The highly anticipated Kaithi 2, a sequel to Lokesh Kanagaraj's successful film and part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), may face further delays as the director is reportedly considering a mega-project featuring veteran superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. This potential collaboration has sparked considerable buzz in the Tamil film industry and among fans, but it also brings a sense of disappointment for those eagerly awaiting the next installment of Kaithi.
Lokesh Kanagaraj had previously confirmed his plans to return to Kaithi 2 with actor Karthi after completing Coolie, a gangster action drama starring Rajinikanth that is currently in theaters. However, recent reports suggest that Lokesh has narrated a two-hero script to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, who have reportedly given their approval and asked the director to proceed with the project.
The film is rumored to revolve around two aging gangsters in a large-scale cinematic adventure. Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) is likely to produce the film, potentially in association with Red Giant Movies. If these reports are accurate, this project could become Lokesh's immediate focus, pushing Kaithi 2 further down the line.
This wouldn't be the first time that Kaithi 2 has been postponed. The film was initially planned before Leo with Thalapathy Vijay, but plans changed when Lokesh chose to direct Coolie, while Karthi had other film commitments to fulfill. Despite the script for Kaithi 2 reportedly being ready, with some potential revisions, the stars may not be aligning for its timely production.
The prospect of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan sharing the screen again after nearly four decades has generated immense excitement. The duo last appeared together in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, where Rajinikanth debuted with Kamal Haasan in the lead role. Their reunion under Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction is considered a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic event, leading some fans to accept the delay of Kaithi 2 if it means witnessing this dream project.
According to reports, the film is expected to revolve around the story of aging gangsters who cross paths again, with a background steeped in violence, exploring how they once ruled the world and now face each other once more.
Karthi has reportedly agreed to postpone Kaithi 2 to accommodate Lokesh's film with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. He had already allocated dates at the end of the year for the Kaithi sequel and had not committed to any other projects during that period. With the postponement of Kaithi 2, it may take at least another two years for the film to commence. Karthi is reportedly in discussions with other directors to begin new projects from December.
While Coolie has achieved commercial success, earning over ₹200 crore in domestic box office collection within five days, it has received mixed reviews, with some critics suggesting that the ensemble cast did not integrate well into the storyline. There are speculations that Lokesh Kanagaraj's salary for Kaithi 2 might be reduced due to the reception of Coolie.
Official confirmation from the filmmakers regarding the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan project and the future of Kaithi 2 is still awaited.
