Thalaivar 170: Rajinikanth joins forces with Jai Bhim director TJ Gnanavel. Details inside

Superstar Rajinikanth's next movie which is tentatively titled Thalaivar 170 will be helmed by director TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame. Lyca Productions announced the project on Thursday coinciding with the birthday celebration of the production company's chairman A Subaskaran. 

"Today on the occasion of our beloved "Chairman" Subaskaran's birthday, Lyca Productions is feeling acclaimed & honoured in announcing "Superstar" Rajinikanth's "#Thalaivar170" film under our banner. 

This film will be directed by TJ Gnanavel, will have music by "Rockstar" Anirudh and produced by Subaskaran (sic)," read the statement from the production house. 

Thalaivar 170 will arrive in cinemas in 2024. The filmmakers have not zeroed in on the release date yet. "Lyca group is extremely happy and honoured in associating with "Thalaivar" Rajinikanth once again after many successful projects. And with all your blessings & wishes, we sincerely believe that this movie would attain all pinnacles bringing joy to all the fans," the statement said. 

Lyca Productions earlier bankrolled Rajinikanth's Darbar in 2019. Written and directed by AR Murugadoss, the film saw Rajinikanth essay the role of a supercop. 

TJ Gnanavel made quite an impression nationwide with his second directorial Jai Bhim. Inspired by the life and times of retired Madras High Court Justice K. Chandru, the film starred Suriya in the lead. The film dwelled on the case of custodial death and how caste discrimination has rigged the criminal justice system against people from weaker sections. The film was directly released on Amazon Prime Video when many Covid-restrictions were in effect in the country. The film became a huge critical hit. 

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is busy shooting for Jailer. Written and directed by Nelson, the film is due to arrive in cinemas later this year.