Kamal Haasan revives Sandiyar, the title he dropped in 2004

Kamal Haasan’s next film with director SU Arun Kumar finally has a name. The project previously known by the working title KH237 is now officially titled Sandiyar, and the first-look poster leaves little to the imagination: grey hair, a thick moustache, a firearm and a vehicle marked with blood.

The reveal arrived with birthday wishes from Raaj Kamal Films International, the banner producing the film. The poster also carries a blunt tagline:

Revenge can only be settled in blood.

It is a clear signal that the film intends to be a violent, no-apologies action drama.

A title with a 2004 history

Sandiyar is not a new invention. Kamal Haasan first chose the title for his 2004 directorial that eventually released as Virumaandi. The name ran into strong opposition from political groups who argued that it could glorify caste-based violence. Kamal changed the title to avoid a prolonged controversy.

More than two decades later, he has brought the original name back for a different film and a different moment. For fans, the title is a callback to a decision Kamal once had to walk away from. For the new project, it instantly promises a grittier register than a generic star vehicle.

What we know about the film

• Director: SU Arun Kumar, known for Sethupathi, Chiththa and Veera Dheera Sooran.
• Producer: Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran under Raaj Kamal Films International.
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander, reuniting with Kamal after Vikram and Indian 2.
• Action: Anbariv, with cinematography by Sunil KS and production design by CS Balachandar.

The film is reportedly a rural revenge drama set against the Madurai backdrop, which fits the poster’s raw energy.

Why the team matters

This is Kamal’s first collaboration with SU Arun Kumar, a director known for grounded storytelling in titles such as Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, Sethupathi, Sindhubaadh, Chiththa and Veera Dheera Sooran. Pairing that character-first style with Kamal’s range raises expectations beyond the usual star package.

Musically, Anirudh Ravichander returns after Vikram and Indian 2, while acclaimed stunt choreographers Anbariv handle the action. Cinematographer Sunil KS and production designer CS Balachandar round out the core technical team.

A busy Kamal slate

The Sandiyar reveal arrives as Kamal Haasan has several projects in various stages. He is set to reunite with Rajinikanth after several decades in a film directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, and he remains attached to Kalki 2 and Indian 3. Raaj Kamal Films International also continues to back projects under its banner.

Bringing back a once-blocked title while that slate is building gives Sandiyar an extra news hook. It is not just another announcement; it is a small piece of Kamal Haasan’s film history being reopened. For now, the title and poster are the main official pieces of information, with casting and release details still to follow.

Source: Only Kollywood