Kaithi 2 on track! Karthi-led sequel set as Lokesh Kanagaraj’s next after Allu Arjun film

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming collaboration with Allu Arjun, set to begin in the latter half of 2026, has already created massive anticipation. As the filmmaker steps into Telugu cinema for this big-ticket project, speculation spread that he might drift away from Tamil films and the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

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Rumours suggested the director was focusing only on pan-India spectacles and shelving his earlier franchises. However, Lokesh has now firmly dismissed those assumptions.

Kaithi 2 Is Very Much Alive!

At a recent press conference, Lokesh addressed the future of the much-loved LCU and gave fans exactly what they were hoping to hear. He confirmed that once he wraps up the Allu Arjun film, he will immediately return to helm 'Kaithi 2'.

Reports claiming that financial disagreements or a hefty paycheck demand had stalled the sequel were also put to rest. The director made it clear that the project remains a priority.

He further reassured audiences that 'Vikram 2' and 'Rolex' - the spin-off centred on Suriya’s popular character - are part of his planned commitments and will be completed.

How the Schedule Shift Happened

Lokesh also explained how the timeline evolved. After finishing 'Coolie', the team initially planned to move straight into 'Kaithi 2'. But things changed when Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth approached him with the idea of collaborating on a film together.

Excited by the rare opportunity, Lokesh sought permission from the 'Kaithi' makers and began developing a script for the two legends. He worked on it for nearly six weeks, but creative differences surfaced as the actors preferred a lighter, more entertaining tone.

During this period, Karthi allocated his dates to another filmmaker. Meanwhile, Lokesh’s ongoing conversations with Allu Arjun finally materialised into a full-fledged project, which slotted into his schedule.

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LCU Still the Bigger Picture

Despite detours and new ventures, Lokesh Kanagaraj emphasised that the LCU remains central to his vision. The director’s roadmap clearly shows that Kaithi, Vikram, and Rolex will continue expanding the interconnected action world fans love. For now, the Allu Arjun film comes first - but 'Kaithi 2' is firmly next in line.