Recently, we reported about Lokesh Kanagaraj signing up to direct a Telugu film, starring Allu Arjun. The film is set to start production after the Pushpa star's film with director Atlee. Ever since the announcement, there has been much discourse around the departure of big-name directors from Tamil cinema to other industries, especially with regard to Lokesh's commitment to his home industry. Some even wondered what his departure means in the context of Tamil cinema. At the same time, Lokesh's decision has put some uncertainty over Kaithi 2, the sequel to his commercially successful 2019 film starring Karthi. Speaking to reporters recently, Karthi said that people should ask Lokesh himself about the Kaithi sequel's status. There have been multiple times where the actor and those closely associated with the film said that production on it would start soon, only for it to face further delays.

Recently, actor Narain also said that he is in talks to star in the sequel to Kaithi. Subsequently, in a conversation with CE, Narain said that nothing concrete has been made when it comes to the proposed schedule of the film.

Karthi has multiple other projects in various stages of production, including the recently wrapped Sardar 2 and a film with Taanakkaran director and Sirai writer Tamizh that is titled Marshal. On the other hand, Lokesh also has multiple projects, including as a producer, as an actor, and as a director. He is backing Benz, starring Raghava Lawrence and Nivin Pauly and directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. He has announced a superhero film with his Coolie star Aamir Khan and is also part in the lead role of a film directed by Arun Matheshwaran of Captain Miller fame. The film, which marks Lokesh's debut as a lead actor also stars Wamiqa Gabbi.