Is Basil Joseph Joining Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173? Actor Hints At A Massive Collaboration

Rajinikanth's upcoming project, Thalaivar 173, is currently generating significant buzz due to a series of casting hints and directorial shifts. According to a report by Cinema Express, Malayalam actor Basil Joseph recently hinted at his involvement in a major film during an event for the YouTube channel Behindwoods. While he did not explicitly name the project, trade circles suggest he has been roped in to play a crucial role, potentially as Rajinikanth's son. Basil mentioned that he is part of a very big film but cannot disclose further details at this stage, leading to speculation that the casting for the project is finalizing.

The actor also shared updates regarding his Tamil cinema debut, Raawadi, which is scheduled for release in either May or June. While he clarified that he is not playing the lead in Raawadi, he described his role as very crucial to the narrative. His hint about the big film comes at a time when the directorial seat for Thalaivar 173 has seen multiple changes. The production, headed by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), has undergone a musical chairs game with its directors over the past few months, creating a wave of speculation in the industry.

To put the directorial timeline in perspective, Sundar C was the first official director announced for the project in November 2025. Pitching it as a vintage Rajini comedy, the collaboration was short-lived as Sundar C stepped down just days later, citing unforeseen circumstances and creative differences. In early January 2026, Cibi Chakravarthy, known for the hit film Don, was brought on board as the official replacement. However, current reports suggest that Cibi has also exited the project, with director Ashwath Marimuthu now being the leading choice to take over the directorial responsibilities.

Ashwath Marimuthu, who gained acclaim for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the commercial entertainer. Despite the changes in the directorial department, Rajinikanth has previously confirmed that the film will be a high-quality commercial venture designed to entertain the masses. The project remains a high-profile one for RKFI, with composer Anirudh Ravichander already confirmed to handle the musical score.

The potential inclusion of Basil Joseph suggests that while the director may have changed, certain core casting elements from previous drafts might still be intact. As the production team works toward stabilizing the creative leadership, the focus remains on delivering a pan-India spectacle. With Ashwath Marimuthu reportedly entering the fray and Basil Joseph hinting at a massive outing, Thalaivar 173 continues to be one of the most talked-about upcoming releases in South Indian cinema.