Latest news with #Kaithi
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Coolie budget revealed; Rajinikanth charges Rs 150 crore; Lokesh Kanagaraj earns record fee: report
One of the most anticipated Indian movies of 2025, director Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, starring 'Superstar' Rajinikanth in the lead role, is currently in its post-production stage. The film is gearing up for release on August 14. Expectations for Coolie are already sky high, thanks to its star-studded ensemble that includes Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, as well as rumours that Bollywood icon Aamir Khan will make a cameo appearance. What adds to the hype is that this marks the first time Rajinikanth is entering a cinematic world created by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for helming blockbusters such as Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023). While the movie's team has been careful not to reveal too many details about its plot to the media, with even its recently released teaser offering only vague glimpses, a new report has shed light on just how ambitious Coolie is expected to be. According to Pinkvilla, the movie is being mounted on a massive budget of Rs 350 crore, which includes the remuneration for Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj. While Rajinikanth has charged a whopping Rs 150 crore for the movie, Lokesh has been paid Rs 50 crore, likely a record for a director. The remaining Rs 150 crore has been allocated to production costs and the salaries of other actors and technicians. According to the publication, this figure does not include promotional expenses, for which an additional Rs 25 crore has been earmarked. Although the budget is big, Pinkvilla quoted a source associated with the movie's production as saying that Coolie has already managed to sell several of its rights, easing the pressure to recoup the entire amount through its theatrical run. While its OTT rights have been sold for Rs 130 crore, Coolie, bankrolled by Kalanithi Maran under the banner of Sun Pictures, has earned Rs 90 crore from satellite deal and Rs 20 crore from music rights.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Benz', produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Raghava Lawrence, goes on floors
Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has launched his next production venture Benz. The Tamil movie, starring Raghava Lawrence, went on floors with a formal pooja ceremony. The film marks an addition to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), the action franchise that began with Kaithi (2019) and expanded with Vikram (2022)and Leo (2023). After Karthi, Kamal Haasan and Vijay, Raghava Lawrence has made his entry into the LCU. Benz is directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, who previously helmed Remo (2016) and Sulthan (2021). Lokesh Kanagaraj, who conceived the film's story, will be producing the film under his banner G Squad. The film will be co-produced by Sudhan Sundaram and Jagadish Palanisamy under the banners The Route and Passion Studios respectively. Apart from producing, Lokesh will also present the film which has a post-release streaming deal with Netflix. Notably, last year, Lokesh's production banner G Squad presented Vijay Kumar's Fight Club. ALSO READ:Lokesh Kanagaraj welcomes Raghava Lawrence to LCU with 'Benz' Benz is expected to hit theatres in 2025. Gowtham George is the cinematographer while Philomin Raj is the editor. Anil Arasu will handle stunt choreography. Sai Abhayankar will compose music for the movie.
India Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Lokesh Kanagaraj on why Rajinikanth isn't for Vikram, Kamal Haasan for Coolie
'Coolie' has been a highly anticipated film ever since its announcement. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, 'Coolie' stars Rajinikanth in the lead and is scheduled to release in theatres on August 14, 2025. Lokesh Kanagaraj, one of the most sought-after Indian directors today, spoke about the difference in writing set pieces for Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, with whom he worked in the 2022 blockbuster film 'Vikram'.advertisementWhen asked about his approach to set pieces and how he writes certain sequences with specific actors and films in mind, director Lokesh Kanagaraj said, "Rajini sir shouldn't do 'Vikram', Kamal sir shouldn't do 'Coolie'. All of this includes the set pieces as well. What sort of action scene would be in Rajini sir's film and Kamal sir's film is a mind game, right? You can't change that."Following up, when asked if he had written certain set pieces for Rajinikanth - now featured in 'Coolie'- during a time when the film's future was uncertain, Lokesh agreed and revealed that these scenes were created solely for Rajinikanth. He said, 'What I wrote for him will be good only if he does it. If it has to be changed (for some other actor), then the whole piece will have to be reworked.'advertisementLokesh Kanagaraj's LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe) has grown into one of the biggest cinematic universes in the country. A film series that began with Karthi's 'Kaithi' in 2019 further expanded with Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' in 2022 and Vijay's 'Leo' in 2024. The future line-up includes 'Kaithi 2', 'Vikram 2' and a standalone 'Rolex' film starring Suriya. 'Leo 2' was also part of this line-up, but following Vijay's political entry and the announcement that H Vinoth's 'Jana Nayagan' would be his last film, the future of Leo Das seems uncertain. 'Coolie', however, will not be part of Lokesh's cinematic universe. The Rajinikanth-starrer also features Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan and Reba Monica John, with a special song by Pooja Hegde and a cameo by Aamir Khan. Anirudh Ravichander is composing music for the film, with cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Watch
India Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
I want to make Master 2 with Vijay over Leo 2, says director Lokesh Kanagaraj
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, the mind behind blockbusters like 'Kaithi', 'Vikram', and 'Leo', revealed that his personal preference lies in exploring Thalapathy Vijay's character arc in Master (2021), rather than 'Leo' (2023).In a recent interview with film critic Sudhir Srinivasan, he said, 'Only time can tell, and Vijay Anna has to decide. We can bring him in for a cameo, but I want to do 'Master' with him. Everyone is waiting for 'Leo 2', but I want to do 'Master' with him.'advertisementExplaining it further, Lokesh said, 'I think there's a part of that story which remains untold. It's there in the first one without any conclusion. I just want to do that film. I personally like the vibe of JD very much. 'Leo' is a strong character and people love it, but if you personally ask me, I have a proper idea for 'Master 2' and he also knows it. But it's all about timing - he now has other things he wants to achieve.' With Vijay expected to enter politics after his upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan', it remains to be seen whether either sequel will his roadmap for the LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe), Lokesh said, 'After 'Coolie', I'll start with 'Kaithi 2'. I also have to do 'Vikram 2' with Kamal Sir, but I haven't finished writing it yet. Finally, it has to be 'Leo 2', but we must plan it without keeping Leo Das in mind.'Meanwhile, Lokesh's upcoming film 'Coolie' is set to hit cinemas on August 14. A 100-day countdown promo was released on 6 May. The film features Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, with a special song by Pooja Hegde and a cameo by Aamir Khan. The music is composed by Anirudh Watch
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lokesh Kanagaraj is set to make his debut as a hero in Arun Matheswaran's directorial
After carving a name for himself as a director with massive hits like 'Kaithi,' 'Master,' 'Vikram,' and 'Leo,' Lokesh Kanagaraj is all set to take on a new challenge acting. The acclaimed filmmaker, known for his gripping narratives and stylish direction, is reportedly gearing up to star in an upcoming film directed by Arun Matheswaran, who is best known for his work on 'Captain Miller' with Dhanush. Operation Sindoor Three explosions rock Lahore, flight ops temporarily halted Before & after: Satellite images show damage to terror camps in Pak after Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India is going to ...', says Donald Trump's close ally Laura Loomer in viral post on Twitter While the exact details of the project remain under wraps, this marks an exciting new chapter in Lokesh Kanagaraj's career. Arun Matheswaran's project with Lokesh Kanagaraj could mark director's first lead role Reports from Valai Pechu suggest that this collaboration between Lokesh and Arun Matheswaran is likely to be Lokesh Kanagaraj's debut as a leading actor. Arun Matheswaran, who was initially slated to direct the highly anticipated Ilaiyaraaja biopic, is said to have shifted his focus to this new project. Though no official confirmation has been made by Lokesh Kanagaraj or the makers, the buzz surrounding this venture is growing, and fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement. Lokesh Kanagaraj's onscreen appearances so far by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You (See The Prices) Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Learn More Undo Lokesh Kanagaraj is no stranger to the screen, having made brief appearances in his own films and music videos. His cameo in 'Master' alongside Thalapathy Vijay was a highlight for fans, and he also featured in the music video for 'Inimel,' a song penned by Kamal Haasan . While his acting skills remain largely unexplored, this new film will give fans a chance to see him in a more prominent role. Lokesh Kanagaraj prepares for the release of Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' On the directorial front, Lokesh Kanagaraj is busy preparing for the release of 'Coolie', his action-packed film starring Rajinikanth. The film, which also features Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and a star-studded cast, is set to hit theaters on August 14, 2025. This will be a major clash with 'War 2', starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, adding further excitement to the year's big releases.
