Lokesh Kanagaraj: Kollywood’s New Box Office King

At a time when Tamil cinema's legendary directors like Shankar and Mani Ratnam are struggling to deliver box office successes, Lokesh Kanagaraj has firmly positioned himself as Kollywood’s most reliable crowd-puller.

With a flair for gritty action, strong character arcs, and a now-celebrated interconnected cinematic universe (Kaithi, Vikram, Leo), Lokesh has tapped into the pulse of the masses. His films combine realistic action sequences with emotionally grounded storytelling — a formula that has not only drawn audiences in but also kept his box office record spotless. So far, he has not seen a single flop.

In contrast, Shankar, once celebrated for crafting grand visual spectacles and launching iconic careers, seems to have lost his footing. Known for message-heavy narratives with lavish VFX (think Sivaji, Enthiran), Shankar ruled the 2000s. However, recent big-budget ventures like Indian 2 and Game Changer have struggled to live up to expectations.

Mani Ratnam, another towering figure in Tamil cinema, redefined storytelling in the ’80s and ’90s with his nuanced themes and artistic depth. While his legacy remains untouched, recent works haven’t resonated as strongly with contemporary audiences. His latest film, Thug Life, which released this Friday, has opened to mixed reviews, leaving fans nostalgic for his golden era.

Amidst this creative and commercial lull, fans and industry insiders are looking to Lokesh Kanagaraj to fill the vacuum. With Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie on the horizon — a project generating massive buzz — Lokesh is poised to once again energize the Tamil box office. This, even as director Nelson gears up for Jailer 2, adds more heat to the upcoming cinematic season.

While the pressure is mounting, so are expectations. If Coolie delivers, Lokesh may not just be a crowd favorite — he could become the new face of Tamil cinema's resurgence.