna and Yogi Babu.
Nayanthara Celebrates Her Reunion With Rajinikanth
Raaj Kamal Films International announced Nayanthara’s addition through a poster showing her and Rajinikanth facing each other in a dimly lit corridor.
The production house captioned the announcement:
“THE AURA IS DOUBLE. Welcoming the one and only @nayanthara to DHARMAN.”
Nayanthara subsequently shared the announcement on X, writing:
“OnToTheNext with One and Only Superstar.”
The casting marks their first on-screen collaboration since Annaatthe (2021).
Their working relationship stretches back more than two decades, beginning with Chandramukhi (2005). They subsequently appeared together in Kuselan (2008), Darbar (2020) and Annaatthe.
Nayanthara also made a special appearance in the song Balleilakka from Rajinikanth’s Sivaji (2007). Including that appearance, Dharman marks their sixth on-screen collaboration.
While their reunion is confirmed, the filmmakers have not disclosed Nayanthara’s character or her relationship with Rajinikanth’s character.
Dharman Promises a Different Side of Rajinikanth
Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, Dharman is expected to present Rajinikanth in an unusual role.
The film’s first-look poster showed the superstar wearing surgical scrubs inside an operating theatre, holding a bloodstained scalpel. The striking imagery introduced his character with the tagline “The Deadly Doctor.”
Although the visuals suggest a darker action-oriented storyline, the makers have not revealed the complete plot.
The technical team includes composer Anirudh Ravichander, cinematographer Niketh Bommi, editor Pradeep E Ragav and action choreographers Anbariv.
Dharman’s Production Changes and Release Plans
Previously known as Thalaivar 173, the project underwent several creative changes before Marimuthu was confirmed as director.
Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi were previously associated with different versions of the film. Rajinikanth later explained that Chakravarthi’s proposed nuclear-scientist storyline was postponed because of its sensitive subject and demanding production requirements.
The current production has already completed multiple filming schedules.
Marimuthu recently indicated that filming was expected to conclude in October 2026, although final completion has not been officially confirmed.
Dharman is expected to arrive in theatres in 2027, but the producers have not announced an official release date.
With Nayanthara joining an ensemble that already includes several established performers, the next major reveal will likely concern the story and how her character fits into Rajinikanth’s mysterious new screen persona.
