Lokesh Kanagaraj
Biography
Lokesh Kanagaraj (born 14 March 1986 in Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian film director who works primarily in Tamil cinema. Recognized for directing, he has built a reputation through a series of successful action and crime thrillers. His notable works include Maanagaram (2017), Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023). Kanagaraj’s storytelling often employs a hyperlink structure set largely at night, and he has cited Quentin Tarantino as a major influence on his style. His films are noted for portraying the dark underbelly of metropolitan cities.
Career overview
Lokesh Kanagaraj entered Tamil cinema as a director with the anthology film Aviyal (2016), directing one of its four segments. He quickly established a reputation for tightly‑woven urban narratives with the release of Maanagaram (2017), a nocturnal thriller set in the city’s underbelly. The success of Maanagaram led to Kaithi (2019), an action‑drama that further cemented his skill in high‑stakes storytelling. Both films were noted for their hyperlink structure, where multiple storylines intersect, and for their emphasis on nighttime atmospheres. Kanagaraj continued his upward trajectory with the commercially prominent Master (2021), followed by the high‑budget productions Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023). Across these titles he has consistently cited Quentin Tarantino as a major influence, shaping his approach to crime cinema and dialogue. His body of work is characterized by depictions of the dark underbelly of metropolitan cities, often unfolding primarily after dark. The director’s films have been described as action‑filled crime thrillers that blend mass appeal with stylistic homage, securing his niche within contemporary Indian cinema. In 2026 Kanagaraj addressed speculation about his cinematic universe, confirming that sequels to Kaithi and Vikram are planned, and that a project titled Rolex is also in development. These statements indicate his intention to expand the interconnected world introduced in his earlier films.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Jana Nayagan (2026) as TV Reporter (Special Appearance)
- DC (2026) as Devadas
- Kattalan (2026) as Leo Cabral
- 29 (2026) Producer
- Mr. Bhaarath (2026) Producer
- Coolie (2025) Director
- Coolie (2025) Screenplay
- Coolie (2025) Story
- Banduan (2025) Original Story
- Singapore Saloon (2024) as Reality Show Special Guest
- Leo (2023) Director
- Leo (2023) Writer
- Michael (2023) Presenter
- Bholaa (2023) Original Story
- Mumbaikar (2023) Original Story
- Vikram (2022) Story
- Vikram (2022) Screenplay
- Vikram (2022) Director
- Master (2021) as Prisoner
- Master (2021) Director
- Master (2021) Story
- Master (2021) Screenplay
- Master (2021) Dialogue
- Kaithi (2019) Dialogue
- Kaithi (2019) Director
- Kaithi (2019) Screenplay
- Kaithi (2019) Story
- Vella Raja (2018) Story
- Maanagaram (2017) Director
- Maanagaram (2017) Screenplay
- Maanagaram (2017) Story
- Maanagaram (2017) Dialogue
- Aviyal (2016) Director
- Aviyal (2016) Writer
- Sindhanai Sei (2009) as Self (uncredited)
- Rolex Director
- Rolex Writer
- AA23 Director
- AA23 Writer
- Vikram 2 Director
- Vikram 2 Writer
- Vikram 2 Story
- Kaithi 2 Writer
- Kaithi 2 Director
- Untitled Regina Cassandra Film Producer
- Benz Story
- Benz Producer
- Chapter Zero Director
- Chapter Zero Writer