Kamal Haasan Revives ‘Sandiyar’ Title After 23 Years, Spurring Fresh Caste Row Warning

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan marked his 72nd birthday on November 7 on set, launching principal photography for his 237th film project. Officially titled Sandiyar, the announcement brings back a controversial title that Haasan was forced to drop over two decades ago. The makers marked the milestone with a cake-cutting celebration on set, officially kicking off the filming schedule for the new Sandiyar movie starring Kamal Haasan.

Along with the commencement of filming, the production team released a special tribute video and unveiled the official first-look poster. The poster reveals Haasan in a rugged mass look, hinting at a raw, intense action drama. Directed by SU Arun Kumar, the project was previously referred to under the working title KH237. The film features a musical score by Anirudh Ravichander, while the action choreography is being mounted by the stunt director duo Anbariv.

Old Title Row Resurfaces After 23 Years

The decision to reclaim the title Sandiyar revives a high-profile caste controversy dating back to 2003. Twenty-three years ago, Haasan had initially selected Sandiyar as the title for his rural action drama. However, Puthiya Tamilagam Party founder K. Krishnaswamy raised strong objections to the name, alleging that it carried specific caste connotations in southern Tamil Nadu. Following intense political pressure and widespread protests at the time, Haasan eventually backed down, dropped the name, and released the film in 2004 as Virumaandi.

Now that Haasan has officially reclaimed the name for his collaboration with SU Arun Kumar, the political conflict has reignited. Puthiya Tamilagam Party founder K. Krishnasamy has issued a fresh warning to the actor against using the title Sandiyar for his latest feature. Despite the warning, the production unit has moved forward with its filming schedule.

While specific plot details remain closely guarded by the director, early reports surrounding the story raise the question of whether Haasan is playing a vigilante. The film promises a grounded action experience, leaning into the intense atmosphere teased in the inaugural poster.

Busy Slate and Upcoming Projects

This project serves as Haasan’s immediate follow-up to Thug Life, which was directed by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The collaboration on the Sandiyar movie featuring Kamal Haasan also adds to a packed slate for the veteran actor, who is preparing for another high-profile project alongside Rajinikanth.

Haasan and Rajinikanth are set to share the screen once again after nearly five decades in an upcoming reunion venture tentatively referred to as the KHxRK Reunion. That yet-untitled film will be directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and will also feature music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. For now, attention remains focused on SU Arun Kumar’s Sandiyar, where shooting continues despite the political warnings surrounding its title.