Kaithi 2 CONFIRMED; Lokesh Kanagaraj Addresses Salary Hike Rumours, Reveals Why He Is Doing Allu Arjun Film First

Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally put all speculation to rest. Amid growing chatter about Kaithi 2 being delayed or even shelved, the filmmaker has confirmed that the much-awaited sequel is very much happening.

Speaking at a press conference in Chennai on Monday, January 26, Lokesh clarified that Kaithi 2 remains firmly on his roadmap and will roll after he completes his upcoming film with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA23. The director also took the opportunity to address rumours around a salary hike and explained the real reasons behind the project’s delay, offering clarity to fans who have been eagerly waiting for updates.

Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms Kaithi 2, refutes salary hike rumours

Lokesh revealed that Kaithi 2 was always planned, but several factors led to its postponement. He shared that at one point, he was supposed to direct a project featuring Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth together. However, he eventually opted out as the story did not align with what the two legends were looking for at this stage of their careers. According to Lokesh, both actors were keen on exploring a lighter, more relaxed film after doing back-to-back action-heavy projects, and that was not what Lokesh was looking to explore right now. The film is now being directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi. Earlier, Sundar C was confirmed to helm the project, but he too left the project midway due to creative differences.

Another major reason Kaithi 2 could not take off earlier was scheduling conflicts. Lokesh explained that actor Karthi, who plays the lead in Kaithi, had already committed his dates to another film during that period. This made it impossible to move forward with the sequel as planned.Addressing the persistent rumours about a salary hike being the reason behind the delay, Lokesh firmly denied the claims. He said he had spent nearly a month and a half working on the Kamal Haasan–Rajinikanth script, but the collaboration did not materialise due to creative differences, not financial demands. He further added that he personally requested the producer of Kaithi 2 to hold the project temporarily, as the opportunity to be part of a Kamal–Rajini collaboration after 46 years was rare and significant.

Why is Lokesh Kanagaraj directing Allu Arjun film first?

Lokesh also explained that when both Kaithi 2 and the proposed Thalaivar 173 project did not happen as previously expected, he decided to honour a long-pending commitment with Mythri Movie Makers. That decision eventually led to his collaboration with Allu Arjun. He made it clear that AA23 taking priority was a matter of professional responsibility rather than strategic delay and he had been in talks with Pushpa 2 since many years.

For fans, the update brings multiple reasons to celebrate. Kaithi 2 is expected to go on floors in 2027 if everything falls into place, and Lokesh also confirmed that a standalone Rolex film featuring Suriya is in development. With multiple high-profile projects lined up, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s cinematic universe appears to be expanding, with Kaithi 2 still very much at its core.