Rajinikanth’s Dharman Reportedly Adds Nayanthara

The rumour mill around Rajinikanth’s next action entertainer is buzzing again. Dharman, previously referred to by its tentative title Thalaivar173, is reportedly on the verge of adding Nayanthara to its cast.

According to a report by Valai Pechu, cited by Pinkvilla, Nayanthara has agreed to play an important character in the film. She would join a female ensemble that already includes Simran Bagga and Raashii Khanna, with Sreeleela also said to be part of the project. The report suggests Nayanthara’s role is likely to be significant in the story, with the actor expected to appear in several scenes.

There is one big caveat: none of this has been confirmed by the makers yet. Until Raaj Kamal Films International or the film’s team makes an official announcement, this remains strong casting buzz rather than a done deal.

Dharman’s star power keeps rising

Dharman is already being positioned as a major Rajinikanth vehicle. The superstar is expected to play a stylish doctor in the film, and Simran Bagga, Yogi Babu, and Raashii Khanna are reported as key cast members. Kamal Haasan co-produces the project under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.

Director Ashwath Marimuthu is reportedly planning plenty of entertaining set-pieces, with a clear focus on comedy. That tone should pair well with the film’s action, which is being choreographed by the Anbariv duo.

Why a Nayanthara addition matters

Nayanthara remains one of the most bankable female leads in South Indian cinema. Her potential involvement would lift Dharman’s reach among family audiences and digital platforms, and it gives the project a second major headline beyond Rajinikanth’s own presence.

For fans, the mix looks increasingly like an event film: a superstar hero in a stylish role, multiple female leads, a strong comic ensemble, and an Anirudh Ravichander score.

The crew and timeline at a glance

• Music and background score: Anirudh Ravichander
• Cinematography: Niketh Bommireddy
• Editing: Pradeep E. Ragav
• Action choreography: Anbariv
• Release plan: Pongal 2027, with shooting likely to wrap by November 2026

There is also unconfirmed speculation that Ram Pothineni may play the main antagonist, though the team has not announced that either.

Rajinikanth’s busy slate

Rajinikanth was most recently seen in Jailer 2, the action-comedy sequel to 2023’s Jailer. That film features SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vidya Balan, and Yogi Babu in key roles, along with cameos from Mohanlal, Hrithik Roshan, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, and Vijay Sethupathi.

He is also set to star in KHxRK with Kamal Haasan. Dharman, then, is part of a packed and ambitious phase for the superstar, and even an unconfirmed casting report is enough to keep fans talking until the next official update.

Source: PINKVILLA

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#Ashwath Marimuthu#Casting news#Dharman#Kamal Haasan#Nayanthara#Rajinikanth#Tamil cinema#Thalaivar173