In a candid revelation, acclaimed Tamil film director Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally addressed the swirling rumors surrounding his exit from the highly anticipated Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan collaboration. The director, known for hits like Kaithi and Vikram, has stepped forward to dismiss speculation and provide clarity on the project's fate, as well as the delays affecting his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) and the much-awaited Kaithi 2.
The Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan Project: Why Lokesh Kanagaraj Backed Out
Lokesh Kanagaraj confirmed that he was indeed in talks to direct a film starring the two legendary actors, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. This project was particularly significant as it would have marked their first on-screen collaboration in 46 years, generating immense excitement among fans. Kanagaraj worked diligently on the script for one and a half months, crafting an action-packed narrative that initially thrilled both stars.
However, the director revealed that the project hit a roadblock due to creative differences. "I narrated an action script, which they both were quite excited about. But then, both of them had been doing a lot of action films of late, and so, they wanted a light-hearted film. I cannot write that kind of film, and that's why I backed out of that project," Kanagaraj explained in an interview with The Hindu. This decision was purely based on his artistic limitations and not due to any external pressures or the performance of his recent film, Coolie.
Addressing Rumors Post-Coolie's Performance
Following the release of Coolie in 2025, which emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year with worldwide collections of approximately Rs 518 crore, the film received mixed reviews. Despite its commercial success, it was considered an average performer given its massive budget of around Rs 350 crore, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. This led to significant online criticism and speculative reports questioning Kanagaraj's future projects, including the fate of the LCU.
Rumors suggested that Kanagaraj was removed from the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan project after Coolie's underperformance, with directors Sundar C and later Cibi Chakaravarthi taking over the film, tentatively titled Thalaivar 173. However, Kanagaraj has now clarified that his exit was a voluntary decision based on creative alignment, refuting claims of being ousted.
Future Projects: Kaithi 2, LCU, and Allu Arjun Collaboration
Kanagaraj also addressed delays in his other ventures, particularly Kaithi 2 and the expansion of the LCU. He dismissed allegations that the LCU was shutting down or that he had demanded a salary hike for future installments. "LCU isn't GSquad (his production banner) for me to close. In fact, the very name LCU is something the fans gave. So I can't decide to shut it down," he stated.
Regarding Kaithi 2, the director outlined his timeline clearly. He explained that after exiting the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan project, he had requested time from the production banner. During this period, Karthi, the protagonist of Kaithi, signed on for another film with a different director, creating a scheduling gap. "Meanwhile, Mythri Movie Makers had given me an advance a few years ago, and I have always wanted to work with Allu Arjun sir. So that's how AA23 started. But I can confidently say that my film after this will be Kaithi 2," Kanagaraj affirmed.
He emphasized his commitment to the LCU, mentioning upcoming projects like Vikram 2, Rolex, and Benz, which is currently in production and set for release soon. Kanagaraj assured fans that the LCU will be "reopened immediately after the Allu Arjun sir film," dispelling any doubts about its continuity.
Other Commitments and Aamir Khan Project
Kanagaraj also touched upon his discussed project with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, noting that no final decision has been made due to prior commitments. This indicates that while the director has a packed schedule, he remains open to future collaborations, balancing his responsibilities across multiple high-profile films.
In summary, Lokesh Kanagaraj's revelations provide a transparent look into his career decisions, highlighting the importance of creative integrity in filmmaking. His exit from the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan project was a matter of artistic choice, and his dedication to the LCU and Kaithi 2 remains unwavering, with clear plans laid out for the coming years.
