Day Labourer) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film[a] directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures.

It stars Rajinikanth, alongside Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj and Shruti Haasan, with Reba Monica John and Junior MGR in supporting roles.

The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography handled by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj.

During the filming for Master in late 2019, it was reported that director Lokesh Kanagaraj had met Rajinikanth at his residence in Chennai and narrated a script that impressed the actor.

[12] The following month, Lokesh announced a different project with Kamal Haasan,[13][14] which eventually became Vikram (2022),[15][16] whereas Rajinikanth's 169th film went on to become Jailer (2023) directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

[26][27] The project signifies Rajinikanth's maiden collaboration with Lokesh and fifth with the production house after Enthiran (2010), Petta (2019), Annaatthe and Jailer.

[38][39] Rathna Kumar, a frequent writer of Lokesh's films, was unable to commit to the project due to scheduling conflicts.

[50][51] He also planned to use de-aging technology,[52][53] a technique which Lokesh previously did for Kamal Haasan in Vikram, for showcasing the younger version of Rajinikanth.

[62] Sandy, during an event in March 2024, announced his involvement in the film, reuniting with Lokesh after dance choreographing in Vikram and acting in Leo.

[63] Fahadh Faasil was initially approached to play a prominent role but declined it due to scheduling conflicts.

[71] Describing his working experience, Nagarjuna was appreciative of his "[Gen Z] kind of film making I see in his characters and screenplay" and found that playing the role was "very liberating".

[77][78] Upendra stated it as a "dream come true" moment on working with Rajinikanth which was "long overdue",[79] while further adding that his role would not be an antagonist.

[80] Shruti Haasan, who previously starred with Lokesh in her music video "Inimel", was reported to play a pivotal role in the film.

[101] An Onam celebration was held at the film's sets on 15 September, with the makers sharing a footage of the team dancing to "Manasilaayo" from Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan (2024).

[112] The extended schedule took place in Chennai for a month which had major action sequences being filmed with Rajinikanth and other principal characters.

On 9 February, Lokesh began shooting key sequences at the Chennai International Airport with Rajinikanth and other supporting cast members.

[118][125] The soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his fourth collaboration with Lokesh after Master, Vikram and Leo; fifth with Rajinikanth after Petta, Darbar (2020), Jailer and Vettaiyan.

[145][146][147] Calling it an offence under the Copyright Act of 1957,[148] he demanded the makers attain proper permission or remove the track from the teaser.

[153] During a hearing in the Madras High Court in late April, the judge stated Ilaiyaraaja could not claim exclusive ownership over the song, as the lyrics were written by a different person.