Thalaivar 171 (tentative title) is actor Rajinikanth's first collaboration with director Lokesh Kanagaraj of Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022), Maanagaram (2017) fame. Lokesh is the brains behind a Tamil cine franchise known as the LCU [Lokesh Cinematic Universe], and this action thriller world has movies from different production banners namely Kaithi (Karthi), Vikram (Kamal Haasan) and Leo (Vijay). 

Ever since Thalaivar 171 was officially announced by Sun Pictures in September, 2023, fans have been curious about whether the Rajini film will also be part of the famous LCU. Seemingly, even before the release of latest LCU film Leo this year, Thalaivar 171 was decided as a non-LCU movie. It is being said that this creative call was taken on Rajinikanth's insistence. 

While an official confirmation on the same can only come from makers, it is also being suggested that Lokesh Kanagaraj is taking extra precautions this time with his scripting process. At a public event recently, Lokesh confessed to beginning Thalaivar 171 writing this week, and is is said that unlike other times, the filmmaker is taking feedbacks from his close knit of 8-10 established directors of the Tamil film industry. 

Thalaivar 171 begins shooting in April, 2024 with Anirudh for music and Anbariv for stunts. An official announcement on the rest of film's cast and crew is currently awaited.