Rajinikanth to play antagonist in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Thalaivar 171? Here's what we know

Lokesh Kanagaraj has carved a niche in Tamil cinema with his signature style of filmmaking and back-to-back blockbusters. As previously reported, the director is now set to collaborate with Rajinikanth for the latter's 171st film. The highly anticipated project, tentatively titled Thalaivar 171, is expected to break ground in mid-2024. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj previously stated in interviews that he planned to experiment with a different genre with the Rajinikanth-starrer. Now, sources close to the project have revealed a few exciting new details about the film, which is being produced by the prestigious banner Sun Pictures.

Will Rajinikanth play a negative role in Thalaivar 171?

According to the latest reports, Rajinikanth is set to play a full-fledged negative role in the highly anticipated project after a long hiatus. Previously, director Lokesh Kanagaraj hinted in an interview that he always enjoyed the superstar's negative avatars, which he played in the early days of his acting career. According to sources close to Thalaivar 171, the Vettaiyan actor is playing the lead antagonist in the Lokesh-directed film.

Will Sivakarthikeyan play the protagonist in Thalaivar 171?

As previously reported, neither Sivakarthikeyan nor director Lokesh Kanagaraj have confirmed their collaboration for the upcoming Rajinikanth film. Sources close to Thalaivar 171, however, insist that the Ayalaan actor is indeed involved in the project. According to reports, Sivakarthikeyan will not make a cameo appearance in the film but will play the protagonist opposite Rajinikanth's antagonist.

Will Thalaivar 171 be a fantasy drama?

In a previous interview, director Lokesh Kanagaraj revealed that his upcoming Rajinikanth film is different from his previous ones because it does not revolve around the drug mafia. According to rumours, the renowned filmmaker's next project with Rajinikanth will be an experimental fantasy film. According to reports, Lokesh and his team intend to give Tamil cinema audiences a never-before-seen cinematic experience with the film.

Will Thalaivar 171 be a VFX-heavy project?

According to the latest reports, Thalaivar 171 will be a VFX-heavy film based on a fantasy concept. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj and his team hope to begin filming in mid-2024 and finish by the end of this year. However, because high-quality VFX is required, the project will require a lengthy post-production schedule. However, the creators have remained tight-lipped about the matter.

What else will happen in Thalaivar 171?

Along with Rajinikanth and Sivakarthikeyan, some of India's biggest stars from all major film industries are being courted to play key roles in Thalaivar 171. The star cast was said to include actor-directors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Raghavan Lawrence. The star cast is expected to be announced as soon as the production is completed.