Thalaivar 171 (tentative title) is actor Rajinikanth's upcoming film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj and Sun Pictures production banner. The movie with Anirudh Ravichander for music, Anbariv for stunts is gearing up for a title reveal teaser release on April 22, 2024 [Monday]. 

At this time, buzz has it that Thalaivar 171 is titled Kazhugu after a 1981 Rajinikanth movie of the same name. Written and produced by Panchu Arunachalam, and directed by SP Muthuraman, Kazhugu (1981) was an adaptation of a Hollywood horror-action movie titled Race with the Devil (1975). 

The 1981 Kazhugu was an action film which revolved around subjects like hypnotism, and human sacrifice. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has previously incorporated elements like black magic, and human sacrifice in his last film Leo (2023). Though the filmmaker has clarified that unlike Leo, Thalaivar 171 does not belong to his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), it remains to be seen if Lokesh Kanagaraj brings the subject of human sacrifice back for Thalaivar 171.

It is worth mentioning here that the 'human sacrifice' angle did not work for both Kazhugu (1981) and Leo (2023), earning criticisms from viewers of both films.