Lokesh Kanagaraj is a name that needs no introduction. The filmmaker has been through thick and thin, and is presently one of the best filmmakers not just in the Tamil film fraternity, but all over the country.
March 10th 2024 is quite a memorable day for the filmmaker. Why? Well, 7 years ago, on March 10th, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s debut film, Maanagaram hit the silver screens. The film was really well received both critically and commercially, and set the benchmark for Lokesh as a director. As the Master helmer completes 7 years in the industry, let us know which one has been your favorite!
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s filmography
Maanagaram
Starring an ensemble cast including Sri, Sundeep Kishan, Regina Cassandra, Charle and many more in crucial roles, Maanagaram was a fitting introduction to Lokesh as a director. The hyperlink film was received really well by fans and critics alike, and was even remade in Hindi last year, titled Mumbaikar.
Kaithi
Kaithi was a one of a kind neo-noir crime thriller that has never been seen before. The film featured Karthi, Arjun Das, Napoleon, Narain and more in crucial roles, and revolved around an ex-convict helping policemen fight off the mafia from reaching seized drugs. The film laid the foundation for what eventually became the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
Master
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s first collaboration with Thalapathy Vijay released in 2021, January, when the effects of the pandemic were not fully over. The film also featured Arjun Das, Vijay Sethupathi, Andrea Jeremiah and more in crucial roles, and was one of the first hits post COVID.
Vikram
Arguably Lokesh Kanagaraj’s biggest film till date. The film was initially announced in 2020, and had been one of the most anticipated films since then, featuring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead. But what was delivered was much greater than what was promised, with the ensemble cast also including Kalidas Jayaram, Suriya, Arjun Das, Gayathrie and many more as well. The film was a continuation of Kaithi, and connected back to the cinematic universe. Needless to say, Vikram was a blockbuster hit, with fans eagerly awaiting to see its sequel.
Leo
Perhaps the most anticipated and hyped film of 2023 was Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo, which marked the third installment in the LCU. The film was a remake of the Hollywood film History of Violence, and featured Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Sanjay Dutt, Mathew Thomas, Mysskin and many more in crucial roles. The film, despite its mixed reviews, was received very well at the box office.
So which Lokesh Kanagaraj film has been your favorite so far? Let us know in the poll below:
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s career so far
As mentioned earlier, Lokesh Kanagaraj has been through thick and thin before he reached the position he is in today. Having no connection to the field of films, Lokesh was working with SBI, when he participated in a corporate short film making competition.
From there, it was through his sheer will power and passion for cinema that the filmmaker has made five films so far. In 2023, he also launched his own Production House, titled G Studios, and was seen in a cameo role in the film Singapore Saloon. Furthermore, the filmmaker is currently working on his next with Rajinikanth, tentatively titled Thalaivar171.
