Lokesh Kanagaraj is a celebrated Indian film director and screenwriter known for his gripping action thrillers in the Tamil film industry. He has directed some of the most successful Tamil movies of recent years, including Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), Vikram (2022), and Leo (2023). He is also credited with creating the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which connects multiple Tamil action films under one storyline. His unique storytelling style, fast-paced narratives, and action-packed sequences have made him one of the most sought-after filmmakers in Indian cinema.
Profile Summary
| Field | Information |
| Full Name | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Profession | Director, Screenwriter |
| Famous For | Kaithi (2019), Master (2021), Vikram (2022), Leo (2023) |
| Date of Birth | 14 March 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 39 Years |
| Birthplace | Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Hometown | Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | Graduation in Fashion Technology, MBA |
| College | PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore; Anna University, Chennai |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Aishwarya Lokesh |
| Children | Son – Aarudhra Lokesh, Daughter – Adhvika Lokesh |
| Siblings | Aravind Gnanasambandam, Ashwin Venkatesh, Prashanth Gnanasambandam |
| Car Collection | Lexus ES 300h (Gifted by Kamal Haasan) |
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Age & Physical Stats
Lokesh Kanagaraj was born on 14 March 1986, making him 39 years old in 2025. Despite being relatively young, he has already established himself as one of Tamil cinema’s top directors.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 175 cm (5’9”)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Lokesh is known for his simple yet charismatic style. He often appears in casual attire during interviews and public events, emphasizing his down-to-earth personality.
Early Life & Family Background
Lokesh Kanagaraj hails from a middle-class family in Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. His father worked as a bus conductor, and he had no direct connections to the film industry.
From a young age, Lokesh was a huge fan of Kamal Haasan’s films, which played a significant role in shaping his filmmaking style. In an interview, he mentioned that his mother used to joke about naming him ‘Vikram’ after Kamal Haasan’s 1986 film Vikram.
Education
Lokesh completed his schooling at Palanayiammal Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu. He then pursued a degree in Fashion Technology from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Later, he earned an MBA from Anna University, Chennai.
Although he initially started his career in the banking sector, his passion for filmmaking led him to change his path and enter the Tamil film industry.
Career
Early Career & Short Films
Lokesh Kanagaraj had no professional background in film direction. However, he entered the industry through short films.
His first short film, Acham Thavir, won the Best Director Award at the Clubace Short Film Festival, catching the attention of renowned Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj.
Another short film, Customer Delight (2014), won Best Short Film at the All India Corporate Film Competition. These early successes motivated Lokesh to pursue filmmaking as a full-time career.
Debut in the Film Industry
Lokesh made his directorial debut with the short film Kalam, which was featured in the Tamil anthology film Aviyal (2016).
His first full-length film, Maanagaram (2017), was a huge success, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. It also won Best Debut Director at the 10th Vijay Awards.
Breakthrough & Blockbusters
Kaithi (2019) – The Turning Point
Lokesh gained widespread recognition with Kaithi (2019), a high-octane action thriller starring Karthi.
- The film was a box-office success and was later remade in Hindi as Bholaa (2023), starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
- With Kaithi, Lokesh established his signature storytelling style—fast-paced action sequences and gripping narratives.
Master (2021) – Collaboration with Vijay
In 2021, Lokesh directed Master, starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi.
- It became the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year.
- The film further cemented Lokesh’s position as one of the top directors in the industry.
Vikram (2022) – The Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)
With Vikram (2022), Lokesh expanded his vision and introduced the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).
- Starring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil, Vikram was a massive hit, grossing over ₹400 crores worldwide.
- The film connected to Kaithi and introduced a shared cinematic universe, which became wildly popular among fans.
Leo (2023) & Future Projects
In 2023, Lokesh collaborated with Vijay again for Leo, another addition to the LCU.
- Leo was one of the most highly anticipated films of the year and had a grand theatrical release.
His future projects are expected to continue expanding the LCU, keeping audiences excited.
Achievements & Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Film |
| 2018 | Vijay Awards | Best Debut Director | Maanagaram |
| 2020 | Zee Cine Awards Tamil | Favourite Director | Kaithi |
| 2021 | Galatta Crown Awards | Best Master Direction | Master |
| 2022 | Behindwoods Gold Medal Awards | Talent of the Decade | Vikram |
| 2022 | SIIMA Awards | Best Director | Master |
| 2023 | SIIMA Awards | Best Director | Vikram |
Personal Life
Lokesh Kanagaraj is married to Aishwarya Lokesh.
- The couple tied the knot on 8 January 2012.
- They have two children:
- Son – Aarudhra Lokesh
- Daughter – Adhvika Lokesh
Despite his busy schedule, Lokesh ensures he spends quality time with his family.
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2025, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹50-60 crores.
Sources of Income
- Movie Directing Fees
- Brand Endorsements
- Royalties from Blockbusters
Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Username | Followers |
| @lokesh.kanagaraj | 2.5M+ | |
| Twitter (X) | @Dir_Lokesh | 1.8M+ |
| @lokeshkanagarajofficial | 1M+ |
Recent News & Controversies
- In 2023, Leo received mixed reviews, dividing fans.
- Some critics argue that LCU’s interconnected storylines make it difficult for new viewers to follow.
Despite controversies, Lokesh continues to be one of Tamil cinema’s most influential directors.
Conclusion
Lokesh Kanagaraj has transformed Tamil cinema with his innovative storytelling, action-packed sequences, and gripping scripts. From short films to blockbuster hits, his journey is a testament to hard work and talent. With future projects lined up in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), fans eagerly await his next masterpiece.
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