Rajinikanth’s 173rd Film 'Dharman': Kamal Haasan Unveils First Poster of the Deadly Doctor
When superstar Rajinikanth arrives, he does not need a loud announcement. A shadow, a symbol, and the promise of his name are enough to send fans into a frenzy. Today, Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International officially dropped the first-look poster for Rajinikanth's highly anticipated 173rd film, titled Dharman - The Deadly Doctor.
The journey of Dharman has been eventful since its initial announcement in 2025. The project has undergone significant developments, particularly regarding its director. Initially, the makers confirmed Sundar C would helm the film. However, he stepped away shortly after, citing "unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances." Following his exit, Don director Cibi Chakravarthy was roped in. He spent considerable time on pre-production before reportedly parting ways for undisclosed reasons. Now, filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu has officially taken the reins as director.
The newly released poster keeps things minimal yet undeniably powerful. Rather than revealing the core storyline, it focuses entirely on Rajinikanth's larger-than-life aura. The poster introduces the superstar in a striking doctor avatar. Standing against the cold backdrop of an operating theatre, he is seen holding a scalpel in blood-stained hands. Complete with his signature sunglasses and a knowing smirk, the image hints at a character exuding both absolute authority and deep mystery.
The internet immediately went into celebration mode upon the poster's release. The "deadly doctor" angle has given fans plenty of new material to decode. Social media is buzzing with theories: Is he a medical saviour, a man with a dark and complicated past, or someone fighting a much larger, secret battle? Beyond the story, fans are especially thrilled to see two giants of Indian cinema—Rajinikanth acting and Kamal Haasan producing—uniting in this major creative partnership.
While the production team is keeping most plot details tightly under wraps, the mystery surrounding the film's world has successfully pushed anticipation sky-high. This dark thriller aesthetic is a fresh pivot for the actor. The buzz is further amplified coming off Rajinikanth's massive 2025 action-drama release, Coolie. That film boasted a massive ensemble cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Rachita Ram, alongside special appearances by Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde.
The first look of Dharman proves that the combination of Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen presence and Kamal Haasan’s production vision is a winning formula. Overcoming early production hurdles, the sheer impact of this single poster has successfully cemented Dharman as one of the most intensely awaited films of the year.
Our Final Thoughts
It takes a special kind of stardom to break the internet with just a single image, and Rajinikanth proves once again why he is the ultimate boss. The bloody scalpel and signature smirk suggest a character with fascinating gray shades. Seeing him collaborate with Kamal Haasan's banner is a cinematic treat we cannot wait to witness on the big screen!