Karthi’s return as Dilli in Kaithi 2 may finally be happening. Strong buzz in Tamil industry circles suggests an official announcement is coming on Lokesh Kanagaraj’s birthday, March 14.
From Kaithi to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe
When Kaithi released, it didn’t just become a hit — it opened the doors to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The character of Dilli, played by Karthi, struck a strong emotional chord with audiences. The film ended on a terrific note, and fans immediately began asking: when is Kaithi 2 happening?
The anticipation went to another level when director Lokesh Kanagaraj connected Kaithi to Vikram. That crossover moment was explosive, and since then, fans have been continuously waiting for Dilli’s return.
Why Kaithi 2 Kept Getting Delayed
Kaithi 2 faced multiple delays. Lokesh moved on to Leo and later Coolie. As per earlier plans, the sequel was expected to begin after Coolie wrapped.
Discussions about Lokesh collaborating again with Rajinikanth surfaced, but that did not materialize. Fans assumed this meant Kaithi 2 would finally start soon.
Then came a surprise — Lokesh officially announced a collaboration with Allu Arjun. This created fresh doubts, with some fans wondering whether Kaithi 2 had been shelved entirely.
‘Dilli’ Title Buzz and 30-Second Teaser Censor
On February 19, a 30-second teaser from a project titled “Dilli” was reportedly censored. This immediately gave relief to LCU fans.
Industry sources now suggest that Kaithi 2 will be titled Dilli, focusing entirely on the iconic character. An official announcement is expected on March 14, coinciding with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s birthday.
When Will Shooting Begin?
Despite the announcement buzz, practical scheduling tells a different story. Lokesh has already committed to the Allu Arjun project, expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
That means Kaithi 2 / Dilli is likely to go on floors only by late 2027 or early 2028.
However, the team reportedly wants to release an official 30-second glimpse soon — silencing all rumours and confirming that the project is very much alive.