Curated by the team of BoldVoices
Updated: 5 November 2026 | IST
Actor Sreeleela has joined the cast of Dharman, the upcoming Rajinikanth film directed by Ashwath Marimuthu. Raaj Kamal Films International announced the casting on 4 November with a video introducing her as “The Spark” and “The Pataka”. The project marks her first collaboration with Rajinikanth.
A new addition to the ensemble
The cast also includes Nayanthara, Simran, Raashii Khanna and Yogi Babu. Sreeleela’s role has not been identified, and the makers have not released a full plot synopsis. The announcement is therefore a casting update rather than a character reveal.
For Sreeleela, the film adds another major Tamil project to a slate that crosses language industries. India Today reports that she made her Tamil debut with Parasakthi earlier this year and has other Tamil projects in the pipeline. Her pairing with Rajinikanth is new, while the film also reunites the superstar with Kamal Haasan’s production banner.
Ashwath Marimuthu’s first film with Rajinikanth
Marimuthu is known for directing Oh My Kadavule and Dragon. Dharman is his first project with Rajinikanth. Raaj Kamal Films International is producing it with R. Mahendran’s Turmeric Media. The crew includes composer Anirudh Ravichander, cinematographer Niketh Bommi, stunt choreographers Anbariv, editor Pradeep E. Ragav and production designer Karthik Rajkumar.
What has been revealed about Rajinikanth’s character?
First-look material presents Rajinikanth as a doctor and uses the phrase “Ketta Paiyan”, or “bad guy”, to hint at a character with grey shades. Some promotional posters show him with blood on his hands, but the makers have not provided a complete account of the story or the character’s motivations.
India Today reported that the film had completed a production schedule in September and that principal photography was nearing its final phase. No theatrical release date has been officially announced. April 2027 has appeared in media reports as a possible target, but remains unconfirmed by the makers.
Why the casting is drawing attention
The announcement combines a first-time Rajinikanth–Sreeleela pairing with a director making his debut alongside the superstar. The film also brings together a large cast and an experienced technical crew, but key information—including Sreeleela’s character, the story and the release schedule—has yet to be shared.
Source: India Today’s casting report, including the production update.
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