Ponniyin Selvan actor Karthi on the Kaithi remake in Hindi: ‘Eager to watch Bholaa’

Karthi, who is basking in the success of Mani Ratnam's adaptation, Ponniyin Selvan-1, is looking forward to watching the Hindi version of his Tamil hit, Kaithi. Titled Bholaa, the remake of the 2019 blockbuster, is Ajay Devgn’s fourth project, as a director and features Tabu, in a pivotal role.

Karthi, who played the lead in Kaithi, said the makers were approached by many filmmakers from across the country for the remake rights.

“A lot of people called me and wanted to buy the rights to Kaithi, but then Ajay sir was the first one to get it. I’m glad that he is doing the Hindi remake and is directing it, too,” he told PTI.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Kaithi featured Karthi as Dilli, a recently-released prisoner, who finds himself in a dangerous situation where he has to rush poisoned cops to a hospital in exchange for meeting his daughter.

Karthi is confident that Devgn will do justice to the film’s story as well as the lead character. Devgn's previous directorial ventures include U, Me aur Hum (2008), Shivaay (2016), and Runway 34 (2022).

Before becoming an actor with the 2007 critical hit, Paruthiveeran, Karthi had served as an assistant director on ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s 2004 political thriller Yuva, which featured Ajay Devgn, as one of three main leads.

“When I worked on Yuva as an assistant director, I saw him perform up close. I have always loved the intensity in his eyes and the way he is relaxed when he’s performing a scene. He brings a certain intensity to all the characters that he plays. I equally love when he does the action.”

Karthi said he is aware there might be some creative changes in store for the audiences with the Hindi remake. “I’m sure Ajay will make some changes to it, creatively. I’m very eager to watch Bholaa.”

Similarly, the actor is excited to see Tabu in the upcoming film.

“I know Tabu ma’am was on board for the Hindi remake, and I’m a huge fan of her work, especially the movies that she made with Vishal Bharadwaj sir,” Karthi said.

Tabu and Devgn had featured on Vijaypath, Haqeeqat, Thakshak, Drishyam, Golmaal Again, De De Pyaar De and Drishyam 2.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj recently came out with a follow-up to Kaithi, Vikram; featuring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi. Karthi said the filmmaker is now developing the sequel to Kaithi, which is expected to start production next year. “Lokesh is working on the script right now,” the actor concluded.

Lokesh is currently working with Vijay on Thalapathy 67.

Dream Warrior Pictures first announced the sequel to Kaithi in 2019 immediately after the success of the first part. However, the project got delayed due to Karthi and Lokesh's prior commitments.

In Vikram, Karthi's Dilli from Kaithi makes an appearance, allowing Lokesh to create a new cinematic universe. It is not known yet if the director is planning to expand the universe further, bringing in Kamal's character Vikram and Suriya's Rolex to Kaithi 2.

On the other hand, Karthi is awaiting the release of Sardar. Directed by PS Mithran, the film has been confirmed to hit the screens on Deepavali, in October, along with Sivakarthikeyan's Prince.

More machine guns to look forward to in Kaithi 2, then?

Bholaa is produced by Ajay Devgn, T-Series Films, Reliance Entertainment and Dream Warrior Pictures.