Thalaivar 171 - Is Prithviraj the antagonist in the Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film? Here's what we know

Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming movie with celebrated director Lokesh Kanagaraj, tentatively titled Thalaivar 171, is one of the most ambitious projects that fans are eagerly looking forward to watching in 2024. With a lot of speculations doing the rounds with respect to the film’s cast and crew, the latest reports suggest that Malayalam star Prithiviraj Sukumaran has been brought on board for the Rajinikanth film.

The film’s announcement, which was made in September 2023, marks the reunion of the Jailer combo: superstar Rajinikanth, music composer Anirudh Ravichander and the production banner Sun Pictures. Lokesh Kanagaraj, who was initially set to do a film with Rajinikanth under Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (the project never took off), finally gets to direct Rajinikanth in Thalaivar 171. 

Is Prithiviraj the villain in Thalaivar 171?

While there has been a lot of buzz around the actors who will feature in the upcoming Lokesh Kanagaraj film, actor Prithviraj's name has been making the rounds since the film was announced. In an earlier interview, the Salaar actor mentioned that the Leo director had told him the basic thread for Lokesh’s films for the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, the Leo director revealed that Prithviraj was first approached to play the role of Harold Das in Leo before it went to actor Arjun Sarja.

Now, it is being reported that the Malayalam actor has signed on to play a pivotal role in Thalaivar 171. It is also being rumoured that Prithviraj will be the antagonist in the Rajinikanth film. However, an official announcement has yet to be made about this.  

Thalaivar 171 is to be a standalone film, not a part of LCU

Recently, Lokesh also revealed that Thalaivar 171 will not be a part of the LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), but will be a standalone film. In a recent interview, Lokesh also revealed that he is planning to kickstart the shooting of the film by April 2024. However, the final decision will be made only after Rajinikanth wraps up the shooting of his 170th project, which is helmed by TJ Gnanavel Raja. Thalaivar 171 will also feature Lokesh’s favourite stunt choreographer duo, Anbariv (Anbumani and Arivumani).

Watch Gadar 2 on OTTplay by subscribing to the Jhakaas pack which provides access to 16 OTTs at just Rs 199/month.