Rajinikanth skipped the luxury car for 'Dharman,' what he arrived in instead was unexpected

Highlights:

Rajinikanth gave fans in Mysuru a surprise when the superstar arrived at the outdoor shoot of his upcoming action film Dharman in an auto-rickshaw. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, the film’s set became the scene of an unexpected moment as crowds erupted in cheers when the actor pulled up in the humble three-wheeler.

Videos of the moment began spreading across social media Tuesday evening (29). Crowds of fans who had tracked down the shooting location and waited for a glimpse of the star erupted into cheers as the auto pulled in. His security team flanked the rickshaw on both sides, a clear giveaway of who was inside.

Rajinikanth stepped out, waved, and greeted the crowd before heading off to shoot.

That wasn't the end of it. Another video shows his security team trying to shut a gate to keep the growing crowd out. But as the cheers grew louder, Rajinikanth walked back out to greet them, dressed simply in a maroon shirt and veshti.

Even young children waited alongside their parents, flashing his iconic hand gesture from the 2002 film "Baba" as he appeared.

The set may be hiding a few more surprises. The announced cast of Dharman includes Rajinikanth, Simran, Raashii Khanna and Yogi Babu, but photos and videos from Mysuru hint that Telugu stars Ram Pothineni and Sreeleela could also be on board.

One leaked video shows Sreeleela on set in a pink-and-blue pattu pavadai, a traditional half saree. A photo of Raashii posing with Ram and Rajinikanth also made the rounds online. According to the Times of India, Raashii posted it as part of her Mysuru photo dump but deleted it after realizing Ram's casting hadn't been officially announced. Her updated post, without the Telugu actor, shows her enjoying the food and sights of Mysuru.

The makers have yet to confirm either actor.

Rajinikanth as a "deadly doctor"

The film itself promises a dramatic departure. In June, Kamal Haasan, who is producing the film starring Rajinikanth, announced its title and confirmed Ashwath as director. Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthi had previously been attached to direct but were replaced.

The first-look poster is as startling as the star's arrival. It shows Rajinikanth in surgical scrubs, standing in an operating room holding a bloody scalpel, with dead bodies stitched together around his feet. The tagline reads: “The deadly doctor.”