The excitement surrounding Superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming film has reached new heights after Kamal Haasan officially unveiled the first-look poster of the project. Previously referred to as Thalaivar 173, the film has now been titled Dharman. Sharing the striking poster on social media, Kamal Haasan wrote, "Justice Will Prevail!" while introducing fans to Rajinikanth's powerful new avatar and expressing his support for the ambitious project being produced under Raaj Kamal Films International.
The newly released poster presents Rajinikanth in a never-seen-before look. Dressed in surgical attire and holding a scalpel, the veteran star appears bloodied and intense, earning the description of a "Deadly Doctor" from fans online. The image hints at a character that blends compassion with vengeance, immediately sparking discussions across social media platforms. If reports are accurate, this will mark the first time in Rajinikanth's legendary career that he plays a doctor on screen.
Adding further intrigue to the project are rumors that the character is inspired by Tamil Nadu's famous "₹5 Doctor," known for providing affordable healthcare to the public. The film is said to combine humanitarian themes with Rajinikanth's trademark mass appeal, creating a unique storyline that could resonate with audiences across generations. While the makers have remained tight-lipped about the plot, the first look suggests a character driven by justice and determination.
Dharman is being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who stepped in after directors Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi reportedly exited the project due to creative and scheduling challenges. The film is jointly produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International. Music for the highly anticipated entertainer is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose collaborations with Rajinikanth have previously delivered chart-topping success.
Despite the buzz generated by the title reveal, fan reactions to the poster have been mixed. While many praised Rajinikanth's fierce screen presence and the concept behind the character, others criticized the poster's design. Several social media users described the graphics and head-body composition as underwhelming, with some even comparing it to fan-made artwork. Nevertheless, the poster has succeeded in creating conversation and anticipation around the project.
With shooting already underway in Chennai, Dharman is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Tamil films in development. The makers are reportedly eyeing a grand Pongal 2027 theatrical release, setting the stage for another major Rajinikanth blockbuster. Whether the controversial first-look poster wins over skeptics or not, one thing is certain—fans will be eagerly waiting to see what the Superstar has in store in this intriguing new role.