Lokesh Kanagaraj, the celebrated director known for his gripping narratives and stylish action sequences in blockbuster hits like 'Kaithi,' 'Master,' 'Vikram,' and 'Leo,' is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in his career: acting. Recent reports indicate that Kanagaraj is preparing to make his debut as a lead actor in an upcoming film directed by Arun Matheswaran, best known for his work on 'Captain Miller' starring Dhanush.
This unexpected move has generated considerable buzz and excitement within the Tamil film industry and among fans. While Lokesh Kanagaraj has previously made brief cameo appearances in his own films and in music videos, this project will mark his first full-fledged role as a protagonist. It signifies a major shift for the director, who is now stepping in front of the camera under another director's guidance.
According to reports, Matheswaran, who was initially slated to direct the Ilaiyaraaja biopic, has shifted his focus to this new project. The reasons for this shift are speculated to be potential delays with the biopic, leading Matheswaran to pursue this collaboration with Kanagaraj as a quicker project.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that Lokesh Kanagaraj is undergoing martial arts training to prepare for the role. Given Matheswaran's penchant for intense action sequences, demonstrated in films like 'Rocky', 'Saani Kaayidham', and 'Captain Miller', it is anticipated that the film will be an action-packed venture, potentially leveraging Kanagaraj's martial arts skills.
The film is set to be produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj himself under the G Squad banner, along with Passion Studios and The Route banners. The launch of the movie has already taken place, and shooting is expected to commence within a week, according to reports from mid-May 2025.
While specific details about the film's plot and Kanagaraj's character are still under wraps, the news of his acting debut has sparked fervent discussions among film enthusiasts. Many are eager to see how he will perform as a lead actor and how he will embody a character under Matheswaran's direction.
The move has also prompted discussions about the evolving landscape of Kollywood, where filmmakers are increasingly exploring diverse roles within the industry. Some industry insiders suggest that this could open up a new avenue for Lokesh Kanagaraj, potentially adding "actor" to his already impressive repertoire as a writer, director, and producer. However, some netizens have expressed that Lokesh Kanagaraj should concentrate only on directing, as he is now one of the biggest directors in Kollywood. They feel that if he enters full-time acting, Tamil cinema will miss a quality director.
Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently busy with the post-production work of 'Coolie', starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, which is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2025. As Lokesh prepares for a high-stakes release and a potential acting debut with Arun Matheswaran, his fans can look forward to a unique filmmaker-led collaboration.
As of today, June 14, 2025, there has been no official confirmation from either Lokesh Kanagaraj or Arun Matheswaran regarding this project. However, the buzz surrounding the venture continues to grow, and fans eagerly await an official announcement.
