Lokesh Kanagaraj's full-circle moment: Once a bus conductor's son, now directing one
After 'Aviyal', director Lokesh Kanagaraj made his debut as a feature film director with 'Maanagaram' in 2017. The film and its success became his calling card in the industry. The film, which followed a non-linear narrative, gave birth to a fresh visual language in Tamil cinema.Two years later, Lokesh helmed Karthi's 'Kaithi', which took on Thalapathy Vijay's 'Bigil' on Diwali in 2019. Despite 'Bigil's superb run, 'Kaithi' made a mark and how. Its phenomenal success gave birth to the much-anticipated and talked about LCU - Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The film established him as a filmmaker with a distinct voice who can entertain the audience without following the stereotypical elements. 'Kaithi's' success opened doors for him that would have otherwise taken years. He joined hands with Thalapathy Vijay, one of the celebrated stars in Tamil cinema. The two joined hands for 'Master', a standalone project. The big-budget entertainer united Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi in a film that rocked the box office. 'Master' was a film that showcased Vijay as an alcoholic, a morally flawed character.Just a year later, Lokesh Kanagaraj helmed 'Vikram' with Kamal Haasan, the second instalment in the LCU. The film ended up as one of the highest-grossing films and shattered box office records. Each film and its success showcased his evolution, not just in terms of scale, but also with his vision and ability to work with superstars while maintaining his unique voice. THE FULL-CIRCLE MOMENTadvertisementBeing an ardent fan of Kamal Haasan, 'Vikram' was a milestone film. But the film's monumental reach took him one step closer to Rajinikanth. 2024 saw Lokesh join hands with Thalaivar - and his life truly came full circle. Rajinikanth himself worked as a bus conductor in the Bangalore Transport Service before getting his break in cinema. Here was Lokesh, the son of a bus conductor, now directing the most celebrated bus conductor-turned-superstar in Indian cinema history.At the audio launch of 'Coolie', Lokesh had an interesting story to tell - one that he had been holding close to his heart. So he could tell it in front of the fans.One of the posters of 'Coolie' featured Rajinikanth holding a badge with the number 1421. Recalling the story around the badge, Lokesh said that Rajinikanth asked him about the significance of the number and whether it was related to the film. "I told him it was my father's badge number and that he was a bus conductor. Rajinikanth sir asked me, 'Why didn't you tell me that your father was a conductor?'" advertisementContinuing further, he said, "I waited for you to ask me after noticing it, so it would become a memorable moment. 'Coolie' is a tribute to my father."Lokesh Kanagaraj's journey from a bus conductor's son to directing one isn't just a success story - it's a reminder that in one's life, the most compelling narratives often begin in the most modest places. And if we're lucky, we get to walk the paths with the very legends who walked similar paths before.- EndsMust Watch
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