Lokesh Kanagaraj breaks his silence on ‘Coolie,’ says true success lies beyond numbers—hints at his next

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, one of the leading directors in Tamil cinema, the film 'Coolie,' starring Rajinikanth, has garnered considerable attention since its release. The film features Sathyaraj, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Aamir Khan, and Rachita Ram, among others. Actress Pooja Hegde enthralled the audience with her dance performance to the song 'Monica.' Songs composed by Anirudh were the film's major highlights. The film, which was released worldwide on August 14, has been a box office success despite mixed reviews.

‘Coolie’ emerges as a global box office hit

Despite the criticisms leveled at the film, 'Coolie' has now grossed Rs 510 crore worldwide. Of this, official figures show that Rs 280 crore was collected in India alone. Although critics pointed out that the film received an A certificate and the story did not live up to the expectations of the audience, the film has been a huge success at the box office.

Lokesh Kanagaraj insists that honesty in storytelling matters

Speaking at the SSVM Transforming India Conclave 2025 in Coimbatore, Lokesh Kanagaraj shared his vision on filmmaking.

"I never did what I originally intended. For me, box office numbers are not the measure of success. If we create a film as we envisioned and present it honestly to the audience, that is true success. That is when you can consider yourself successful as a director. Box office numbers are a matter for producers.

I came here to tell a story. What matters to me is that I told it the way I intended. But it should be said as honestly as possible," Lokesh Kanagaraj said on the show.

Director stresses true success lies in honesty

Lokesh Kanagaraj hinted at the next film. "I'm currently working hard to finish one universe properly. I don't want to create another universe. I have to finish this one first," he said. He also said with a laugh, "I will make a film that I love and surpass the expectations of the audience; that's what my next film will be like." As reports claim, Lokesh Kanagaraj's next will feature Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in the lead roles; the director's latest statement on a film fulfilling audiences' expectations seems like indirect confirmation of the film. This has further increased the interest among fans in Lokesh Kanagaraj's next film.