96 (2018), starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha in the lead, is a Tamil film that is as well known for its story-related controversies as it is for its heartfelt reception among South Indian audiences. Former cinematographer Premkumar Chandran aka C Prem Kumar, made his directorial debut with 96, which he has since remade in Telugu as Jaanu (2020). 96 has also been remade in Kannada as 99 (2019), and a Hindi remake was officially announced but never got made. 

96 as an original faced plagiarism* allegations, and it was during a press conference addressing the same that C Prem Kumar revealed that he has written a spin-off novel of what happens to the lead character (Vijay Sethupathi) after the end of 96. 

 

*96 Tamil movie has been accused of sharing similarities with a indie Hollywood film titled Blue Jay (2016), a Kannada movie titled Charminar (2013), and an unregistered script written by an assistant of director Bharathi Raja

 

96-2, the sequel has since awaited developments, and during the promotions of Meiyazhagan (2024), Prem Kumar's only other film, the director stated that his next project would most likely be 96 Part 2. Now Premkumar Chandran via his official Facebook page, has updated that 96-2 will only be made with the original cast of Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. 

Refuting rumours of Pradeep Ranganathan being approached for the 96 sequel, C. Prem Kumar wrote, "This is a fake news as usual. '96-2 can ONLY be made with the original cast of '96. I also clarify that actor Mr Pradeep ranganathan was approached for a different story altogether. It's got nothing to do with '96-2. Day by day dealing with these harmful fake news is getting increasingly difficult. I again reach out to the ethical press and media to establish the truth." (sic)