Rajinikanth’s Dharman: Why the ‘Deadly Doctor’ Role Is Creating Buzz

Rajinikanth is stepping into a character that looks very different from the conventional doctor roles audiences usually see on screen. His upcoming Tamil film Dharman, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, presents the superstar as a doctor with a darker and more action-oriented side.

The film, which was earlier referred to as Thalaivar 173, is currently progressing through its production schedules. Recent updates from the sets have given audiences a better idea of Rajinikanth’s character and the overall tone of the project.

Rajinikanth as a Doctor — But Not a Conventional One

The first-look material for Dharman immediately created curiosity. Rajinikanth appears in medical attire inside an operation theatre, holding a surgical scalpel, while the visual suggests a violent confrontation.

That image established an important point about the film: Rajinikanth's character is not being presented simply as a compassionate physician.

Recent reports indicate that he plays a senior medical faculty member, with behind-the-scenes footage showing him addressing junior doctors. At the same time, the character is expected to confront criminals, creating a combination of medical drama, family elements and action.

The Interesting Contrast in Dharman

The biggest attraction could be the contrast built into Rajinikanth's character.

On one side, he is shown in a professional medical environment, teaching younger doctors. On the other, promotional material has presented him as someone capable of taking on dangerous criminals.

This creates a character that can move between authority, medical knowledge and mass-action moments without making the story entirely dependent on a traditional gangster backdrop.

The makers have also used the phrase “The Deadly Doctor” while promoting the character, reinforcing the film's unusual combination of medicine and action.

Ashwath Marimuthu Takes Rajinikanth Into a New Zone

Director Ashwath Marimuthu, known for Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, is attempting a different combination with Dharman.

At the film's launch, Marimuthu described the project as combining the larger-than-life appeal associated with Rajinikanth's cinema with thriller elements. He also indicated that the film has family-oriented elements rather than being a straightforward action film.

That makes the director-star combination particularly interesting. Marimuthu comes from a younger generation of filmmakers, while Rajinikanth brings decades of mass-cinema experience.

Anbariv’s Action Adds Another Layer

The action portions are another important part of Dharman.

Popular stunt choreographers Anbariv are handling the action sequences, and the current third schedule is reportedly preparing for an intense action sequence. The director recently shared a behind-the-scenes update showing the stunt team at work.

This suggests that the film's action will be an important component rather than something added merely as a few isolated sequences.

Raashi Khanna and the Supporting Cast

Raashi Khanna is part of the film's cast, while Simran is also associated with the project. The film brings together an experienced superstar with a younger director and a prominent technical team.

Music is being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, while Niketh Bommi is handling cinematography and Pradeep E Raghav is the editor. Anbariv is responsible for the action choreography.

What We Still Don't Know

Despite the growing number of updates, the makers have kept the complete storyline under wraps.

There has been online speculation about the exact inspiration behind Rajinikanth's doctor character, but the available official information does not establish that the film is based on a particular real-life doctor. The director has also previously dismissed speculation that Dharman is a remake of The Good Doctor.

Therefore, the safest way to describe the film at this stage is as an action-oriented family thriller featuring Rajinikanth as a doctor who becomes involved in confrontations with criminals.

Why Dharman Is Different for Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth has played numerous professionals and larger-than-life characters throughout his career, but Dharman appears to combine two contrasting images: the disciplined senior doctor and the aggressive action hero.

That duality could become one of the film's central storytelling devices.

For now, the production is continuing with its third schedule, while the makers gradually reveal more material from the sets. With Rajinikanth's character, Ashwath Marimuthu's direction and Anirudh's music coming together, Dharman remains one of the closely watched upcoming Tamil films.

The real details of the character and story, however, are still being kept under wraps.