‘Thalaivar 173’: Khushbu Sundar Breaks Silence on Sundar C’s Exit From Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan’s Upcoming Film
Actress Kushboo Sundar has addressed her husband Sundar C’s departure from directing Rajinikanth's upcoming film, produced by Kamal Haasan, stating the matter remains strictly between the three industry stalwarts. Refusing to speculate on allegations of behind-the-scenes friction, she revealed that her husband stepped down in a dignified manner.
Actress and politician Kushboo Sundar has publicly addressed her husband, filmmaker Sundar C’s decision to step down from directing Rajinikanth's 173rd film, produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International. While Sundar C initially cited unavoidable circumstances for his departure, Kushboo clarified the family's stance on maintaining privacy around the matter and revealed how producer Kamal Haasan acknowledged the decision. Kamal Haasan Says, ‘No Jealousy Between Me and Rajinikanth’.
Kushboo Sundar on Sundar C's Exit from Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan Film
Speaking in an interview with journalist Rangaraj Pandey on the Behindwoods YouTube channel, Kushboo was asked to clarify what led to her husband stepping away from the high-profile project. "I think that's between the three of them," Kushboo stated, referring to Sundar C, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan.
When the anchor remarked, "Something is fishy," suggesting there might be undisclosed conflict behind the exit, Kushboo promptly declined to speculate, responding, "No, I should not comment on it."
As the anchor continued to press the topic, noting that her description of a "dignified" exit implied complex circumstances behind the scenes, Kushboo reiterated: "The director has decided to back out, he did this in a dignified way. More than him, we (the family) were happy when the film was announced."
Kushboo also revealed that due to her close professional and personal relationship with producer Kamal Haasan, she directly communicated the decision to him.
"I spoke to Kamal sir, and said my husband has decided to step down from the project. He acknowledged it. I informed this to him, since I am close to him," she explained.
Emphasising why further public statements would be inappropriate, Kushboo added, "The exit... this isn't a call only Sundar C can comment on, especially since legends like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are involved. One must not comment on it."
Watch Kushboo Sundar's Full Interview:
More About Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan's Upcoming Film
The production of Rajinikanth’s 173rd film has undergone several creative adjustments before finalising its current setup under director Ashwath Marimuthu.
Rajinikanth had previously shared insights into the project's development history, noting that filmmaker KS Ravikumar was initially attached to direct before the initial version was shelved. Sundar C was subsequently brought on board before stepping aside due to scheduling constraints. ‘Thalaivar 173’: Cibi Chakravarthi Retained for Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan’s Film Amid Script Revisions? Find Out.
Following Sundar C's exit, director Cibi Chakravarthy pitched a storyline centred on nuclear weapons and scientists, planned for filming across Russia and Afghanistan. While Rajinikanth expressed appreciation for the concept, he noted that the high-budget scale required more extensive logistical planning than was feasible at the time. The directorial responsibilities were ultimately handed to Ashwath Marimuthu, with production currently advancing on schedule.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 01:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).