Thalapathy 69 (tentative title) is a project that has not been officially announced anywhere yet all eyes are on it, since it is actor Vijay's last film before his political entry. Vijay who is currently shooting for The Greatest of All Time with director Venkat Prabhu and AGS Productions banner, confirmed a few days ago that Thalapathy 69 will be his last movie by stating,

"I am going to complete another film related duties that I have already agreed to, without interfering with (Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam's) party work, and fully engage in public service politics." 

 

As reported previously, Thalapathy 69 is expected to be a political film in line with Vijay's political entry and here is the list of directors that are currently being associated with the project:

1. H. Vinoth: Director H. Vinoth of Sathuranga Vettai (2014), Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017), Valimai (2022), Thunivu (2023) fame had narrated a political script to Vijay during Mersal (2017) days. The filmmaker then went on to develop the script as KH 233 with Kamal Haasan in the lead. KH 233 is not happening anymore and buzz has it that H. Vinoth has narrated this redeveloped political script to Vijay.

KH 233 was supposed to be produced by Kamal Haasan's home banner Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). Word is that if RKFI gives a no-objection, the H. Vinoth might end up directing Thalapathy 69 with the said script.

    
2. Atlee: Before the official announcement of The Greatest of All Time, which is actor Vijay's penultimate 68th project with director Venkat Prabhu, director Atlee seemed like the frontrunner to direct Thalapathy 68. However when that turned out to be not the case, Atlee's movie for Vijay was expected to be made as Thalapathy 69. 

Sun Pictures was said to be the production banner for this project and Anirudh the music composer but it remains to be seen of the Atlee-Vijay combination unite one last time for Thalapathy 69. Of the 5 films Atlee has made as a director, 3 of them are with Vijay titled Bigil (2019), Mersal (2017) and Theri (2016).

3. Nelson Dilipkumar: The combination of actor Vijay, Sun Pictures production banner and music composer Anirudh has also been linked with another director who has already worked with said combo. Director Nelson Dilipkumar who has previously made Beast (2022) i.e. Thalapathy 65 with Vijay in the lead, under the Sun Pictures banner with Anirudh Ravichander for music, has also been linked to Thalapathy 69. 

4. Karthik Subbaraj: Ever since Karthik Subbaraj was spotted at the launch of Leo (2023) i.e. Thalapathy 67, buzz of the director collaborating with Vijay spread like wildfire. At that time, Karthik Subbaraj had said that he has a script ready and is willing to narrate to Vijay for Thalapathy 69. 

Karthik Subbaraj had also revealed back then that he has previously narrated two scripts to Vijay - one after Iraivi (2016) and the other after Rajinikanth starrer Petta (2019) but Vijay ended up liking neither.   

 
5. Telugu Film Directors: As recently as 2023, Vijay took an unexpected detour and collaborated with a Telugu film director and production for Varisu. This trend of Tamil star actors teaming up with Tollywood talent is a not unusual, and may be done for Thalapathy 69 too. 

Varisu director Vamshi Paidipally along with Anil Ravipudi from the Telugu film industry are said to have narrated scripts to Vijay for Thalapathy 69. RRR (2022) producers DVV Entertainment has also been buzzed to produce Vijay's last film.

 
6. Lokesh Kanagaraj: Director Lokesh Kanagaraj who has previously worked with Vijay on Master (2021) and Leo (2023) is currently gearing up to begin Thalaivar 171 (working) shooting with Rajinikanth in the lead. Thalaivar 171 is expected to go on floors in April, 2024 which means it is likely impossible that the filmmaker will be available to direct Thalapathy 69.

However that has deterred the Kollywood rumour mills and the hopes of Lokesh teaming up with Vijay one last time keeps echoing every now and then. 

7. Vetrimaaran: For close to 7 years now, a team up between multiple National award winning director Vetrimaaran, and actor Vijay has frothily lingered the Tamil film circles. Filmmaker Vetrimaaran holds a reputation for bringing out the acting best from his lead stars, and handling heavy subjects like politics with ease.  Will the Vijay-Vetrimaaran team end up only being a mutual admiration club or will they actually team up on Thalapathy 69 remains to be seen.