Lokesh Kanagaraj reflects on directing Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan: 'One is a director's actor, other is a technician'

Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj is riding high as one of India's most sought-after directors, with major stars queuing up to collaborate with him. Having directed just five films so far and currently working on his sixth, Coolie, Lokesh has already worked with some of Indian cinema’s biggest icons. He holds a unique distinction as the only filmmaker of his generation to have directed both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth—two legendary actors with distinctly different approaches to their craft.

In a recent interview, Lokesh shed light on his experiences with these megastars, noting how their styles and preparation differ profoundly. "Rajini sir is truly a director's actor. There’s a unique magic he brings to the screen. On and off-screen, there’s almost no difference. He’s constantly thinking about his scenes and considers how other actors will react to his performance. Even during breaks, he won’t leave the set to rest. He stays for every suggestion shot, ensuring that we don’t have to rely on cutaway shots with other actors,” Lokesh told Hollywood Reporter India.

ALSO READ: Rajinikanth watches Amaran, dials Kamal Haasan, meets Sivakarthikeyan. See photos

Discussing Kamal Haasan, he shared that the experience was entirely different. He suggested that Kamal brings a technical understanding that’s incredibly rare and enriches the scene. “Kamal sir is from a completely different school. He sees himself more as a technician than just an actor. Now, you know the difference between talking about a scene to a technician and an actor," he said. 

Lokesh described the exhilaration of watching these icons perform, saying, “I can’t put into words how it feels to see them act. It’s something one needs to experience firsthand—it’s surreal. But once they’re on camera, I don’t see the stars; I see them as their characters.”

The filmmaker also reflected on Rajinikanth’s choice to work with him, saying, "Rajini sir was the first to call to congratulate me after Maanagaram. I never imagined I’ would direct him one day. After Master, we began discussing potential projects together. He’s seen all my films, and he understands what to expect from me as a director. There is no struggle in the way I want to present Rajini sir to people. He's very surprised and excited (about Coolie). He has never done anything like this," he added. 

Lokesh’s upcoming film Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, has been in production for two months and is expected to hit screens next year.

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99