CHENNAI: Director Lokesh Kanagaraj on Monday (January 26) clarified that Kaithi 2 with actor Karthi will be his immediate next film after his upcoming project with Allu Arjun (AA23). He was speaking at a press meet convened in the city to quell rumours circulating on social media about his projects.
Why Kaithi 2 was delayed
Lokesh said the delay behind Kaithi 2 had nothing to do with his remuneration. He explained that when Coolie was releasing, he met Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, and was invited to direct their collaboration.“Rajini sir and Kamal sir collaborating after 46 years is rare. It was an honour to be called to direct. So I told the Kaithi 2 producers that I would return after completing this film,” he said.
Lokesh said he wrote a story for nearly one-and-a-half months, and both actors liked it. However, the collaboration did not materialise. “Both had just done back-to-back action films. Rajini sir’s immediate next is Jailer 2, an actioner. Kamal sir’s next with Anbariv is also action-heavy. They were looking to collaborate on a light-hearted film, which is not my strength," he opened up.
The Rajini-Kamal film is now set to be directed by Sibi Chakravarthy of Don fame, and is backed by Kamal Haasan along with R Mahendran under their Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) banner.
How the Allu Arjun project took shape
In the meantime, with the Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan project no longer on the cards and the Kaithi 2 team having allotted its slot to another director, Lokesh said he decided to honour a long-standing commitment with Mythri Movie Makers during the gap. He also added that Allu Arjun was keen on collaborating for several years, which is how AA23 took off.“That is why Kaithi 2 was delayed, not because I asked for any salary hike,” Lokesh said, putting an end to rumours and speculation.
LCU is not closed: Lokesh
Responding to a question about the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), Lokesh said the universe was not ending, mentioning it was a term coined by fans.“I will finish the Allu Arjun film, then Kaithi 2, Vikram 2 and Rolex (based on actor Surya's character in Vikram). There is also Benz, which is part of the LCU. So the LCU is not closed. Those films will happen,” he said.
Lokesh also said discussions with Aamir Khan are ongoing for a film collaboration. “We are still talking. Both of us are currently tied up with other commitments,” he said. The Bollywood superstar had made a cameo in Lokesh-Rajinikanth's Coolie.