As excitement builds for superstar Rajinikanth’s next film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, many fans are taking a closer look at the director’s past films. Lokesh has established himself as one of the most promising filmmakers in Tamil cinema, known for his fast-paced narratives, raw action sequences, and the creation of what is popularly called the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
Here are five essential Lokesh Kanagaraj directorials to watch before Coolie hits theatres:
1. Maanagaram (2017)
Lokesh’s debut feature Maanagaram is a hyperlink drama set in Chennai. The film intertwines the lives of multiple characters as they deal with crime, revenge, and fate. It marked a strong beginning for the director with sharp editing, gritty realism, and an unconventional narrative structure. The film’s success set the tone for Lokesh’s interest in urban stories and character-driven plots.
2. Kaithi (2019)
A breakout film for both the director and lead actor Karthi, Kaithi is a gripping action thriller that takes place over the course of one night. With no songs or romantic subplots, the film focused purely on tension and character development. Kaithi also introduced fans to the first hints of a shared cinematic universe, which would later be expanded in Vikram. It remains one of the most critically acclaimed action films in recent Tamil cinema.
3. Master (2021)
Starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi, Master brought Lokesh’s storytelling style to a more mainstream audience. The film combines a mass-appeal format with themes of redemption and youth reform. Vijay plays a flawed professor, while Sethupathi portrays a chilling antagonist. Despite the challenges of a pandemic release, the film was a commercial success and expanded Lokesh’s reputation across India.
4. Vikram (2022)
Featuring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, and Vijay Sethupathi, Vikram marked the official expansion of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The film blended elements from Kaithi and introduced new characters while paying homage to Kamal Haasan’s iconic 1986 film of the same name. With high production values, multi-layered narratives, and stylized action, Vikram became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.
5. X-Men Short Film (Pre-Directorial Work)
Before his feature film debut, Lokesh directed a lesser-known short film inspired by the X-Men universe during his time at a film institute. Though not a commercial release, the project showed early signs of his interest in world-building and stylized action. While not widely available, the short is frequently discussed among fans and film students as a window into his early vision.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s growing body of work reflects a blend of creative risk-taking and strong commercial appeal. Watching these films offers valuable insight into the themes, visual style, and characters that may influence Coolie. As anticipation builds, fans of Tamil cinema are revisiting these directorials to fully appreciate what the filmmaker might bring to his collaboration with Rajinikanth.
