KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Indian superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are reuniting for a new film after more than 40 years, sending waves of excitement through the Tamil cinema world.

The film with the working title Thalaivar 173 will be produced by Kamal’s Raaj Kamal Films International and directed by Sundar C.

“Thalaivar” means “chief or head” in Tamil is the nickname for Rajinikanth; the upcoming project will be his 173rd film.

It remains unclear if Kamal will also appear alongside Rajinikanth, as details about the cast and plot are still under wraps.

Announcing the project on Wednesday, Kamal described it as a “magnum opus” that would “unite two towering forces of Indian cinema” and “celebrate five decades of friendship and brotherhood” between him and Rajinikanth.

Kamal, who began his career as a child actor in Kallathur Kannamma (1960), has since starred in over 200 films and won five National Awards in India.

Rajinikanth, who once worked as a bus conductor before becoming one of India’s most beloved stars, is fresh off the blockbuster success of Coolie.

The two legends have acted together in over 20 films, including Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Avargal (1977) and 16 Vayathinile (1977), where Rajinikanth often played the antagonist.

They last shared the screen in Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum (1979).

Director Sundar C previously worked with Rajinikanth in Arunachalam (1997) and with Kamal in Anbe Sivam (2003).

Thalaivar 173 is set for theatrical release under Red Giant Movies during the Pongal festival in January 2027.