Latest news with #LokeshKanagaraj
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anushka Shetty joins LCU to take a bold role in 'Kaithi 2'; Lokesh Kanagaraj expands cinematic universe
Lokesh Kanagaraja has actually transformed the Tamil film landscape with his ambitious Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), a concept inspired by Hollywood's popular universe. All this started with 'Kaithi,' which prepared the basis for stories related to each other. The success of Kamal Haasan starrer 'Vikram' again strengthened this structure, which brought large-to-life characters and expanded the fanbase. With Vijay starrer 'Leo,' the universe grew even greater and established LCU as a powerhouse franchise in Indian cinema. Bakkiyaraj Kannan's 'Benz' brings fresh direction to the LCU. Breaking new ground, the latest addition to the LCU is 'Benz,' which is directed by Bakkiaraj Kannan. This is the first time a director other than Lokesh Kanagaraj is directing a film part of the universe. The film features Raghav Lawrence in the lead and Nivin Pauly as an antagonist. 'Benz' is taking shape as an intensive action drama composed by Sai Abhankar; the shooting of the film is currently progressing firmly. 'Kaithi 2' gears up for a grand scale. After 'Benz,' fans are getting ready for 'Kaithi 2,' which is expected to hit the floor by the end of this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Lokesh Kanagaraj has already started working on the script and planning to take the sequel to a large level. According to Asianet, Anushka Shetty will be playing the important role of a fierce lady don in the much-awaited sequel, and she will be Karthi's wife, who was not shown in the first installment. Anushka Shetty's character is expected to make a strong impact. The addition of Anushka Shetty is already making waves, and her character is anticipated to leave a strong impression similar to Suriya's Rolex in 'Vikram.' Known for her powerful screen appearance, Anushka Shetty's inclusion increases the star value of the film. Meanwhile, fans will remember her first collaboration with Karthi in 'Alex Pandian,' an additional layer and enthusiasm to this highly appreciated sequel.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Chikitu' from ‘Coolie' offers a different vibe, sparks mixed reviews
The much-anticipated collaboration between Superstar Rajinikanth, composer Anirudh Ravichander, and director Lokesh Kanagaraj for Coolie has taken a surprising musical turn with the release of the film's first single, Chikitu. Known for their electrifying combination—seen in past hits like the Jailer theme and Hukum—expectations were sky-high for an adrenaline-pumping mass anthem. However, Chikitu offers a very different mood. Unlike the thumping beats and high-octane energy fans usually expect from the Rajini-Anirudh duo, Chikitu is a relatively laid-back track with a distinct, situational vibe. While it carries musical appeal and is sonically rich, it's not the kind of song that instantly lights up dance floors or becomes a massive party staple. The song's teaser, featuring vocals by veteran TR Rajender, had earlier hinted at a pulsating number. Interestingly, his unique voice still anchors the track, particularly in its opening, which many consider the song's highlight. But as it progresses, the track shifts gears into a slower rhythm—an unexpected move that has left fans both curious and divided. While some listeners may grow fond of Chikitu after a few repeats, others feel it lacks the instant impact needed to significantly boost pre-release buzz for Coolie, especially with its theatrical release set for August 14th. This departure from the typical Rajini-Anirudh formula has sparked mixed reactions online. With Coolie being one of the most awaited films of the year, the pressure is now on the team to deliver a chartbuster that matches the hype surrounding Rajinikanth's massive return under Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction.
Pink Villa
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Coolie 1st song Chikitu: Rajinikanth starrer gets a vibe track as OG beatboxer T Rajhendherr croons with Anirudh Ravichander
Rajinikanth starrer Coolie is slated to release on August 14, 2025. The makers of the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial have unveiled the first single from the movie titled Chikitu. The vibing track in a complete Tamil street-style features Anirudh Ravichander crooning it with OG beatboxer and Simbu's father, T Rajhendherr, providing the beats. Get your on Chikitu mode with first single from Rajinikanth's Coolie
Pink Villa
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Coolie: Telugu theatrical rights of Rajinikanth's action thriller acquired by Game Changer producer worth crores
Rajinikanth is eyeing a massive release with his next film, Coolie. The 70-year-old Tamil superstar will be pulling off an action-centric role in the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial which is slated for a release on August 14. Ahead of the same, the makers have seemingly locked a massive theatrical rights deal in the Telugu-speaking states. Coolie's Telugu theatrical rights worth Rs. 45 crore As per an India Glitz report, Coolie has garnered considerable buzz not just in Tamil Nadu but also in some of the major Telugu-speaking states as well. Amid formidable excitement surrounding the Rajinikanth starrer, the makers have now locked a substantial theatrical rights deal in these states too. The Telugu theatrical rights of the film have been acquired for a whopping Rs. 45 crore by Asian Suniel Narang, Suresh Babu and producer Dil Raju. While the deal is still yet to be formalized, it is likely to become one of the most expensive agreements locked on by any Tamil film in a Telugu state. What is Coolie's title in its Hindi version? Well, Coolie will be having its theatrical release in multiple languages besides its original version in Tamil. It also includes a Hindi release for the audiences, especially in Northern India. A recent post by Red FM India unveiled the Hindi title poster of Coolie, which is renamed as Majadoor. However, an official confirmation on the same is still awaited from the makers. Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj's salary, budget and other details of Coolie As per an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, Coolie is said to have been made on a massive budget of Rs. 350 crores, which also includes the individual fees of Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth himself. A source stated that while Rajinikanth is receiving an upfront pay cheque of Rs. 150 crore, it is one of the highest of all time for an actor. Lokesh, on the other hand, has bagged fees of Rs. 50 crore, which is again a record achievement for a filmmaker. For the unversed, upon its release, Coolie will be clashing with another massive film, War 2, at the box office, which is also releasing on the same day.
Khaleej Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Rajnikanth's ‘Coolie' undergoes name change for release in Hindi
Superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming movie Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, will release under a different title in Hindi, Majadoor (or worker). The movie's makers announced the name change as the title Coolie has been used by many Hindi films — be it Amitabh Bachchan's 1983 cult classic of the same name, Govinda's comic caper Coolie no. 1 (1995), which was also the title of Varun Dhawan's remake 25 years later. Some fans questioned the need for the change, claiming that it might not sit well, with others suggesting copyright issues may have come up. Rajinikanth's Coolie, produced by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures, features a raft of leading actors, including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Sathyaraj, Shoubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan. Kanagaraj, the director, has helmed many blockbusters in his relatively short career. Be it the Vijay, Trisha Krishnan and Sanjay Dutt action thriller Leo, which posted a record opening in 2023, or the critically acclaimed Vikram (2022), which starred Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi, Kanagaraj has become synonymous with big productions, a melange of leading actors and box office gold. Time to #GetChikitufied ð��� #Chikitu - Hindi Music Video drops on June 25th at 6 PM ð��°ð��¼ð��¶ #Majadoor (Coolie) releasing worldwide August 14th @rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj #SoubinShahir @shrutihaasan @anbariv @girishganges â�¦ — RedFMIndia (@RedFMIndia) June 23, 2025 Many of his movies, which focus on how narcotics smugglers meet their end with the law, have been dubbed the LCU, or Lokesh Cinematic Universe — inspired by the Marvel and DC Comics cinematic universes of Hollywood. Kanagaraj's other productions include Kaithi (2019), remade in Hindi as Bholaa and Master (2021). Nagarjuna, in a recent interview to The Hollywood Reporter India, clarified that he will be playing the antagonist in Coolie. In the interview, he remarked that playing an evil person felt 'liberating', and that 'there was no pressure in how I acted'. Nagarjuna won laurels for his nuanced role in the recently released socio-crime drama Kuberaa, also starring Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna. Rajinikanth, meanwhile, is fresh off the success of Vettaiyan, the crime drama that pitted him against Rana Daggubati and featured Bachchan in a key role. Anirudh Ravichander, who had to recently ask people on social media to stop spreading rumours about his wedding with Maran's daughter Kavya, is the music composer for Coolie. The movie releases on August 14.
