Ashwath Marimuthu reveals Rajinikanth bond and Dharman shooting plans
Filmmaker Ashwath Marimuthu has opened up about his experience working with Superstar Rajinikanth on Dharman and shared details about the schedule for the film as well as his upcoming project with Silambarasan TR (STR).
Speaking at an awards event, Ashwath praised Rajinikanth’s humility and respect for directors. He said observations previously made by filmmakers Lokesh Kanagaraj and Nelson about the superstar matched what he personally witnessed while working with him.
Ashwath recalled being nervous before beginning the project because his previous films had featured actors closer to his own generation. According to the filmmaker, Rajinikanth quickly put him at ease and the two developed a close relationship.
The director described Dharman as a responsibility rather than simply an opportunity. He said working on a Rajinikanth film produced by Kamal Haasan represented the aspirations of many young filmmakers and that he hoped to deliver an entertaining commercial film while bringing his own Gen Z sensibility to it.
Ashwath said filming for Dharman is expected to wrap up in October. Meanwhile, Silambarasan is completing work on Arasan, after which Ashwath’s next project with the actor is expected to begin production in February 2027.
Dharman features Rajinikanth in the lead and is produced by Kamal Haasan. Simran and Raashi Khanna are also part of the cast. Ram Pothineni is reportedly being considered for the antagonist’s role, while speculation about a possible cameo by Shriya Saran has grown following her photograph with Rajinikanth.