What’s Next for Rajinikanth? Three Directors in the Running Post Coolie and Jailer 2

NDC DESK

Superstar Rajinikanth’s cinematic journey shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary actor is currently occupied with two major projects — Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, and the sequel to Jailer, helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

Coolie has already completed filming and is now in post-production, with a global release slated for August 14. Meanwhile, Jailer 2 is in full swing, with Rajinikanth actively involved in the shoot.

Even as these two high-profile films take shape, behind-the-scenes discussions are underway to line up the actor’s next venture. Industry insiders reveal that Rajinikanth is considering collaborations with three distinct filmmakers, each known for their unique storytelling styles.

One of the top contenders is Nithilan Saminathan, who recently made waves with Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi. Praised for its taut narrative and confident direction, the film has positioned Nithilan as a rising talent. Rajinikanth is reportedly intrigued by his approach, and if talks progress, the project may be backed by Red Giant Movies.

Another name on the list is Vivek Athreya, best known for his work with actor Nani. While his Ante Sundaraniki saw modest returns at the Telugu box office, it found success on streaming platforms and resonated with audiences in Tamil Nadu. Known for blending humor with emotional depth, Athreya is said to have pitched a character-centric script that aligns with Rajinikanth’s evolving screen persona. Mythri Movie Makers is likely to produce the film if greenlit.

The third filmmaker in contention is H. Vinoth, acclaimed for his intense thriller Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (dubbed Khakee in Telugu). With multiple collaborations with Ajith under his belt and currently directing Jana Nayagan starring Vijay, Vinoth brings a gritty, realistic style that could offer Rajinikanth a different cinematic terrain.

For now, the superstar is in no hurry. With Coolie and Jailer 2 keeping him occupied through 2025, a decision on his next project is expected only after the current commitments are wrapped up. A final call is likely in early 2026, depending on the strength of the scripts and scheduling logistics.