Last updated: 5 May 2026


Tamil · Action, Crime, Drama
2h 27m · 24 Oct 2019
Music: Sam C S | DOP: Sathyan Sooryan | Writer: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Pon Parthiban, Sanjeev Tiwari
Ratings
Our Rating
3.75
Kaithi follows the story of Dilli, an ex-convict who is desperate to meet his daughter for the first time after being released from prison. On the same night, a group of police officers are engaged in a high-stakes operation to capture a drug lord. Circumstances force Dilli to assist the police in their mission, leading to a tense and action-packed night filled with twists and confrontations. The narrative unfolds in real-time, focusing on the gritty and raw survival of the protagonist amidst chaos.
Kaithi is a tightly woven action thriller that excels in its screenplay and pacing. The story is straightforward yet gripping, with Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction ensuring minimal distractions and a relentless forward momentum. The screenplay cleverly balances intense action sequences with emotional depth, particularly through the protagonist's personal stakes.
The first half sets a brisk pace, establishing characters and the high-tension scenario effectively, while the second half escalates the stakes with well-choreographed action and suspense. The absence of songs in the narrative is a bold choice that keeps the film taut and immersive.
Sam C S's background score is a standout element, enhancing the film's gritty atmosphere and amplifying tension during action scenes without overpowering the narrative. The music complements the cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan, which captures the dark, rain-soaked nights and claustrophobic interiors with a raw, realistic texture.
Karthi: Powerful and restrained, Karthi delivers a compelling portrayal of a determined father and reluctant hero, carrying the film on his shoulders with minimal dialogue.
Narain: Effective as the police officer, providing a grounded and intense performance that complements the lead.
Arjun Das: Memorable as the antagonist with a chilling and menacing presence.
Harish Uthaman: Strong supporting role, adding depth to the police team.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction is focused and assured, delivering a high-octane thriller that balances action and emotion seamlessly. His writing is crisp, avoiding typical commercial tropes, and the real-time narrative style adds urgency and immersion.
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Our Rating
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| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award | Best Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj won for his direction |
| Vijay Awards | Best Actor | Karthi received critical acclaim and nominations |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics widely praised Kaithi for its innovative screenplay, gripping narrative, and Karthi's performance. The film was lauded for its technical aspects including direction, background score, and cinematography, with many highlighting it as a fresh take on the action thriller genre in Tamil cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
Khaidi released on 24 October 2019 (2019).
Khaidi is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Budget of Khaidi is approximately ₹20 Crore.
Khaidi is available on aha from 15 February 2020.
Khaidi directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Produced by S. R. Prabu, S. R. Prakashbabu.
Khaidi stars Karthi, Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, George Mariyan.
Tollybo rates Khaidi 3.75/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
Music for Khaidi composed by Sam C S.
Khaidi — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Tamil.