Superstar Rajinikanth is currently engrossed in two major projects – Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, and the highly anticipated Jailer 2, helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Coolie has completed its shooting phase and is now in post-production, with a worldwide release scheduled for August 14, 2025. On the other hand, Jailer 2 is still in production, with Rajinikanth actively involved in the filming process. Despite being busy with these projects, the veteran actor has already started discussions for his next big film.
Industry insiders report that Rajinikanth has shown keen interest in working with one of three directors for his next film. These directors have distinct filmmaking styles that align with Rajinikanth’s current interests and persona on screen.
The first director in the spotlight is Nithilan Saminathan. Known for his gripping narrative style, Nithilan garnered attention with his film Maharaja, which starred Vijay Sethupathi. Despite this being only his second directorial venture, Maharaja was widely praised for its impressive storytelling and execution. Rajinikanth’s interest in collaborating with Nithilan reflects his inclination toward fresh, engaging narratives. If the project moves forward, it will likely be produced by Red Giant Movies.
The second name under consideration is Vivek Athreya, a director recognized for his unique blend of humor and grounded emotional drama. Athreya, who worked on films like Ante Sundaraniki with Nani, has successfully resonated with Tamil and Telugu audiences. Although Ante Sundaraniki underperformed at the Telugu box office, it did well on OTT platforms, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Athreya has reportedly pitched a character-driven script that aligns with Rajinikanth’s present phase, making him an ideal candidate for the superstar’s next project. This film could be produced by Mythri Movie Makers.
The third director in talks is H. Vinoth, whose previous works include the intense investigative thriller Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (also known as Khakee in Telugu) with Karthi. Vinoth is well known for his realistic tone and suspense-filled narratives. He has worked with Ajith on multiple successful films and is currently directing Jana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay. Vinoth’s ability to craft intense, gripping films makes him a strong contender for Rajinikanth’s next film.
At this point, Rajinikanth is not rushing to finalize his decision. With two significant projects already lined up, the actor is expected to take his time to evaluate the script and ensure the next project aligns with his schedule. The final decision on which director will helm his next film is expected to be made in early 2026 after completing his current commitments. As Rajinikanth’s legacy continues to grow, fans are eagerly awaiting news of his next big-screen appearance and the talented filmmaker who will have the honor of working with the iconic superstar.
