Kamal Haasan has officially begun shooting for his upcoming action thriller "Sandiyar", marking a special moment in the veteran actor's career. Filming began on November 7, 2026, coinciding with his 72nd birthday.
Directed by S.U. Arun Kumar, the film was earlier known by its working title KH237. The project also marks the first collaboration between Kamal Haasan and the director, known for films such as "Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 1", "Sethupathi" and "Chiththa".
The film's title carries a special significance for Kamal Haasan. On November 6, his production house, Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), officially announced "Sandiyar", reclaiming a title that the actor had to give up more than two decades ago.
The title was originally chosen for Kamal Haasan's 2004 film, which was eventually released as "Virumaandi". However, in 2003, the Dalit political organisation, Puthiya Tamizhagam, led by K. Krishnasamy, strongly opposed the title. The organisation argued that the title could glorify caste-based violence and create tensions in southern Tamil Nadu. Following protests and growing controversy, the production team moved the shooting from Madurai to Chennai. Kamal Haasan eventually agreed to change the title to "Virumaandi", which went on to receive widespread critical acclaim.
The first filming schedule of "Sandiyar" is reportedly taking place in Chengalpattu, near Chennai. Production designer C.S. Balachander has created large sets that recreate the landscape and streets of Madurai, to be used for the initial few weeks of filming. After this schedule, the team is expected to move to Madurai for an extensive outdoor shooting schedule after Pongal, around mid-January 2027. This will allow the filmmakers to capture the atmosphere of the city in its natural setting.
Kamal Haasan has reportedly set aside 45 to 50 continuous days to complete his major portions in the film. The production is expected to move at a steady pace, partly because the actor will appear in a realistic, middle-aged look.
Unlike some of his recent big-budget projects, including "Kalki 2898 AD", the film reportedly does not require traditional CGI de-ageing technology. Director Arun Kumar aims for a grounded, realistic style to keep it close to the story’s rural setting.
The first-look poster, released ahead of Kamal Haasan's birthday, offers a glimpse of the film's intense mood. It shows the actor with short grey hair and a thick moustache, holding a handgun beside a blood-stained vehicle. The poster carries the tagline, "Revenge can only be settled in blood."
"Sandiyar" is described as a rural revenge action thriller set against the backdrop of Madurai. The technical team includes Anirudh Ravichander as music composer, cinematographer Sunil K.S. ("Aadujeevitham", "Kammara Sambavam"), and National Award-winning stunt choreographers Anbariv ("Vikram", "RDX").
