Ram Pothineni Joins Rajinikanth’s ‘Dharman’: Short Schedule and Hefty Paycheck Reportedly Sealed the Deal

Ram Pothineni is preparing to share the screen with Rajinikanth in the upcoming Tamil film Dharman, and reports suggest that the project offers him an attractive combination a substantial role, a tightly planned schedule and a reportedly impressive paycheck.

Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, Dharman has commenced its latest shooting schedule on a specially constructed set at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The filmmaker is reportedly planning to complete the entire production within the next two to three months.

Ram is expected to join the team shortly, with his portions likely to be completed by October 2026.

Why Ram Pothineni reportedly accepted ‘Dharman’

The opportunity to work alongside a legendary actor such as Rajinikanth is believed to have been the biggest attraction for Ram. However, the film’s compact shooting schedule reportedly played an important role in his decision.

According to reports, director Ashwath Marimuthu assured Ram that his scenes would be completed within approximately two months. The arrangement allows the actor to appear in a major production without keeping his other commitments on hold for an extended period.

Ram has also reportedly received a substantial remuneration for the limited number of working days. The precise amount, however, has not been disclosed or officially confirmed by the actor or producers.

Is Ram playing the antagonist?

Ram has reportedly been cast in an important character rather than a brief cameo. While some reports have suggested that he may play the primary antagonist opposite Rajinikanth, the makers have yet to officially reveal his character.

A source close to the production previously confirmed that Ram would play an “important character” and was excited to become part of the prestigious project. The film marks his second major appearance in Tamil cinema after The Warriorr, which was released in 2022. The Times of India

If the antagonist reports prove accurate, Dharman could present the actor in a noticeably different avatar and give him an opportunity to explore a character outside his familiar leading-man image.

‘Dharman’ shooting underway in Hyderabad

The new schedule of Dharman began at Ramoji Film City, where the production team has created a large set for several important sequences. Ram’s portions are expected to commence shortly.

ALSO READ : ‘I have a heart of stone, but I cried’: Ravi Teja gets emotional after watching Irumudi, reveals what moved him most

Director Ashwath Marimuthu is reportedly aiming to wrap up the film by October. The filmmaker recently indicated that production was moving at a brisk pace, strengthening reports that Ram’s scenes could also be completed within the same period.

Apart from Rajinikanth and Ram Pothineni, the film features Simran and Raashii Khanna in significant roles. Ashwath has described the project as a family-oriented thriller containing commercial elements.

The film is being produced by Kamal Haasan, while Anirudh Ravichander is composing its music. The combination of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Anirudh has already made Dharman one of the most closely watched upcoming Tamil projects.

Ram balances acting with directorial debut

Ram’s shorter commitment to Dharman is particularly significant because the actor is also working on his first film as a director.

Tentatively known as RAPO23, the project is described as a dark psychological action thriller. Ram has written the story and will direct the film while playing the lead character, Veera.

The movie is being produced by Krishna Pothineni under the newly established banner Rapo Cinematics. Further details about its supporting cast and release plans remain under wraps.

Taking responsibility for writing, directing and acting makes RAPO23 one of the most ambitious projects of Ram’s career. A compact schedule for Dharman would allow him to complete his work alongside Rajinikanth before returning his full attention to the directorial venture.

For Ram, the decision appears strategically sound: an important role opposite Rajinikanth, strong remuneration for a limited schedule and enough time to continue developing his own film. Until the makers reveal his character, however, the biggest question remains whether audiences will see him as Rajinikanth’s ally or as the star standing in his way.