Mar 27, 2026 11:48am IST
Sivakarthikeyan vs Karthi: This Diwali, the ‘Clash Kings’ to Have Their Fourth Face-Off In Eight Years (EXCLUSIVE)
Actors Sivakarthikeyan and Karthi are household names in Kollywood with their consistency in releasing films. The former prefers taking up popcorn entertainers, the latter is feted for taking on films that have “solid content”. And while both routinely express mutual admiration for each other, they have also made a habit of clashing with each other at the box-office.
The first face-off happened in 2019 at year-end when Sivakarthikeyan’s “Hero” went up against Karthi’s “Thambi” on the same day. The former, a superhero flick, was helmed by PS Mithran, while the latter was directed by Jeethu Joseph. Both projects opened to decent reviews and ended up as average grossers.
Siva's “Doctor” and Karthi's “Sulthan” were supposed to be released around the same time in the first quarter of 2021, but the former got pushed by a few months owing to the second wave of COVID-19. In 2022, Siva's “Prince” was expected to take on Karthi's “Viruman.” Though it didn't materialize, the former had a clash with Karthi's “Sardar” after a couple of months.
Interestingly, this year witnessed the two stars battling it out again for the Pongal festival. Siva came up with the much-hyped “Parasakthi,” while Karthi's slightly delayed “Vaa Vaathiyaar” made it to the screens after a few days. Parasakthi fell short of expectations and “Vaa Vaathiyaar” turned out to be a damp squib.
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It looks like the duo is set for a clash for the fourth time, going by latest developments. Karthi's next is “Marshal,” helmed by Tamizh of “Taanakkaran” fame. The movie, we hear, is eyeing a release sometime around Diwali. Kalyani Priyadarshan plays the female lead in the realistic action drama that is said to be based on a few real incidents. Tamizh recently revealed that the film's story is set in the 1960s.
Sivakarthikeyan's “Seyon,” too, has announced a release in October. Sivakumar Murugesan wields the megaphone for the rural actioner bankrolled by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International. The makers are expected to make an official announcement on the exact release date in some time.
Going forward, Karthi has “Sardar 2,” directed by PS Mithran coming up. It is likely to hit the screens in a few month's time. Siva, on the other hand, is yet to lock in a new project. Despite speculation doing the rounds on him teaming up with the likes of Venkat Prabhu and Cibi Chakravarthi, nothing has been confirmed so far.
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