Blab Entertainment
Dharman: Kamal Haasans First Producer-Actor Collaboration with Rajinikanth Launches with First-Look Poster
The Tamil film industry has entered a new chapter with the launch of Dharman, the first film in which veteran actor‑producer Kamal Haasan is also the producer of superstar Rajinikanth. The project, announced on 24 June 2026, marks a historic collaboration after more than five decades of friendship between the two icons.
Dharman is Rajinikanth’s 173rd feature film and the first time he has worked under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), the production house founded by Haasan. The film is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who made his directorial debut with Oh My Kadavule in 2020 and gained commercial success with Dragon in 2025. The project is co‑produced by Disney, according to the production announcement.
The launch event took place in Chennai, where the first‑look poster was unveiled. The poster shows Rajinikanth in a surgical outfit, holding a scalpel, with the caption “The Deadly Doctor.” The image has been described as a visual representation of the character’s dual nature as a medical professional and a formidable force. The poster was released by RKFI on social media and was widely circulated across Tamil‑speaking media.
The film’s creative team includes music composer Anirudh Ravichander, whose work on previous Tamil blockbusters has earned him a reputation for high‑energy scores. Action sequences are choreographed by the award‑winning duo Anbariv, known for their work in Vikram (2022) and other high‑profile action films. The cast also features actresses Simran and Raashii Khanna in supporting roles.
Principal photography began on the same day as the launch, with a traditional clapboard ceremony attended by the cast, crew, and industry dignitaries. The production team emphasized that the film would blend action, drama, and a medical thriller narrative, a combination that has not been explored in Rajinikanth’s previous work.
Industry observers note that the collaboration between Haasan and Rajinikanth is significant for several reasons. First, it is the first time the two have worked together in a producer‑actor capacity, despite their long history of mutual respect and occasional on‑screen encounters. Second, the partnership brings together two of Tamil cinema’s most influential figures, potentially attracting a wide audience base across generations.
From a business perspective, the film’s production under RKFI and Disney indicates a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging both domestic and international distribution channels. While specific release dates have not yet been announced, the project is positioned to be a major event in the upcoming Tamil film calendar.
The launch also highlighted the broader context of Rajinikanth’s career trajectory. With 170 films to his credit, the actor’s 173rd venture is expected to continue his record of commercial success. Kamal Haasan, who has produced over 230 films across multiple Indian languages, is known for his involvement in projects that blend artistic ambition with mass appeal.
As of now, no official release window has been disclosed. The production team has stated that the film will be shot in Chennai and other locations, with post‑production work to follow. Fans and industry analysts are watching closely for updates on the film’s progress, potential festival screenings, and eventual theatrical release.
In summary, Dharman marks a landmark moment in Tamil cinema, bringing together two legendary figures in a producer‑actor collaboration that has long been anticipated. The first‑look poster and launch ceremony have set the tone for a project that promises to blend action, drama, and a unique medical thriller narrative, backed by a strong creative team and a partnership between RKFI and Disney.
Dharman is Rajinikanth’s 173rd feature film and the first time he has worked under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), the production house founded by Haasan. The film is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, who made his directorial debut with Oh My Kadavule in 2020 and gained commercial success with Dragon in 2025. The project is co‑produced by Disney, according to the production announcement.
The launch event took place in Chennai, where the first‑look poster was unveiled. The poster shows Rajinikanth in a surgical outfit, holding a scalpel, with the caption “The Deadly Doctor.” The image has been described as a visual representation of the character’s dual nature as a medical professional and a formidable force. The poster was released by RKFI on social media and was widely circulated across Tamil‑speaking media.
The film’s creative team includes music composer Anirudh Ravichander, whose work on previous Tamil blockbusters has earned him a reputation for high‑energy scores. Action sequences are choreographed by the award‑winning duo Anbariv, known for their work in Vikram (2022) and other high‑profile action films. The cast also features actresses Simran and Raashii Khanna in supporting roles.
Principal photography began on the same day as the launch, with a traditional clapboard ceremony attended by the cast, crew, and industry dignitaries. The production team emphasized that the film would blend action, drama, and a medical thriller narrative, a combination that has not been explored in Rajinikanth’s previous work.
Industry observers note that the collaboration between Haasan and Rajinikanth is significant for several reasons. First, it is the first time the two have worked together in a producer‑actor capacity, despite their long history of mutual respect and occasional on‑screen encounters. Second, the partnership brings together two of Tamil cinema’s most influential figures, potentially attracting a wide audience base across generations.
From a business perspective, the film’s production under RKFI and Disney indicates a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging both domestic and international distribution channels. While specific release dates have not yet been announced, the project is positioned to be a major event in the upcoming Tamil film calendar.
The launch also highlighted the broader context of Rajinikanth’s career trajectory. With 170 films to his credit, the actor’s 173rd venture is expected to continue his record of commercial success. Kamal Haasan, who has produced over 230 films across multiple Indian languages, is known for his involvement in projects that blend artistic ambition with mass appeal.
As of now, no official release window has been disclosed. The production team has stated that the film will be shot in Chennai and other locations, with post‑production work to follow. Fans and industry analysts are watching closely for updates on the film’s progress, potential festival screenings, and eventual theatrical release.
In summary, Dharman marks a landmark moment in Tamil cinema, bringing together two legendary figures in a producer‑actor collaboration that has long been anticipated. The first‑look poster and launch ceremony have set the tone for a project that promises to blend action, drama, and a unique medical thriller narrative, backed by a strong creative team and a partnership between RKFI and Disney.
