Kamal Haasan teams up with director SU Arun Kumar, shares gritty first glimpse

Kamal Haasan has announced his next film with director SU Arun Kumar, best known for helming critically acclaimed films such as Chithha and Veera Dheera Sooran. On September 3, Raaj Kamal Films International shared a glimpse from Kamal Haasan’s photoshoot.The production house hinted at the actor’s new project with a cryptic text that read, “Dho Vaaren” — meaning “Here I come” and also tagged Kamal Haasan and SU Arun Kumar in the post.The brief glimpse has already sparked curiosity about the actor’s new avatar. Kamal Haasan is seen dressed in a black shirt and olive green trousers, sporting an intense expression as he holds a sickle in his hand. While the makers have not revealed details about the film’s title, storyline or other cast members, the first glimpse suggests that the project could have a gritty and intense setting.The collaboration brings together one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors and a filmmaker who has quickly established himself as a director to watch. Arun Kumar made his directorial debut with Pannaiyarum Padminiyum before going on to make Sethupathi. He received widespread acclaim for Chithha, a hard-hitting drama starring Siddharth, and followed it with Veera Dheera Sooran, featuring Vikram in the lead. For Kamal Haasan, the new project comes at an important juncture in his career. His last release, Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, hit theatres in 2025 but failed to live up to the considerable expectations surrounding the reunion of the Nayakan duo. The film’s box-office performance was underwhelming despite its star-studded cast and high-profile collaboration.Following Thug Life, Kamal had announced two major projects. He was set to collaborate with stunt choreographers-turned-director duo Anbariv for one film, while another project would see him share the screen with Rajinikanth in Nelson Dilipkumar’s directorial. While Anbarivu's project has been delayed, Nelson's film was supposed to begin in 2027. The Nelson film, in particular, has generated considerable anticipation as it would bring Kamal and Rajinikanth together in a project directed by the Jailer filmmaker.Amid the uncertainty surrounding those films, the announcement of his collaboration with Arun Kumar comes as an interesting new development. More details about the title, cast and plot are expected to be announced by Raaj Kamal Films International in the coming days.- EndsPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 14:02 IST