After months of speculation and fan anxiety, Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally cleared the air. The filmmaker has confirmed that Kaithi 2 is very much happening and will go on floors after he completes his next big-ticket project with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA23. More importantly, Lokesh has assured fans that the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) is not ending — despite rumours suggesting otherwise.
Speaking at a press meet in Chennai on January 26, Lokesh addressed every major question head-on, from salary hike chatter to delays and why Kaithi 2 had to wait longer than expected.
Kaithi 2 Was Never Shelved, Says Lokesh
Putting speculation to rest, Lokesh stated that Kaithi 2 was always part of the plan and was never dropped. According to him, the delay had nothing to do with remuneration or lack of interest, but rather a combination of creative and scheduling challenges that piled up over time.
One major roadblock was a proposed film featuring Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth together — a collaboration that would have marked their reunion after nearly 46 years. Lokesh revealed he spent close to one and a half months developing the script, but eventually stepped away as the story did not align with what the two legends were keen on exploring at this stage of their careers.
He explained that both Kamal and Rajini were interested in a lighter, more relaxed film after doing multiple action-heavy projects, whereas he was looking to push a different creative direction. The project is now being directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi, after earlier changes that also saw Sundar C exit due to creative differences.
Scheduling Issues and the Salary Rumour
Another key reason Kaithi 2 couldn’t move ahead earlier was date issues. Lokesh confirmed that Karthi, who headlines Kaithi, had already committed his dates to another project during that period, making it impossible to start the sequel as planned.
Addressing rumours of a salary hike causing the delay, Lokesh was blunt in his denial. He clarified that money had nothing to do with the pause and added that he himself requested the producer to temporarily hold Kaithi 2 so he could explore the rare Kamal–Rajini opportunity — something he felt might never come again.
Why Allu Arjun’s AA23 Took Priority
Lokesh also explained why his film with Allu Arjun moved ahead of Kaithi 2. He revealed that when both Kaithi 2 and the proposed Thalaivar 173 project failed to materialise as expected, he chose to honour a long-standing commitment with Mythri Movie Makers.
He added that discussions around working with Allu Arjun had been ongoing for years, even during the early Pushpa phase. Taking up AA23, he said, was a decision rooted in professional responsibility rather than strategic delay.
What’s Next for the LCU
For fans of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, the updates bring plenty of reasons to celebrate. Lokesh confirmed that Kaithi 2 is expected to begin shooting in 2027, provided schedules align. He also revealed that a standalone Rolex film featuring Suriya is currently in development, further expanding the LCU.
Final Words
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s clarification puts an end to months of speculation. Kaithi 2 is not cancelled, the LCU is not ending, and the delays were driven by creative honesty and logistical realities — not money or disinterest. With AA23 up next and major LCU projects lined up, Lokesh’s cinematic universe looks set to grow bigger, bolder, and far from finished.
