Kaithi

Kaithi is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film was produced by Dream Warrior Pictures and Vivekananda Pictures, and it marks the first installment of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

The movie stars Karthi in the lead role, along with Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, Mariyam George, and Dheena in supporting roles.

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Category	Details
Directed by	Suresh Rajakumari
Screenplay by	Tamizh, Suresh Rajakumari
Story by	Tamizh
Produced by	S. S. Lalit Kumar
Starring	Vikram Prabhu, LK Akshay Kumar, Anishma Anilkumar, Ananda Thambirajah
Cinematography	Madhesh Manickam
Edited by	Philomin Raj
Music by	Justin Prabhakaran
Production Company	Seven Screen Studio
Release Date	25 December 2025
Running Time	124 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil

Kaithi — India Box Office Collection (State-wise)

Kaithi (2019) – Complete Movie Details

Plot Summary

The police, led by Inspector Bejoy, intercept a van carrying 900 kilograms of cocaine worth over ₹800 crores. The seized drugs threaten the operations of notorious drug lord Adaikalam, whose identity remains unknown to authorities. In retaliation, his brother Anbu plans to recover the drugs and kill the officers involved.

During a retirement party, senior police officers are drugged using Rohypnol mixed with alcohol. Bejoy, who avoids drinking due to medication, remains unaffected. To secretly transport the unconscious officers to a hospital, he seeks help from Dilli, a recently released prisoner desperate to reunite with his daughter Amudha. Along with caterer Kamatchi, they begin a dangerous journey using a truck while being chased by criminal gangs.

Meanwhile, at the commissioner’s office, constable Napoleon and a group of detained college students defend the building from attacks. As the night progresses, betrayals unfold, intense battles take place, and Dilli fights against overwhelming odds to protect the officers and destroy the narcotics.

In the end, Dilli reunites with his daughter, but a final reveal hints that Adaikalam knows Dilli personally — setting up future events in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.

Cast

Production

After the success of Maanagaram (2017), director Lokesh Kanagaraj began developing a new action thriller inspired by a real-life news article about an ex-prisoner. The film was designed to unfold within a single night and notably featured:

• No songs
• No female lead
• Real-time storytelling style

Initially written for a different actor, the script evolved after Karthi joined the project. Writer Pon Parthiban contributed to additional screenplay and dialogues.

Filming

• Shooting began: 13 December 2018
• Major locations: Chennai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli
• Story timeline: Mainly one night
• Action sequences featured real stunt work and practical effects.
• Shooting completed: 9 May 2019

Music

The background score was composed by Sam C. S.

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Even without songs, the film included powerful musical themes like:

• “Kill and Destroy”
• “Dilli’s Swag”
• “Rise of Dilli”
• “Neel Iravil”
• “Kaithi Main Theme”

The soundtrack featured 17 tracks with a total runtime of 28 minutes 18 seconds.

Release

• Released: 25 October 2019 (Diwali)
• Tamil + Telugu dubbed version (Khaidi)
• Released in 1400+ screens worldwide
• Later streamed on Hotstar (Nov 2019)

The film later released internationally including Japan (as Kaithi Dilli) and Russia.

Box Office Performance

Critical Reception

Kaithi received widespread critical acclaim:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 100% positive reviews
• Praised for:
  • Intense action
  • Screenplay
  • No-song narrative style
  • Karthi’s performance

Many critics called it one of the best Tamil films of 2019.

Awards & Recognition (Highlights)

• Best Supporting Actor – George Maryan
• Best Stunt Director – Anbariv
• Best Villain – Arjun Das
• SIIMA – Best Tamil Film (Won)
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Special Prize for Karthi

Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)

Kaithi is the first film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.

Connections:

• Linked with Vikram (2022)
• Characters appear in later LCU films
• Sets up future stories involving Dilli.

Future & Sequel

• Kaithi 2 confirmed
• Planned as a prequel exploring Dilli’s past
• Expected to be larger in scale than the original.

Remakes

• Hindi remake: Bholaa (2023)
• Malay remake: Banduan (2025)

Controversy

A copyright petition was filed claiming story similarities, but the Kerala Court later dismissed the allegations and confirmed the story belonged to the filmmakers.

EXTERNAL LINKS

WIKIPEDIA :- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaithi_(2019_film)#

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IMDB :- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9900782/

INTERNAL LINKS

AVATAR PART1 :- https://cinemaatlas.com/avatar-2009-film-avatar-part1-collections/

AVATAR PART2 :- https://cinemaatlas.com/avatar-2-the-way-of-water/