Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Kaithi sequel will start filming in 2023, reveals Karthi

The movie grossed over ₹155 crore and was selected for official screening at the International Indian Film Festival, Toronto in August 2020.

Apparently, the Kaithi team did a lot of research to design Dilli, the main protagonist. Since he became the saviour of the cops, the actor felt that his look had to be as simple and as unassuming as possible.

“Through our research, we knew that prisoners do not want to get noticed. So, they never look the person in the eyes and speak. The sky is their only connection with nature because they’re born between walls.”

Karthi’s role (Dilli) in ‘Kaithi’ won him rave reviews. (sikarthi/Facebook)

Recollecting a viral eating scene of his character Dilli in Kaithi that sparked a meme fest, he further added, “I think he only had to have sambar rice for all three meals of all 10 years. And when he finally has biryani, it became an iconic scene for this film.”

The action of the film, the choreography, direction, music and emotional aspects made Kaithi a very memorable film for Karthi. “I’m glad it turned out that way. I can say that a sequel is on the cards and hopefully we’ll start filming next year,” he said.

About Ponniyin Selvan

Karthi also revealed his thoughts on director Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyan Selvan and how he was cast.

“People have owned this novel and resonated with its characters. The particular book has been relevant for a long time, is still having massive fandom and is a best seller with exhibitions every year.”

Several filmmakers aspired to make it into a movie and it has been elusive. “I received a phone call saying that Mani sir would like to meet me and he wants me to play a part in this movie. I walked into his office which is when he offered me the role of Vandiyathevan,” he recollected.

“Who would say no to that!? I was ready to even play a horse in Ponniyan Selvan if Mani sir wanted me to do it. He is my guru.”

Karthi in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’.(sikarthi/Facebook)

About his preparations for Ponniyan Selvan, the actor said: “The moment I was on board, it required a lot of reading and preparation. My character has been written by Kalki Krishnamurthy and remains to be iconic.”

There’s a huge fan following because this character is unlike the regular ones we see in historic films. “He is funny and is a huge romantic. Bringing all the elements together wasn’t an easy task because so many people have imaginations of what the character would be like,” Karthi said.

“I was able to essay Vandiyathevan because of Mani sir and dear friends who had acquainted me with the history of the character and gave me valuable insights.”

Filming was a completely different experience and was planned well. The pre-production of Ponniyin Selvan was done for almost two years. “We felt as though we were in the 10th century when we walked into the sets every day and it took us back into history.”

“There are so many fine elements in the film. The way the dialogues were written, the way we had to perform action sequences on horses and ships, the way they were dressed and the way Mani sir brought each character alive was remarkable,” Karthi signed off.