Lokesh Kanagaraj, shot to fame quickly as hotshot director with back-to-back sensational blockbusters. His talent was recognised and encouraged by filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj by giving him a chance to direct a segment titled Kalam in his production Aviyal which was released in 2016. Earning the confidence and accolades Lokesh started to make a full length film.
He made his debut as a director with hyperlink genre film titled Maanagaram in Dream Warrior Pictures production. The film became a success and earned critical acclaim. It was also dubbed into Telugu as Mahanagaram. Cinephiles and those who watched it hinted about Lokesh's talent with the first film itself. Then comes his career-turning point film.
Lokesh came up Kaithi starring Karthi in the same Dream Warrior Production House. The film got released in Telugu with the same title. It became a huge blockbuster all-over. Lokesh's narrative style as the film happens in one night and with almost no female characters stuns the audience and industry people alike.
With the success of Khaidi, Lokesh got the opportunity to direct a film with Thalapathy Vijay. He made Master with Vijay as protagonist and Vijay Sethupathi as antagonist. Master was the film big film released post-Lockdown and emerged as highest grossing film of 2021. Then itself Vijay has committed to do another film with Lokesh.
Then comes Vikram, as a fanboy Lokesh delivered an industry hit with his favourite hero Kamal Haasan. He made it as a story which happens after Kaithi linking both the films and hence creating a cinematic universe for the first time in Indian cinema. Along with Kamal Haasan the film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil and Suriya in a guest role.
He made Leo with Vijay which is also a boxoffice success as a part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe connecting Kaithi and Vikram. Though the film didn't reached monstrous expectations, it managed to become a success. Now, Lokesh is busy in crafting #Thalaivar171 with Rajinikanth. This film is not said to be a part of LCU.
CineJosh wishing the young and dynamic director Lokesh Kanagaraj a very Happy Birthday and wish him to score a huge blockbuster with Thalaivar 171.