Raashii Khanna’s now-deleted Instagram photo with Ram Pothineni and Rajinikanth has intensified speculation about Ram’s role in Ashwath Marimuthu’s upcoming film Dharman. The behind-the-scenes images from the Mysuru schedule appear to confirm his casting, amid rumours he could play either Raashii’s love interest and Rajinikanth’s son-in-law or the film’s antagonist, though the makers remain tight-lipped.
Actress Raashii Khanna recently posted a picture along with Telugu actor Ram Pothineni and Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, fueling speculation about the actor's casting in Ashwath Marimuthu's upcoming film Dharman. The actress, however, has since removed the picture from her Instagram.
There had been considerable speculation around Ram Pothineni's role in the film, with several reports claiming that he would play Raashii Khanna's love interest, which would make his character Rajinikanth's son-in-law. Other reports, meanwhile, suggested that the actor could be playing the antagonist. The makers had not officially confirmed his involvement until now.
On Tuesday, Raashii Khanna took to Instagram to share an update from the sets, along with a series of behind-the-scenes pictures that appear to confirm Ram Pothineni's casting in the film. At the pre-release event of Anbil Avan, director Ashwath Marimuthu had earlier revealed that the film's fourth schedule would be shot in Mysuru, where Raashii's latest photos were taken.
Director Ashwath Marimuthu recently confirmed that Dharman will complete its shoot by October 2026. Speaking at a an event organised by Galatta, Marimuthu spoke about the schedules that have been completed, what working with Rajinikanth was like and a different side of the superstar that audiences will get to see in this film.
"The Dharman shoot will be over in October 2026," the director said. "Two schedules have been completed. Rajinikanth sir is in a Gen-Z vibe, and the film will be a very likeable one. We are having quite some fun."
Dharman, previously referred to as Thalaiavar 173, is Rajinikanth's next film. Directed by Ashwin Marimuthu, the film is being produced by Kamal Haasan under his production banner Raaj Kamal Films. The film is co-produced by R Mahendran of Turmeric Media. Apart from Ashwath, the core team includes Anirudh Ravichander's music and Anbariv as action choreographers. Niketh Bommi is the cinematographer and Pradeep E Ragav is the editor. MR Karthik Rajkumar is the film’s production designer.
Dharman marks Ashwath Marimuthu's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Marimuthu previously directed Oh My Kadavule (2020), Ori Devuda (2022), the Telugu-language remake of Oh My Kadavule, as well as Dragon (2024), which starred Pradeep Ranganathan.