Nayanthara has officially joined the cast of Rajinikanth’s upcoming Tamil film Dharman, reuniting with the superstar after five years. The announcement was made by production house Raaj Kamal Films International on October 25, sharing a glimpse of the two actors together and welcoming the actress to the project.
“The aura is double,” the production banner wrote on X, alongside a silhouette featuring Rajinikanth and Nayanthara. The announcement has added fresh excitement around the upcoming film, which is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan.
Nayanthara and Rajinikanth Reunite After Annaatthe
Dharman marks the sixth film collaboration between Rajinikanth and Nayanthara. The two actors have previously appeared together in Chandramukhi (2005), Sivaji (2007), Kuselan (2008), Darbar (2020) and Annaatthe (2021).
Their previous collaborations have included different kinds of roles and screen appearances. Nayanthara made a cameo appearance in the song “Balleilakka” in Sivaji, while she shared a more substantial role with Rajinikanth in films such as Chandramukhi, Darbar and Annaatthe.
Their reunion in Dharman comes five years after Annaatthe. However, the makers have not yet disclosed details about Nayanthara’s character or the nature of her role in the new film.
THE AURA IS DOUBLE
Welcoming the one and only #Nayanthara to DHARMAN
#Dharman #KettaPaiyanSir
#SuperstarRajinikanth #KamalHaasan@rajinikanth @ikamalhaasan #Mahendran #Nayanthara @Dir_Ashwath @anirudhofficial @anbariv @iYogiBabu @SimranbaggaOffc #RaashiKhanna @nikethbommi #KarthikRajkumar @PradeepERagav @kabilanchelliah @ShruthiManjari @APIfilms @homescreenent @saregamasouth @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram
— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) October 25, 2026
Rajinikanth’s Dharman Promises a Different Side of the Superstar
Speaking at an event organised by Galatta, director Ashwath Marimuthu previously discussed the film’s progress and his experience working with Rajinikanth.
The filmmaker described the superstar’s vibe as youthful, saying audiences would get to see a different side of him in the film. He also indicated that the team was enjoying the filmmaking process.
Marimuthu is known for directing Oh My Kadavule (2020), its Telugu remake Ori Devuda (2022), and Dragon (2024), starring Pradeep Ranganathan. Dharman marks his first collaboration with Rajinikanth.
The film was previously referred to as Thalaivar 173 before being titled Dharman.
Kamal Haasan Produces Dharman
Kamal Haasan is producing the film under Raaj Kamal Films International, with R. Mahendran of Turmeric Media also associated with the project.
The film’s technical team includes Anirudh Ravichander as music composer, Niketh Bommi as cinematographer, Pradeep E. Ragav as editor, and action choreographers Anbariv.
The supporting cast includes Simran and Raashii Khanna, with further details about the characters and storyline awaited. The film’s plot remains under wraps, and the makers have yet to announce an official theatrical release date.
Recent reports suggest that filming is expected to resume in November after the team completes its existing schedules. A release in 2027 has been reported, but the makers have not officially confirmed a date.
With Nayanthara now joining the cast, Dharman brings together two familiar screen partners once again, while offering audiences a new collaboration between Rajinikanth and director Ashwath Marimuthu.
