Superstar Rajinikanth has completed the third schedule of his upcoming film "Dharman," directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The update, confirmed by the production team, marks steady progress on one of the most anticipated Tamil projects of the year. The film, which pairs the veteran actor with a ensemble cast including Simran, Ram Pothineni, Shriya Saran, Raashii Khanna, Mysskin, and Yogi Babu, has been shooting across multiple locations, with the latest leg wrapping up in recent days.

The third schedule is said to have involved significant action sequences and comedy portions, fitting the film's stated blend of genres. "Dharman" is being positioned as an action-comedy-thriller with strong family elements, a combination that has historically worked well for Rajinikanth. Ashwath Marimuthu, who previously directed the romantic comedy "Oh My Kadavule," is stepping into larger-scale territory with this project, and the collaboration has generated considerable curiosity among fans and industry watchers alike.

Simbu's "Arasan" Shoot Status Remains Unclear

While "Dharman" moves forward, questions continue to swirl around another high-profile Tamil project: Silambarasan's "Arasan." The actor, popularly known as Simbu, has been attached to the film for some time, but there has been little concrete information about its shooting progress. Reports suggesting delays or scheduling conflicts have circulated without official confirmation from the makers. As of now, there is no verified update on when the "Arasan" shoot will resume or wrap.

For Simbu's fans, the silence has been frustrating. The actor was last seen in "Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu" and has a slate of announced projects, but "Arasan" has remained something of a question mark. The lack of clarity is not unusual in Tamil cinema, where production timelines can shift for any number of reasons, from actor availability to weather to technical requirements. Still, the contrast with "Dharman," which has posted regular scheduling updates, is notable.

What We Know About "Dharman"

The confirmed cast list for "Dharman" is unusually deep for a Rajinikanth film. Simran, a longtime collaborator and one of the most recognizable actresses in Tamil cinema, is on board. Ram Pothineni, a Telugu star with a following across South India, adds cross-market appeal. Shriya Saran and Raashii Khanna bring additional star power, while Mysskin and Yogi Babu round out the ensemble with director-actor and comedic talent respectively. The combination suggests a film that aims for broad appeal without sacrificing the star-driven spectacle that Rajinikanth's audience expects.

The genre tags - action, comedy, thriller, family - indicate a multi-tonal narrative. Rajinikanth's recent filmography has leaned into socially conscious themes alongside mass entertainment, and "Dharman" appears to follow a similar template. The title itself suggests a character rooted in righteousness or duty, which aligns with the actor's long-standing screen persona.

Runtime and release date remain unannounced. The film's TMDb rating currently sits at zero, which is standard for unreleased projects and simply reflects that no audience votes have been cast yet. Tamil industry analysts will be watching for an official release window announcement, likely tied to the completion of principal photography.

Why This Matters for Kollywood

Rajinikanth is 75 years old, and every new project carries weight not just for his fans but for the Tamil film industry as a whole. His films influence release calendars, theatre allocations, and distributor confidence. A Rajinikanth release is still an event, even in an era of streaming and shifting audience habits. The fact that "Dharman" is moving through its schedule without major disruption is a positive signal for exhibitors who have endured a turbulent few years.

Ashwath Marimuthu's involvement is also significant. Handing a Rajinikanth vehicle to a director best known for a smaller romantic comedy is a gamble, but it is one that has precedents. Several Tamil directors have made the leap from intimate storytelling to mass hero films, sometimes with excellent results. The producer's willingness to back that transition speaks to confidence in Marimuthu's script and vision.

The Road Ahead

For now, "Dharman" remains in production, with the third schedule complete and further shooting expected. The "Arasan" situation, by contrast, lacks a clear timeline. Fans of both stars will continue to monitor updates as they arrive. Tamil Movie Buzz will report further developments as official information becomes available.

What is certain is that "Dharman" represents a major moment for Rajinikanth and for the Tamil industry's 2026-2027 slate. With a strong cast, a director looking to prove himself on a bigger canvas, and a genre mix designed for wide appeal, the film has all the ingredients of a significant release. The missing pieces - runtime, release date, and finished footage - will determine whether it lives up to the anticipation.

Source: Filmibeat Tamil