(This article is authored by Alar)

Fans have been eagerly waiting for the sequel to his 2019 blockbuster ‘Kaithi’, which was a thrilling action film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film was part of the director’s cinematic universe (LCU), which also includes ‘Vikram’ starring Kamal Haasan and ‘Leo’ starring Thalapathy Vijay. However, it seems like they will have to wait a little longer as Karthi is busy with other projects at the moment.

According to a source close to the actor, Karthi has three films lined up before he can start working on ‘Kaithi 2’. The source from Times Now says, "Karthi is tied up right now with three films. His shoots are starting with 'Japan' and all of the films have been committed to pre-pandemic. All these films featuring Karthi have come together at the same time. Only after the pending films are complete can Karthi think about doing the 'Kaithi' sequel."

Karthi’s upcoming films include ‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’,the historical epic directed by Mani Ratnam, which is coming to theatres by April 28th 2023. He is currently shooting for his 25th film ‘Japan’, which is being directed by Raju Murugan and features Anu Emmanuel opposite him. He was last seen in Sardar by Mithran PS which won good reception from fans and critics.

Meanwhile, Lokesh Kanagaraj is also busy with his own projects. He is busy shooting the film of his much-anticipated film ‘Leo’, which stars Vijay in the lead role. The film is expected to hit the screens this October 19th, and is said to be a high octane actioner.  As per reports, Lokesh is planning to shoot for ‘Kaithi 2’ in the second quarter of 2023.

‘Kaithi’ was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film that revolved around a recently released prisoner who races against time to drive poisoned cops to a hospital in exchange for meeting his daughter, while evading criminals chasing him. 

The film was praised for its direction, screenplay, performances, musical score, cinematography, and action sequences. It was also selected for official screening at the International Indian Film Festival Toronto (IIFFT) in August 2020, and won several awards. The film was also remade in Hindi as ‘Bholaa’ with Ajay Devgn playing Karthi’s role.