A “Gen Z” Superstar: Director Ashwath Marimuthu Shares Exclusive Insights on ‘Dharman’
Director Ashwath Marimuthu is currently enjoying a career-defining chapter. Fresh off the successes of Oh My Kadavule and Dragon, the young filmmaker has stepped into the spotlight to helm one of the most anticipated projects in recent Tamil cinema history: Dharman, starring the legendary Rajinikanth.
The production is already generating significant buzz, bolstered by a powerhouse team that includes producer Kamal Haasan and musical maestro Anirudh Ravichander. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Simran and Raashii Khanna, the film is moving forward at a rapid pace. Amidst the mounting excitement, Marimuthu has offered a rare glimpse into the set life and the profound humility of the superstar himself.
A “Gen Z” Transformation
Providing a concrete timeline for the production, Marimuthu confirmed that the team is firing on all cylinders. “The shooting of Dharman will be completed by October. We have successfully wrapped up two schedules so far,” he shared.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the director teased a fresh look for the iconic actor, stating, “Rajinikanth sir is in a complete ‘Gen Z’ vibe in this film. It is going to be a movie that audiences of every generation will thoroughly enjoy.”
The Humility of a Legend
While Marimuthu has previously worked with rising stars like Ashok Selvan and Pradeep Ranganathan, he admits that his experience with Rajinikanth has been unlike anything else in his career.
“We are having a lot of fun during the shoot,” the director noted. “I have worked with young, friendly actors before, but I have never met anyone as sweet as Rajinikanth sir.”
Marimuthu shared a touching anecdote that highlights the superstar’s legendary grace. The director noticed that whenever he approached the actor on set, Rajinikanth would stand up to greet him—a gesture that initially left the director feeling humbled and bewildered. When prompted, the superstar explained that his actions were out of deep respect for both the director’s role and the craft of filmmaking itself. “Just like Nelson had mentioned earlier, Rajinikanth sir is an truly amazing human being,” Marimuthu added.
A Rising Star’s Bright Future
As Dharman continues to take shape, Ashwath Marimuthu is solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker who can perfectly balance commercial spectacle with emotional depth. Beyond his work with the superstar, anticipation is also brewing regarding his future collaboration with Silambarasan.
However, for now, the director’s focus remains laser-sharp on ensuring Dharman delivers on its high expectations. If the enthusiasm behind the scenes is any indication, fans are in for a transformative cinematic experience when the film hits the big screen.
