The title and first-look poster of Rajinikanth‘s 173rd film, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, were unveiled today. The announcement quickly went viral across social media platforms, generating mixed reactions from fans and cinema enthusiasts.
The project has carried high expectations since its announcement. One of the main reasons is that the film is being produced by Kamal Haasan’s RKFI, bringing together two legendary names from Tamil cinema after a long gap.
At a launch event held in Chennai, the makers officially revealed the title as Dharman, The Deadly Doctor. Along with the title announcement, the first-look poster was also released, becoming a major topic of discussion online.
Following the reveal, several social media users expressed disappointment with the poster. Some felt that it did not match the expectations usually associated with a Rajinikanth film and argued that the design lacked impact.
A section of fans even described it as one of the weaker first-look posters from Rajinikanth’s recent projects. They felt that Ashwath Marimuthu could have delivered a stronger visual introduction for such a highly anticipated film.
Despite the criticism, many viewers remain optimistic about the film itself. Supporters pointed to Ashwath Marimuthu‘s previous work and described him as one of the promising commercial filmmakers in contemporary Kollywood.
Several fans believe that the quality of the film should not be judged solely by the first-look poster. They continue to expect an engaging entertainer, especially considering the combination of Rajinikanth and Ashwath Marimuthu.
Apart from the poster, the title has also sparked debate among audiences. Some social media users commented that Dharman feels relatively simple when compared to some of Rajinikanth’s recent film titles.
During the launch event, Ashwath Marimuthu addressed ongoing speculation about the story. He clarified that Dharman is not based on a five-rupee doctor and is instead a fictional tale centred on a deadly and stylish doctor.
The director further stated that the film will be an entertaining family thriller. He revealed that he admires Rajinikanth’s Padayappa and Kamal Haasan’s Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, adding that the new film will carry elements inspired by both.
With the title and poster now public, discussions around the film are expected to continue. While reactions remain divided, audiences will be keen to see whether Dharman, The Deadly Doctor lives up to the expectations surrounding its release.
