Kaithi to Vikram, must-watch films of Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj

Updated On: 12 August, 2025 07:18 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

The craze and anticipation for Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie is massive with fans lining up to secure tickets for FDFS. While Rajinikanth`s presence is a major factor contributing to this craze, it is also because of filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj and his past hits that is drawing fans to theatres

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Maanagaram (2017)

A hyperlink thriller unfolding over one hectic night in Chennai, Maanagaram intertwines the lives of an engineering graduate, a lovesick youth, a taxi driver, and others. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, it stars Sri, Sundeep Kishan, and Regina Cassandra

<p>The film earned critical acclaim for its gripping screenplay and storytelling. It was made on a modest Rs crore budget and grossed around Rs. 15 crore. The film is  available on Amazon Prime Video </p>

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The film earned critical acclaim for its gripping screenplay and storytelling. It was made on a modest Rs crore budget and grossed around Rs. 15 crore. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video

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Kaithi (2019)

Kaithi is a high-octane action thriller about an ex-convict, Dilli (Karthi), who must help the police thwart a drug cartel on the night he’s supposed to meet his daughter. The film avoids songs and flashbacks, relying purely on intense action and emotional depth

<p>This film effectively launched the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), building momentum for future interlinked stories that have been loved by the audience</p>

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This film effectively launched the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), building momentum for future interlinked stories that have been loved by the audience

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Master (2021)

This action-packed drama stars Vijay as an alcoholic professor appointed to mentor juvenile delinquents, and Vijay Sethupathi as a gangster exploiting them

<p>A major commercial success, it grossed between Rs 220–300 crore, becoming one of the biggest Tamil hits during the pandemic. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video (Tamil) and ZEE5 (Hindi dubbed)</p>

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A major commercial success, it grossed between Rs 220–300 crore, becoming one of the biggest Tamil hits during the pandemic. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video (Tamil) and ZEE5 (Hindi dubbed)

<p><strong>Vikram (2022)</strong><br />Vikram is a gripping action-thriller starring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, and Vijay Sethupathi, centered on a covert mission to take down a drug syndicate</p>

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Vikram (2022)
Vikram is a gripping action-thriller starring Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, and Vijay Sethupathi, centered on a covert mission to take down a drug syndicate

<p>A blockbuster entry in the LCU, it featured a star-making cameo by Suriya and further solidified Lokesh’s franchise vision. The film is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar and ZEE5 across all major languages </p>

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A blockbuster entry in the LCU, it featured a star-making cameo by Suriya and further solidified Lokesh’s franchise vision. The film is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar and ZEE5 across all major languages

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Leo (2023)

Reuniting with Vijay, Leo is a stylish action thriller bridling emotional intensity—drawing comparisons with David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence. The ensemble includes Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun, and the film further deepened the LCU narrative

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It set pre-release records in international markets. The film is available on Netflix in multiple languages

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Coolie (2025)

Next up for Lokesh is the much anticipated film which will mark his first with superstar Rajinikanth. Though highly anticipated, it`s a standalone story and not part of the LCU

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The film that also stars Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra in pivotal roles. It will be released in theatres on August 14

Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach

A photographer holds up the lights during a photo session by the Madh Island seashore. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

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Kaithi to Vikram, must-watch films of Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj

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Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach