Lokesh Kanagaraj Films Ranked: Worst to Best cinematic ventures directed by Coolie helmer

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Ever since Lokesh Kanagaraj’s films have found great success, and he established the Lokesh Kanagaraj Cinematic Universe (LCU), he has become a significant figure in the Tamil film industry.

It seems fitting to compile a ranked list of films, showcasing them from those perceived as less strong to the most outstanding, given his growing influence in the movie industry as a director of intriguing projects.

Lokesh Kanagaraj Films Ranked

5. Leo (2023)

  • Cast: Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mysskin, Madonna Sebastian
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  • Where to watch: Netflix

Initially, I’d argue that among his Tamil cinema works, Leo, starring Thalapathy Vijay, stands out as his least compelling production so far. Essentially, it’s a reinterpretation of the 1997 DC comic book, A History of Violence. The story follows Parthiban, who runs a cafe, and is mistakenly recognized by several people as a criminal thought to be deceased for years.

The story centers around a man battling unknown adversaries for his family’s sake, and it held strong thanks to Vijay’s acting skills, yet it fell short from a narrative standpoint. Interestingly, despite an existing American adaptation based on the same book, this film felt repetitive as it catered more to commercial aspects.

The film struggled to maintain its momentum in the second half and seemed to awkwardly link with Lokesh’s cinematic world. It appeared as though a talented cast was unnecessarily reduced to typical cliches. Nevertheless, it remained enjoyable, particularly due to Anirudh Ravichander’s exceptional musical abilities.

4. Maanagaram (2017)

  • Cast: Sri Natarajan, Sundeep Kishan, Regina Cassandra
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
  • Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

From my perspective, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s initial project, Maanagaram, stood out as a rejuvenating film in Tamil cinema upon its 2017 release. This action-thriller film intertwines the stories of various unidentified residents living in the bustling city of Chennai.

Viewing the movie from multiple viewpoints, this captivating and exhilarating thriller revealed different aspects of narrative craftsmanship. A daring and innovative approach, the film skillfully portrayed a wide range of emotions as characters became entangled in each other’s conflicts, unfolding intricately.

Though this movie represents the pinnacle of aspiration for many authors, it’s not without its flaws as a first-time director’s limitations are evident, yet it remains an engaging watch. This production was subsequently adapted into Hindi under the title ‘Mumbaikar’.

3. Master (2021)

  • Cast: Thalapathy Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Malavika Mohanan, Andrea Jeremiah, Arjun Das
  • IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
  • Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

A movie that got all Vijay fans in the community excited was the action-packed thriller titled “Master.” The story revolves around JD, or John Durairaj, a college professor and heavy drinker, who places a high value on his students’ wellbeing despite being viewed as a nuisance by school administration.

Following a dispute at the college, an unwanted change sees the professor relocated to a juvenile facility. Here, he uncovers a sinister truth about a bully, Bhavani, exploiting children as pawns. This confrontation in a Hero’s Journey film forms the basis for the remainder of the movie.

In this film, the director skillfully combined compelling storytelling with marketable elements, appealing to the audience. The characters portrayed by Vijay as JD and Vijay Sethupathi as Bhavani were expertly developed, offering a rich portrayal that resonated with many viewers, including myself. The movie served to highlight the unique talents of both actors.

Yet, it seems that the movie loses momentum in its latter part, continuing with the unremarkable and monotonous portrayal of characters, ultimately transforming into a conventional, mediocre production.

2. Vikram (2022)

  • Cast: Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil, Vijay Sethupathi, Narain, Kalidas Jayaram, Gayathrie, Chemban Vinod Jose, Santhana Bharathi
  • IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
  • Where to watch: JioHotstar

In a spiritual follow-up to the 1986 film titled Vikram, starring Kamal Haasan, this cinematic phenomenon caused quite a stir upon its release. As the esteemed actor made a comeback to the silver screen after a brief hiatus, he portrayed an aging yet undaunted character determined to complete a mission that his son had initiated.

If you’ve come across any interviews with Lokesh Kanagaraj, you’d realize his deep-rooted fandom for Kamal Haasan. With a director clearly enamored by the actor, the film excelled in every aspect – from its storytelling to pacing, visuals, and musical score.

As each event unfolded smoothly, ensuring ample focus on every character, the movie might not have been understated, but it certainly packed a punch and remained engaging upon multiple viewings.

1. Kaithi (2019)

  • Cast: Karthi, Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, George Maryan
  • IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
  • Where to watch: JioHotstar

Without a doubt, the movie “Kaithi” with Karthi in the main role stands out as Lokesh Kanagaraj’s most impressive directorial work to date. The plot revolves around an ex-convict who finds himself entangled in a night-long operation alongside a police officer, setting the stage for a gripping, suspenseful ride from the get-go.

In a multi-faceted portrayal, the character of Delhi, skillfully enacted by Karthi, masterfully conveys the turmoil of a father yearning to reunite with his daughter while exuding an air of regality, hinting at a past where he was a figure not to be underestimated.

Delightfully captivating, Kaithi emerged as one of those delightful cinematic surprises cherished by audiences, showcasing the potential greatness of director Lokesh and serving as the inaugural chapter of Loku Cinema Universe (LCU).

Although these films offer some level of enjoyment for a typical viewer, I’m particularly eager to see the director’s debut work featuring Rajinikanth, titled “Coolie.

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2025-06-05 13:37