Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj revealed at a press conference in Chennai why he stepped away from directing a joint project with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. He also provided updates on his sequel to Kaithi and the future of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The director emphasized his commitments to ongoing projects amid shifting schedules.
At a press conference in Chennai on January 26, 2026, Lokesh Kanagaraj addressed his decision to back out of directing Thalaivar 173, a film that would have starred Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan together for the first time in 46 years. The director explained that he had spent one and a half months developing a story, presenting an action script that initially excited the actors. However, both stars expressed a preference for a light-hearted film, citing their recent and upcoming action-heavy projects, including Jailer 2 and Kamal Haasan's collaboration with the Anbariv duo. 'I cannot write that kind of film, and that’s why I backed out of that project,' Lokesh stated.
The shift in plans also impacted his timeline for Kaithi 2, the sequel to his 2019 hit starring Karthi, which is part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Originally slated after his 2023 film Leo, and later after Rajinikanth's Coolie, the project was delayed due to the proposed Rajinikanth-Kamal film. The production team, unsure of Lokesh's availability, hired another director. To fulfill a six-year-old advance from Mythri Movie Makers, Lokesh began work on AA23 with Allu Arjun, a collaboration discussed for over three years. He assured fans that Kaithi 2 would follow immediately after.
Addressing rumors of abandoning the LCU, Lokesh clarified that it is not his production banner to dismantle, noting the fan-coined name. He reaffirmed commitments to Kaithi 2, Vikram 2, and Rolex, with the LCU set to resume post-AA23. An LCU film, Benz, is currently in production. Additionally, talks continue with Aamir Khan for a previously announced superhero project, though schedules remain packed.
Thalaivar 173 will now be directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi under Raaj Kamal Films International, backed by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran. Sundar C had been attached earlier but stepped away.
