Dharman Release Date Update: Rajinikanth’s upcoming action entertainer Dharman is generating considerable buzz ahead of Pongal 2027. However, new reports suggest that the film could change its planned theatrical release window to make room for Kamal Haasan’s Indian 3, which has recently been revived by its makers.
The situation has attracted attention because Dharman is being produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, while Indian 3 features Kamal himself in the lead role. If both films target the same festive window, the production house could face a scheduling decision involving two major Tamil cinema projects.
However, neither a postponement of Dharman nor a confirmed Pongal 2027 release date for Indian 3 has been officially announced. Here is everything we know about the reported release-date change, the cast and the latest developments.
Will Dharman Skip Pongal 2027?
According to reports published on October 9, 2026, Dharman, which was initially expected to arrive in theatres during Pongal 2027, could be postponed if Indian 3 moves forward with its proposed festive release.
The speculation gained momentum after Lyca Productions confirmed that work on Indian 3 had resumed following a prolonged period of uncertainty. The development has brought the Kamal Haasan-starrer back into discussions about the upcoming theatrical calendar.
At present, the reported postponement of Dharman remains unconfirmed. The film is progressing with production, and there is no definitive announcement establishing a revised release date.
Pongal is an important release period for Tamil cinema, with major stars frequently choosing the festival to bring their films to theatres. The final release schedule will depend on production progress, distribution plans and official announcements from the respective makers.
Why Is Indian 3 Targeting Pongal 2027?
Kamal Haasan and director S. Shankar’s Indian 3 has returned to the spotlight after its future remained uncertain following the release of Indian 2 in July 2024.
Lyca Productions recently announced the revival of the project, signalling that work on the long-delayed third instalment is moving forward again.
Reports indicate that the team is working towards completing the remaining production and post-production requirements. Pongal 2027 has emerged as a possible release window, although an official date has yet to be confirmed.
The franchise began with the 1996 film Indian, which featured Kamal Haasan as Senapathy, a former freedom fighter who fights corruption. The story continued with Indian 2 in 2024, setting up further developments in the third instalment.
Unlike a straightforward continuation, Indian 3 is expected to explore important aspects of Senapathy’s past, including the character’s family history.
The film’s revival has generated renewed interest among fans who have been waiting for the continuation of the story.
Dharman: Rajinikanth’s Upcoming Action Entertainer
Dharman is an upcoming Tamil action entertainer starring Rajinikanth in the lead role. The film is directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon.
The project was initially announced under the working title Thalaivar 173 before being officially titled Dharman.
The film is particularly significant because it brings Rajinikanth together with Kamal Haasan as producer, marking an important collaboration between two of Tamil cinema’s most celebrated stars.
The project has undergone changes during its development, with Ashwath Marimuthu eventually taking charge as director. The production has continued to progress, and recent reports indicate that the film remains on track.
Dharman Cast and Crew
- Lead actor: Rajinikanth
- Director: Ashwath Marimuthu
- Producer: Kamal Haasan
- Production banner: Raaj Kamal Films International
- Co-stars: Simran, Raashii Khanna, Yogi Babu and Ram Pothineni
- Music composer: Anirudh Ravichander
The combination of Rajinikanth’s screen presence, Ashwath Marimuthu’s direction and Anirudh Ravichander’s music has made Dharman one of the closely watched upcoming Tamil films.
Dharman and Indian 3: Could Both Films Release During Pongal?
The possibility of both films arriving during Pongal 2027 has created an interesting scheduling question.
On one side is Dharman, featuring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan’s production house. On the other is Indian 3, starring Kamal Haasan and produced by Lyca Productions.
If both films choose the same release window, their makers will need to consider several factors, including the availability of theatres, audience demand, promotional schedules and competition from other festival releases.
A Pongal release can offer access to a large holiday audience. However, a crowded release calendar can also affect screen allocation and the opening performance of individual films.
Moving a release date does not necessarily indicate a problem with a film. Producers may adjust schedules for commercial, logistical or production-related reasons.
For now, the reported possibility of Dharman moving away from Pongal remains speculation rather than a confirmed decision.
Rajinikanth’s Team Responds to Dharman Rumours
Alongside the release-date speculation, Dharman has recently attracted attention following rumours of disagreements between Rajinikanth and director Ashwath Marimuthu.
Rajinikanth’s publicist, Riaz K Ahmed, dismissed the reports of a rift, describing the claims as false. He stated that Rajinikanth was comfortable with the director’s working style and that the film was progressing well.
The clarification is important because rumours surrounding a production can quickly become linked to speculation about release delays.
However, the reported possibility of a Pongal release change and the rumours about disagreements on set are separate matters. There is currently no confirmed evidence that the release-date speculation is connected to any dispute between the actor and director.
Fans will have to wait for an official update from the makers to learn whether the film’s schedule will change.
Indian 3 Revival: What We Know So Far
The revival of Indian 3 is one of the major developments in Tamil cinema this week.
The film continues the story established by Indian 2, with Kamal Haasan returning as Senapathy. S. Shankar is directing the project, which reportedly has a substantial portion of its footage already completed.
The film’s progress had remained uncertain after Indian 2 failed to meet commercial expectations in 2024. The third instalment was originally planned as part of a larger narrative, with portions of the two films shot during the same production period.
The latest announcement suggests that the team intends to complete the project rather than leave it indefinitely on hold.
Kamal Haasan’s return as Senapathy, together with the franchise’s themes of corruption and justice, will be central to the next chapter.
Nevertheless, a confirmed release date is still awaited, and Pongal 2027 should be treated as a reported target rather than a finalised schedule.
What Happens Next for Dharman?
The next major development will be an official clarification from the producers regarding the film’s theatrical release.
If Indian 3 secures the Pongal 2027 window, the makers of Dharman could consider alternative dates to avoid competing with another major production from the same industry circle.
Alternatively, both films could retain their intended schedules if the producers and distributors determine that the releases can coexist.
Until an announcement is made, audiences should avoid treating reports of a postponement as confirmed news.
For Rajinikanth fans, Dharman remains an eagerly anticipated project. For Kamal Haasan fans, the revival of Indian 3 signals renewed progress on a long-awaited sequel.
The coming weeks should provide greater clarity about whether the two films will compete during Pongal or arrive in theatres at different times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dharman postponed from Pongal 2027?
No official postponement has been confirmed. Reports published on October 9, 2026, suggest that the Rajinikanth-starrer could change its release window if Indian 3 targets Pongal 2027.
2. Why could Dharman skip Pongal 2027?
The speculation follows the revival of Indian 3, starring Kamal Haasan. If both films target the same festive period, the producers may consider adjusting their release schedules.
3. Who is directing Dharman?
Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, is directing the film.
4. Who is producing Dharman?
Kamal Haasan is producing the Rajinikanth-starrer under Raaj Kamal Films International.
5. When will Indian 3 release?
An official release date has not yet been announced. Pongal 2027 has been reported as a possible target, but the schedule remains subject to confirmation.
6. Who stars in Indian 3?
Kamal Haasan leads the film, directed by S. Shankar. The cast also includes returning performers such as Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal, Bobby Simha and SJ Suryah.
7. Are Rajinikanth and Dharman director Ashwath Marimuthu having disagreements?
Rajinikanth’s publicist has dismissed reports of a disagreement between the actor and director, stating that the film is progressing well.
Conclusion
Rajinikanth’s Dharman and Kamal Haasan’s Indian 3 could become part of the same Pongal 2027 release conversation, but a final decision on their theatrical dates remains pending. While Indian 3 has officially been revived, reports of Dharman postponing its release are still unconfirmed. Until the makers announce their plans, both films remain among the most anticipated projects on the upcoming Tamil cinema calendar.
