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India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Lokesh Kanagaraj's full-circle moment: Once a bus conductor's son, now directing one
Life has a poetic way of surprising you at unexpected times. And for director Lokesh Kanagaraj, both life and career have come full circle, let alone surprise him. Once the son of a bus conductor, he is now gearing up for the release of 'Coolie' starring Superstar Rajinikanth. If you don't see the connection, let us spell it out for journey in life and career went from being a bus conductor's son to directing one - Rajinikanth, who worked as a bus conductor before entering films - in 'Coolie', which will hit theatres on August 14. A man who has directed only five films landed his sixth one with the one and only a director with no formal training to direct the legends of Tamil cinema - Vijay, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj has come a long way. And his career is nothing short of an interesting script itself - the one that inspires you, leaves a smile on your face and makes you hang on to HUMBLE BEGINNINGSLokesh Kanagaraj was just like any one of us - a middle-class man with ambition. Born in Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore, he was the son of a bus conductor. After studying Fashion Technology at PSG College of Arts and Science, Lokesh completed his MBA and worked as a banker. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for working at the bank, he participated in a corporate short film competition and earned the praise from the judges. This motivation further fuelled his dreams of becoming a filmmaker. Lokesh still didn't feel the need of formal training or to work as an assistant director. He believed in Kanagraj went on to direct two short films, 'Acham Thavir' and 'Kalam', before making his debut as a full-fledged director. His short film 'Kalam' was added to Karthik Subbaraj's 'Aviyan', an anthology, which won critical was Lokesh's calling card to break into the film ARRIVAL 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 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 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 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 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
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kalloori Kanavu initiative sees rise in college enrolment among government school students in Coimbatore
Coimbatore Kalloori Kanavu, a career guidance initiative under the Naan Mudhalvan programme of the Tamil Nadu Government, aims to improve higher education enrolment among government school students. The programme provides information on career paths and higher education options, facilitates access to education loans and scholarships, and offers personalised counselling. In Coimbatore district, the camp was conducted in seven phases, with 3,304 select students and their parents participating. As a follow-up, 116 nodal officers from various departments were appointed—one for each government higher secondary school in the district—under the leadership of District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar to visit schools and identify students who had passed Plus Two but had not applied for higher education. Their efforts led to 38 students joining colleges, with tuition fees amounting to ₹4 lakh covered by government officials and sponsors. Among them were two students from Velliangadu village. S. Mallika, a student belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community who scored 526 marks, was admitted to PSG College of Arts and Science, facilitated by the District Collector. 'There were two students who were the first from their village to complete Class 12. Mallika has been admitted to PSG College of Arts and Science and her entire course is free. Devika, the other student, has cleared NEET and is awaiting counselling. We are pushing hard to identify such students and make all efforts to ensure they pursue higher education,' said Mr. Giriyappanavar. According to officials, the enrolment rate among students who passed Class XII in Coimbatore district rose from 83% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. This year, the process is ongoing and has reached 98%, so far. Of the 10,301 students who cleared the exam, 121 are yet to apply for any course. An additional 636 students are taking supplementary exams, after which their progress will also be monitored.
