Lokesh Kanagaraj isn’t just building blockbusters—he’s building a legacy, brick by brick, and he’s taking a moment to thank the people who’ve helped lay that foundation. In a heartfelt social media post, the Coolie director dropped a photo with action choreographers Anbariv and wrote, “This is the perfect stage to mention my pillars… They’ve always wished to see me where I am right now… excited to see you step up as Directors! Love you forever and ever, Masters/Annas.”
It’s not just sentiment—it’s a signal. Anbariv, the action duo behind jaw-dropping stunts in Vikram, Kaithi, and Master, are now stepping into the director’s chair. That’s big news in an industry where stunt masters rarely cross over into directing. Lokesh’s endorsement reads like a passing of the torch—and a celebration of the brotherhood that powers Tamil cinema’s most kinetic action.
In another emotional post, Lokesh gave a major shoutout to his Coolie cinematographer, Girish Gangadharan, writing: “Since our first collaboration, you’ve not only captured my journey through the lens but have also been a part of building it.”
Girish, the National Award-winning DOP behind Jallikkattu, is known for turning chaos into beauty—literally. With Coolie, fans can expect a visual beast that blends gritty realism with superstar polish.
Set to hit screens on August 14, 2025, Coolie marks Rajinikanth’s 171st lead role and comes with a reported ₹150 crore paycheck for Thalaivar himself. With a massive budget and a release date locked around Independence Day, Coolie isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural event. Lokesh, who’s no stranger to mounting epics (Vikram, anyone?), is bringing together long-time collaborators and emotional stakes, promising something explosive both on and off screen.
The behind-the-scenes pics, likely from Chennai’s rugged port town sets, hint at Coolie’s socially charged narrative—about a man who rises against a corrupt syndicate. The story, as rumored, parallels real-world labor exploitation, echoing findings from a 2022 ILO report on abuses in South Asian port sectors. That makes Coolie more than just a stylized actioner—it could be Lokesh’s most politically potent work yet.
With gratitude posts, crew camaraderie, and the promise of cinematic rebellion, Lokesh Kanagaraj is doing what few directors do mid-hype—he’s pulling back the curtain and sharing the spotlight.