Lokesh Kanagaraj is a distinguished Indian director celebrated for his contributions to Tamil cinema. He first made waves with his acclaimed short film in 2016. His inaugural feature film, “Maanagaram,” premiered in 2017. Lokesh introduced the Lokesh Cinematic Universe through movies like “Kaithi” in 2019 and “Vikram” in 2022. “Leo,” set to release soon, marks his second venture with Vijay, following the hit “Master” in 2021.
Name | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
Age | 37 |
Date of Birth | March 14, 1986 |
Occupation | Film Director, Screenwriter |
Marriage | 8th January, 2012 |
Wife | Aishwarya Lokesh |
Education | Filmmaking |
Children | Adhvika Lokesh (Son),
Aarudhra Lokesh (Daughter) |
Siblings | Aravind Gnanasambandam
Prashanth Gnanasambandam Ashwin Venkatesh |
Height | 5′ 8″ |
Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Religion | Hindu |
Hometown | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
Weight | 70kgs |
Biography
Born on 14th March 1986, Lokesh Kanagaraj hails from the scenic town of Kinathukadavu in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Coimbatore is one of the rowdy places in Tamilnadu. But mostly people around Coimbatore are friendly as well.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s early life was greatly influenced by his parents, Parameshwaran Kanagaraj and Sunitha Kanagaraj. He embarked on his academic path at PSG College of Arts and Science, initially delving into Fashion Technology as his major.
Yet, life had other designs for Lokesh. He transitioned to an MBA program, and it was during his time at Palanayiammal Matric Hr. Sec. School in Kalliyapuram, Pollachi, that his love for film began to blossom.
Early Career
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s transition from the corporate world to the realm of filmmaking was marked by determination and a thirst for creative expression. Despite finding stability in the banking sector, Lokesh harbored a deep-seated passion for storytelling and visual artistry. This passion found an outlet when he decided to participate in a corporate short film contest, viewing it as an opportunity to explore his latent talent outside the confines of his nine-to-five job.
The contest not only served as a platform for Lokesh to showcase his skills but also became the catalyst for his journey into the world of cinema. Karthik Subbaraj, an acclaimed filmmaker and the judge of the competition, recognized Lokesh’s exceptional talent and unique perspective on storytelling. Impressed by the depth and creativity of Lokesh’s submission, Karthik saw in him the potential to make a significant impact in the film industry.
Professional Career
Lokesh Kanagaraj initiated his directorial journey with the short film “Kaalam.” This piece was later featured in the anthology film “Aviyal,” produced by Karthik Subbaraj.
Subsequently, Lokesh Kanagaraj was presented with the chance to direct the movie “Maanagaram,” which starred Sundeep Kishan as the lead and was released in 2017.
“Maanagaram” garnered significant acclaim and attention upon its release. Lokesh assumed lead responsibility for “Kaithi,” highlighted by Karthi’s central role and released in 2019. Despite challenging Vijay’s “Bigil” at the box office, “Kaithi” generated approximately 100 crore, achieving its standing as one of the year’s big successes.
Lokesh was given the opportunity to helm “Master,” which featured both Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi as lead actors. Critics and Tamil moviegoers alike praised the picture, which earned around 250 crores.
Lokesh’s latest motion picture, “Vikram,” arriving in cinemas on April 3rd, 2022, boasted Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil in leading roles. The movie has proved itself to be an outstanding success, raking in a whopping three hundred crore rupees so far.
The cult-classic movie “Vikram” garnered an enthusiastic fanbase, and its director, Lokesh, hailed unprecedentedly more praise than the performers for the film’s success, an anomaly in the Kollywood domain.
Net Worth and Assets
Lokesh Kanagaraj is held in high esteem as a director in the Tamil film industry. Reports indicate he was paid a whopping ₹10 crores for taking on the role for the up and coming movie “Thalaivar 171,” which is the most generous money ever rewarded to a debuting actor in Indian cinema.
Apart from directing, Lokesh Kanagaraj has made a mark as a proficient screenwriter, fetching ₹2 crores for his scripts. Given his standing in the industry, he is an ideal pick for product endorsement deals, each of which is reported to garner him an income of ₹1 crore.
Lokesh Kanagaraj is not just a filmmaker but an entrepreneur as well. He runs a production house named “Lokesh Kanagaraj Productions” and is the visionary behind the “Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).”
Having achieved considerable success, Lokesh Kanagaraj has accumulated substantial wealth. His portfolio boasts a variety of assets, ranging from cars and properties to diverse investments.
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Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming film “Leo” (2023) is already creating a buzz. This project will be his second time teaming up with actor Vijay, after their successful stint with “Master.” What’s particularly intriguing about “Leo” is its English-dubbed version, set for theatrical release, ensuring that a wider audience can experience Lokesh’s cinematic vision.
Lokesh Kanagaraj is not just stopping at “Leo.” He’s declared his next venture will be directing the iconic Rajinikanth in what’s labeled as “Thalaivar 171,” with Sun Pictures producing and musical compositions by Anirudh Ravichander.
However, in a move that caught many by surprise, Lokesh disclosed plans to step away from direction after completing just 10 films. Such a decision speaks volumes about a director who, in a brief time frame, has etched a lasting imprint on Tamil cinema. His knack for weaving compelling narratives combined with a novel cinematic perspective has enthralled countless viewers.
With his evolving influence on cinema, there’s no doubt Lokesh Kanagaraj’s impact will be felt and celebrated for generations. He is very active on Instagram. You can follow him.