Lokesh Tamil Movie News

Blockbuster filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga hit the bullseye with his action drama film, Animal (2023), starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Bobby Deol, which minted more than 800 crores at the box office. Having made his filmmaking debut in Telugu with Arjun Reddy (2017), the hit director later remade the film in Hindi under the title Kabir Singh (2019) before scaling new heights with Animal last year. In the meantime, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who will soon begin filming his upcoming film, Spirit, with Telugu superstar Prabhas, sat down for a candid conversation with National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus, to talk about his filmmaking journey, while also sharing his love for Tamil cinema. 

Sandeep Reddy Vanga, during the interview, went on to reveal that there were many recent Tamil films that grabbed his attention starting with Dhanush's Vada Chennai (2018) and Karnan (2021). He also expressed his adoration for director Gautham Menon's films, including Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010). Sandeep further stated that he loved 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's Vikram (2022) before revealing a surprise detail about filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj's next film, the tentatively titled Thalaivar 171, starring 'Superstar' Rajinikanth. 

Speaking about Thalaivar 171, Sandeep Reddy Vanga went on to reveal that he has already watched the teaser of the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. He said, "I saw the teaser. Rajini sir's teaser. Lokesh is doing it. That one I want to watch." This latest Thalaivar 171 update from Sandeep Reddy Vanga is also the first big confirmation about the film's teaser that is gearing up for its release on April 22 and will no doubt come as a surprise news for fans, who were treated to a special poster featuring Rajinikanth last month. Thalaivar 171 marks the first time Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj are collaborating and all sights are set on the duo to come out with a cracker of an entertainer, which will also include songs and a background score by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander. 

Watch Sandeep Reddy Vanga in conversation with Baradwaj Rangan in the video below: 

'Superstar' Rajinikanth's next big film, the tentatively titled Thalaivar 171, will have its title teaser released on April 22, blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has announced. The big announcement was made by the hit director on Thursday evening, March 28, who also went on to unveil the upcoming film's first look poster on X (formerly Twitter). The Thalaivar 171 first look poster in black and white showcases Rajinikanth sporting sunglasses and wearing a denim shirt, while his hands are handcuffed with gold watches and the film's title teaser release date announcement revealed at the bottom. We also see the actor standing amidst the backdrop of parts and gears of a watch / clock and the tentative title with 'Thalaivar' written in gold color and '171' shown in a red blood marking shown above him at the top of the poster. 

#Thalaivar171TitleReveal on April 22 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ekXFdnjNhD

— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) March 28, 2024

This latest Thalaivar 171 update has been long-awaited and has no doubt come as a special surprise for Rajinikanth's fans everywhere, who have been looking forward to a word on the film ever since it was announced last year. Although not much is known at this point, Lokesh Kanagaraj had informed during the promotions of the box-office money-spinner Leo (2023) starring 'Thalapathy' Vijay that the Rajinikanth-starrer is a standalone venture and will not be set in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) franchise, which also includes Karthi's Kaithi (2019) and 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's Vikram (2022). 

There has been huge excitement surrounding Thalaivar 171 right from the get-go as it marks the first time collaboration for Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj, and there are huge expectations for the duo to come out with a cracker of an entertainer in cinemas. The highly-anticipated film also marks the fifth time 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander will be composing the songs and the background score for a Rajinikanth-starrer after Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), Jailer (2023), and the upcoming Vettaiyan, which is gearing up for a grand worldwide theatrical release later this year. Thalaivar 171 will also include action by the National Award-winning stunt choreographer duo Anbariv, who previously worked with Lokesh Kanagaraj in films Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, and fans will be looking for them to come up with intense and electrifying sequences with Rajinikanth at the front. 

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan, blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, and leading actress Shruti Haasan have teamed up for an independent song titled 'Inimel', which has now been released in the form of a music video. There has been quite a lot of buzz surrounding the track ever since it was announced that the trio are collaborating, with a teaser released recently also getting a good response from fans. With expectations shooting up after the release of the promos, the much awaited 'Inimel' music video is now out and gives an extended glimpse of Lokesh Kanagaraj and Shruti Haasan romancing each other. 

'Inimel' has been composed by Shruti Haasan and 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan has contributed with the lyrics, while Lokesh Kanagaraj is shown to be the actor. The lyric video shows Shruti Haasan and Lokesh Kanagaraj going out on a movie date for the first time where they witnss a version of themselves on the big screen. The visuals in the 'Inimel' music video show romance blossom between the duo and the various stages of love, including the trials and tribulations that young couples face in their relationships, with Kamal Haasan also making a cameo in the vocals department by singing a few lines towards the end of the song. 

Shruti Haasan has once again proven she's got the talent for composing and conceptualizing good music and 'Inimel' will no doubt hit the right chord, especially among the youngsters. The inclusion of Lokesh Kanagaraj is no doubt a major USP, while Kamal Haasan's lyrics are thought-provoking. The song's music video has been directed by Dwarkesh Prabakar, while the technical team includes Bhuvan Gowda as the director of photography (DoP), followed by editor Philomin Raj, production designer Sriram Iyengar, art director Sowndar Nallasamy, costume designer Pallavi Singh, music producer Yanchan, and publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa. 

Watch the 'Inimel' song music video below: 

A glimpse of the much awaited 'Inimel' song music video was released on Thursday evening, March 21, amidst high expectations giving viewers a sneak peak at blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj as an actor. The anticipation for the track composed by leading Tamil actress Shruti Haasan featuring lyrics penned by 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan is quite high, with the full music video announced to be getting unveiled on March 25. The 'Inimel' song glimpse has been receiving a strong response on social media, with actress Gayathrie Shankar, who appeared in a key role in Lokesh Kanagaraj's smash hit Vikram (2022), also sharing her feedback by teasing the hit Tamil director. 

With the 'Inimel' song showing Lokesh Kanagaraj and Shruti Haasan being intimate as a young couple in love, Gayathrie reposted the music video's glimpse on X (formerly Twitter) and queried the director how it was fair for him to have her character decapitated in Vikram. The response to the Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) actress' latest statement has been getting a huge reaction on social media as many have been doing their bit by posting memes. Tamil cinema fans will know that Vikram featured Gayathrie as Fahadh Faasil's (Amar) wife, who gets decapitated by Vijay Sethupathi (Sandhanam), with the scene being quite talked about at the time of the film's release. 

Unga padathula romance panna thalayai vettittu.. what is this ma @Dir_Lokesh !? 💀💀 https://t.co/3VZOH4SEnk

— Gayathrie (@SGayathrie) March 21, 2024

Vikram starred Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Suriya, Gayathrie Shankar, among others, and turned out to be a raging box office money-spinner becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema history and skyrocketed Lokesh Kanagaraj's popularity to unprecedented heights. Gayathrie, who shot to fame after Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, has since played the female lead in Tamil films Puriyadha Pudhir (2017), Super Deluxe (2019), and Maamanithan (2022) to name a notable few. With the 'Inimel' song sneak peek now out and trending on all social platforms, the wait is on for the full music video releasing next week, and the expectations are high among fans to witness Lokesh Kanagaraj romancing Shruti Haasan. 

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan, blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, and leading actress Shruti Haasan are collaborating for a song music video titled 'Inimel', which is gearing up for its grand release soon. With a lot of buzz surrounding the song, a special glimpse has now been unveiled giving viewers a sneak peek at the trio together for the first time where each of their roles have been reversed. In the 'Inimel' song behind-the-scenes video, we see roles getting reversed as Kamal Haasan is introduced as the lyricist of the song, while Lokesh Kanagaraj is shown to be the actor and Shruti Haasan is revealed as the composer. 

Although no release date has been announced yet, this latest short BTS glimpse of 'Inimel' shows Kamal Haasan, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Shruti Haasan at their comfort zone, and fans too will be looking forward to the song's release in the days ahead. Posting the video on X, the team wrote in their caption, "#Inimel Role Reverse is the New Verse" (sic). 'Inimel' was announced to be the title of the song on Lokesh Kanagaraj's birthday last week and this latest making video now once again hints that the track will most likely be coming out soon. 

There's been quite a lot of excitement surrounding the 'Inimel' song music video as it will showcase Lokesh Kanagaraj as an actor after he previously made cameo appearances in his directorial Master (2021), which had 'Thalapathy' Vijay in the lead role and the recently-released RJ Balaji-starrer Singapore Saloon. Kamal Haasan has also on several occasions over the years written lyrics for songs in his ventures and it will be interesting to see what he's cooked up on this occasion. Likewise, 'Inimel' has been composed by Shruti Haasan, who earlier contributed on the musical front in the Tamil film Unnaipol Oruvan (2009), and there will be quite a lot of expectations for her to high note once again. Watch the 'Inimel' song glimpse video below: 

#Inimel Role Reverse is the New Verse#Ulaganayagan #KamalHaasan #InimelIdhuvey@ikamalhaasan #Mahendran @Dir_Lokesh @shrutihaasan @RKFI @turmericmediaTM @IamDwarkesh @bhuvangowda84 @philoedit #SriramIyengar @yanchanmusic @SowndarNallasa1 @gopiprasannaa @Pallavi_offl… pic.twitter.com/KHFbEVv0az

— Raaj Kamal Films International (@RKFI) March 19, 2024

Actor Vijay announced the launch of his political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, on Friday, February 2. Addressed fondly as 'Thalapathy' by his fans everywhere, the Tamil superstar also informed that his party will make its electoral debut in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, while also revealing that he will complete all his duties on his upcoming film before entering the political arena in a full-fledged manner. Ever since Vijay's announcement, there has been a big buzz on social media in regard to his future in cinema after his ongoing film, The Greatest of All Time, which will see him in dual roles as father and son under Venkat Prabhu's direction. 

Since the blockbuster success of Leo (2023), a lot has been debated on whether Vijay and filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj will reunite once again since the film ended with being established to be a part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The wheels of the LCU, as known already, was set in motion in Karthi's Kaithi (2019), whose character was then referenced in 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's Vikram (2022). Although Kamal Haasan didn't appear in physical form in Leo, his telephonic conversation with Vijay in the final moments of the film did spike the interest of Tamil cinema fans with the hopes of witnessing them all together on the same screen. Addressing the possibilities of Leo 2, Lokesh Kanagaraj said at the Leo success meet last year that it all depends on Vijay giving his nod to appearing in the sequel and it now remains to be be seen if that will become a reality.  

With the big debate about Thalapathy 69 being Leo 2 doing the rounds on social media, there is also a buzz that Vijay could team up with other leading names in Tamil cinema among whom include a few filmmakers he has worked with before and others with whom he hasn't yet collaborated. Below is the list of 6 leading directors whom Tamil cinema fans want to see Vijay join hands with for Thalapathy 69: 

ATLEE

A combo that has struck gold at the box office each time they have come together, Vijay and Atlee's association has spelled nothing else than magic and a section of fans have been expressing their interest to see their team-up for the fourth time after blockbusters Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019). Considering Atlee has often expressed himself to be a fan of Vijay first, it will seem that he would be the perfect choice to direct the Tamil superstar in his final big-screen performance in Thalapathy 69. 

NELSON DILIPKUMAR

Although their first-time collaboration in Beast (2022) ended up receiving a mixed reaction from audiences, Vijay and Nelson Dilipkumar's combo delivered the results at the box office. Nelson, who came out with a thumping box office success with Jailer (2023) starring 'Superstar' Rajinikanth, is also a fan favorite to direct Thalapathy 69, and it now needs to be seen what Vijay's plans are next. 

SHANKAR

A towering giant in Tamil cinema, filmmaker Shankar, who has directed some of the biggest record-breaking box office hits, continues to lead the way in the film fraternity even today. Having previously worked with Vijay in Nanban (2012), it will seem like a dream reunion project for Shankar with the leading Tamil star, and time will tell whether this partnership will indeed happen again. 

VETRI MAARAN

A blockbuster collaboration that has been long-awaited by Tamil audiences and it now needs to be seen whether Vijay and National Award-winning director Vetri Maaran will work together. Considering Vetri Maaran revealed a few years back that such a team-up will indeed happen, it is now a waiting game for fans of the filmmaker and 'Thalapathy' Vijay. 

KARTHIK SUBBARAJ

Having directed box officer money-spinners like Petta (2019) and more recently, Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023), there has been a big talk about filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj associating with Vijay for a film for the first time. There have been rumblings on social media about the possibility of such a team up and it will no doubt turn out to be an exciting combo if such a partnership gets set on the paper. 

H. VINOTH

There has also been a lot of chatter on social media about a collaboration between director H. Vinoth and Vijay for quite some time now. Considering he has experience working with a superstar like Ajith Kumar in films Nerkonda Paarvai (2019), Valimai (2022), and Thunivu (2023), and delivering back-to-back commercial successes on each occasion, it will seem the right choice for Vijay to consider joining hands with H. Vinoth. It would also be a bold and interesting move for Vijay to contemplate and go with H. Vinoth for the much-talked-about Thalapathy 69 since they haven't worked before. 

All said and done, Vijay's fans everywhere will now have to wait and watch what the superstar is planning for his swan-song role in Thalapathy 69. 

RJ Balaji's 2024 has kicked off on a bright note with his latest film, Singapore Saloon, turning out to be big success at the box office. Directed by Gokul of Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) fame, the family entertainer also stars veteran actors Sathyaraj, Lal, and 'Thalaivasal' Vijay alongside Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ann Sheetal, Kishen Das, John Vijay, Chinni Jayanth and Robo Shankar, among others in key roles, with blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj and actor Jiiva making cameo appearances. With Singapore Saloon already a winner commercially, the makers on Thursday evening, February 1, dropped a surprise behind-the-scenes (BTS) making video giving viewers a glimpse into the fun and frolic on the sets, with RJ Balaji once again providing the big laughs for the cast and the crew. 

Among the major highlights in the Singapore Saloon BTS video are the portions shot featuring Lokesh Kanagaraj and RJ Balaji seen filming a sequence where he has to give the hit Tamil film director a haircut. We also see the duo and the rest of the cast posing for a selfie, while some other visuals show the team, including kids, having an absolute blast on the sets. This latest Singapore Saloon BTS videos also gives a look at Gokul leading the way and coordinating with RJ Balaji, Sathyaraj, Lal, Kishen Das, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ann Sheetal, and the rest of the cast members during filming, and the triumph of the film at the box office has once again spoken volumes about the Kaashmora director. 

A special success meet for Singapore Saloon was also held in Chennai yesterday, which saw RJ Balaji, Gokul along with the cast and crew members participate and join in on the celebrations. The event also saw the film's producer Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh gift a gold chain to Gokul, while also revealing their plans to collaborate for a new project next. Watch the Singapore Saloon behind-the-scenes making video below: 

Here is the Behind the scene video of @RJ_Balaji's #SingaporeSaloon which is running successfully in theatres !!

Dir by @DirectorGokul, Prod by @VelsFilmIntl @IshariKGanesh

Music By @iamviveksiva @MervinJSolomon @javeddriaz
TN release by @RedGiantMovies_ @MShenbagamoort3… pic.twitter.com/jryMGEjVJM

— Vels Film International (@VelsFilmIntl) February 1, 2024

The wait has ended as the much-awaited Singapore Saloon trailer is now out and looks to be an entertaining affair. Directed by Gokul of Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) fame, the upcoming film releasing in theatres on January 25 also stars Sathyaraj, Lal, 'Thalaivasal' Vijay, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ann Sheetal, Kishen Das, John Vijay, Chinni Jayanth and Robo Shankar, among others in key roles, while blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj and Jiiva will be seen making cameo appearances as has been revealed in the trailer out now. 

The Singapore Saloon trailer starts off showing a young RJ Balaji idolizing his uncle, a barber in their village, who is played by veteran Malayalam actor Lal. We then see RJ Balaji grown up and rejecting his campus placement offer after completing his graduation as an engineer in the hopes of becoming a hairstylist and starting his own saloon called Singapore Saloon. We witness RJ Balaji's journey to becoming a hairstylist while falling in love with Ann Sheetal, who rejects his proposal for marriage, after which he befriends Meenakshi Chaudhary. 

Singapore Saloon also has to its strength its additional cast that includes Sathyaraj, who once again is expected to deliver the laughs, while actors 'Thalaivasal' Vijay, Robo Shankar, and Kishen Das as RJ Balaji's friend will add to the fun and drama. The crux of the plot as hinted in the trailer revolves primarily around how success is never an option, but a definite must for RJ Balaji and also surprises viewers with cameos by Lokesh Kanagaraj and Jiiva. There is quite a lot of buzz surrounding Singapore Saloon and the visuals in the trailer shows that audiences are in for a solid entertainer in theatres when the film opens worldwide next week. 

Watch RJ Balaji's Singapore Saloon trailer below: 

RJ Balaji is all set to be seen once again on the big screens in the much-awaited Singapore Saloon releasing in cinemas on January 25. Directed by Gokul of Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) fame, the upcoming film also stars Sathyaraj, Lal, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ann Sheetal, Kishen Das, John Vijay, and Robo Shankar in key roles, while blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj will be seen making a cameo appearance. 

Speaking about the decision to cast Lokesh Kanagaraj in Singapore Saloon, RJ Balaji in an exclusive interview with Galatta said, "The reason for bringing him onboard the film has more to do with who would come if I called. Friendship to me is not because we work together. Actually, I don't want friendship with the people I work with. I want a working relationship with the people I work with." He added, "After watching Maanagaram, I met him for the first time and Uriyadi Vijay Kumar joined us for dinner. Since that day, we've often met outside and he too calls me up at random times." 

Explaining how Lokesh Kanagaraj came onboard Singapore Saloon, RJ Balaji said, "When I asked him to come for the shooting for a couple of days, he said no. But, Lokesh knew director Gokul quite well and a year back he sent me a story. It was director Gokul's story and he (Lokesh Kanagaraj) was supposed to produce it. But, after the narration, I told him that the story wasn't suitable for me." He further stated, "Later, when Singapore Saloon came my way, even though Lokesh was hesitant in the beginning about acting, he eventually agreed because he knew director Gokul and also because I'm his friend. We told him that he was needed during the shooting for only a couple of hours, but he had to come twice or thrice to the sets." 

Informing that it won't be something Lokesh Kanagaraj would do regularly, RJ Balaji stated that the Leo director acted in Singapore Saloon as a mark of respect towards their friendship adding that he doubts whether he would do the same for anyone ever again. He said, "I met him recently during a function and he asked me whether his portions were still in the film. I told him that they are still there. In response, he asked me, 'You didn't remove them?' So, he doesn't have an interest in acting." 

Watch RJ Balaji talk about Lokesh Kanagaraj in the video below: 

Blockbuster filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has announced taking a break from social media to direct his complete attention toward the pre-production work of his next project, Thalaivar 171, starring 'Superstar' Rajinikanth and featuring 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander for the music. The hit Tamil director made the big announcement on X on Saturday, December 16, stating that he won't be available on social media and his mobile phone while extending his gratitude to the fans for their heartwarming response to the action thriller film, Fight Club, his debut presentation. Sharing a note, Lokesh Kanagaraj also requested fans to take care of themselves, while urging them to stay positive at all times and ignore all forms of negativity. 

Lokesh Kanagaraj's note is as follows: 

"Greetings, 

Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks to all of you for the love and support you have given for 'Fight Club' which was the maiden presentation under my banner G Squad, and I will always be grateful for it. 

I am writing to announce that I will be taking a break from all social media platforms and my mobile to solely focus on my next project. During this time, I will not be reachable. 

I would like to again thank the audience for all the love and support you have showered upon me since my debut. 

Until then, take care, all of you. Stay Positive and Ignore Negativity! 

Much Love, Lokesh Kanagaraj".

🤗❤️ pic.twitter.com/0EL6PAlbdQ

— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) December 16, 2023

This is the third time Lokesh Kanagaraj will be taking a break from social media after he first took a short sabbatical before the release of Vikram (2022) starring 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, among others. He also took a break before he began production on 'Thalapathy' Vijay's Leo, which has turned out to be a massive box office success. Lokesh Kanagaraj's latest statement will no doubt come as disappointing news to some, but a large section of fans will be looking forward to seeing him make a big return with Thalaivar 171 updates soon. Apart from his film with Rajinikanth, the Leo director will continue working on the films in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which includes the highly-anticipated Kaithi 2 with Karthi, a standalone project centered around the character Rolex played by Suriya in Vikram, and Vikram 2 with Kamal Haasan once again. Whether Lokesh Kanagaraj will make Leo 2 is unknown at this point and it now remains to be seen when Vijay will say yes to appearing in a sequel as stated by the director himself at the Leo success meet back in November.