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Lokesh Kanagaraj has once again become the talk of Indian cinema with his latest film Coolie (2025), starring superstar Rajinikanth. Despite mixed critical reception, the film has stormed the global box office, crossing ₹500 crore within days of release. What makes Coolie so fascinating is not just its star-studded cast that includes Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj, but also the way it carried massive expectations from audiences, who speculated whether it would expand the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The secrecy around its production and the hype that followed proved how much pull Lokesh commands in today’s film industry.
Born in 1986 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Lokesh did not start his career in films. He studied Fashion Technology and later completed an MBA before entering cinema through short films. His first major recognition came with the anthology Aviyal (2016), where he directed a segment. But his full-length debut Maanagaram (2017) established him as a filmmaker with a fresh voice. A taut hyperlink thriller set in Chennai, it showed his skill in weaving multiple narratives into a single gripping story.
The turning point was Kaithi (2019), a no-nonsense action thriller that stood out for its intensity and minimal use of songs. The film’s raw storytelling made audiences sit up and take notice. He followed it with Master (2021), featuring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi, which balanced commercial appeal with strong character dynamics.
Then came Vikram (2022), a blockbuster that not only revived Kamal Haasan’s mass avatar but also introduced the idea of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, linking characters and events across his films. His next big venture Leo (2023) further expanded this cinematic web, starring Vijay in another high-octane role. With each film, Lokesh grew bolder, raising both the scale of production and audience expectations.
Audiences are gravitating toward Lokesh’s projects for several reasons. He blends star power with gritty narratives, creates a sense of mystery through interconnected plots, and offers large-scale spectacle without losing emotional stakes. The LCU adds an extra layer of excitement, as fans eagerly look for crossovers and hidden clues. Moreover, his collaborations with legends like Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth give viewers a fresh way to experience their favorite stars.
In just a few years, Lokesh Kanagaraj has transformed from an experimental storyteller to one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable visionaries. His ability to merge mass entertainment with innovative storytelling explains why his films dominate conversations long before and long after release.
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