Karthi's Kaithi, released in 2019, is regarded as one of Tamil cinema's finest action thrillers of the last decade. The Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial, which earned widespread acclaim for its gripping and engaging storyline, has now been remade in Malay language under the title Banduan. While actors from the original have not reprised their roles in the new film, Sam CS has returned to compose background score.

Taking to his social media handles, the composer wrote that he has completed background score for the film ahead of its release on November 6. The star cast for Banduan includes Aaron Aziz, Rosyam Nor, Afdin Shauki, and Fadhli Masoot, among others. Dream Warrior Pictures, which backed the original, sold the remake rights to the film. Banduan's teaser was also released recently, which offered a glimpse into the gritty world of the film and hinted at a faithful adaptation of Kaithi.

Kaithi, also starring Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, George Maryan and Dheena, revolved around the events of one night where a recently released prisoner drives poisoned policemen to a hospital while evading criminals, in exchange for meeting his daughter who was waiting at an orphanage. It was the first instalment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe which is followed up in Vikram, with Narain reprising his role as Bejoy while George Maryan reprises his role as Napoleon in Leo.

Kaithi 2 is currently in development with Karthi set to reprise his role. Narain is in talks to star.

While it was earlier reported that Lokesh Kanagaraj would helm the much-anticipated Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan project before moving on to Kaithi 2, it has now come to light that he is no longer associated with the film. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that Lokesh will return to the LCU to focus on Kaithi 2. However, an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited.