Lokesh Kanagaraj and Arun Matheswaran.
Credit: Special Arrangement
One of the most ‘in-demand’ directors, Lokesh Kanagaraj, is making his hero entry in Kollywood with Captain Miller director Arun Matheswaran. Their much-anticipated project went on floors on October 23 in Chennai with a movie pooja followed by filming. The Coolie director is making his acting debut with this action spectacle under Rocky director Arun Matheswaran's direction.
Touted to be an intense action-thriller, the project is backed by Sun Pictures. From getting martial arts training to losing significant weight, Lokesh reportedly went through an extreme makeover for this project. He even adopted a striking, long-bearded, and rugged physical appearance for this action entertainer. Actress Rachita Ram is reportedly playing his love interest in the movie.
Although the details about this project are still under wraps, sources within the industry believe this movie will take Lokesh Kanagaraj's career to new heights. “This is seen as a smart move by Lokesh, who is taking a directorial break following the coolie issue. Parallely, his team is developing scripts and reaching out to major Southern superstars. While Kamal Haasan's team reportedly works to convince Rajinikanth for a collaboration, Lokesh is also holding talks with prominent figures in the Telugu film industry, suggesting good news for his fans is imminent,” said an insider.
This project gained momentum and was prioritised after both Arun Matheswaran's planned films and Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial ventures were delayed. The much-awaited Ilaiyaraaja biopic, directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, is currently stalled in pre-production.
Meanwhile, Lokesh has given a taste of his acting talent in the music video Inimel, a collaboration with Shruti Haasan backed by Kamal Haasan's Raajkamal Films International.