Thalaivar 173: Rs 150-Crore Hitmaker Ashwath Marimuthu Frontrunner After Sundar C Exit

• Sundar C exited Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 173' citing "unforeseen and compelling reasons."
• Kamal Haasan’s Rajkamal Films International is backing the high-profile project.
• Ashwath Marimuthu, director of the Rs 150-crore hit 'Dragon', has emerged as a strong contender.
• Ramkumar Balakrishnan, director of 'Parking', is also reportedly in contention.
• Rajinikanth will hear story narrations from both, with an official announcement next month and filming in April.

Why It Matters: Sundar C's exit from 'Thalaivar 173' opens the door for Ashwath Marimuthu, a strong new contender.