In South Indian cinema, stars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan working together is referred to as the "Holy Grail" of cinema. The project is now launching as a part of Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), though fans have always wondered why the master of the “Lokesh Cinematic Universe” (LCU), Lokesh Kanagaraj, stepped back from his chance of the lifetime.
The Leo and Vikram director recently broke his silence, revealing the creative differences that caused him to walk away from what would have been Rajinikanth’s 173rd film.
The Dream Collaboration
The whole project had been conceived of as a cinematic phenomenon, created by Kamal Haasan himself. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s history of reviving veteran stars with wilding plot choices of high-octane action most notably with Kamal Haasan in Vikram made him the logical first-choice for directing this multi-starrer.
Lokesh was said to have spent more than one and a half months writing a script dedicated to the two legends. He designed a “high-voltage action thriller” to counterbalance the extraordinary screen presence and huge stardom of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. When he first pitched the idea, both actors supposedly seemed interested in exploring all-out depth, power, and the scope of things involved with the script.
The Genre Clash: Action vs. Comedy
Although it was a bit exciting at first, deeper creative negotiations revealed an immense obstacle. Lokesh Kanagaraj is known for dark, gritty and intense action. Yet both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan felt themselves being at the stage of "action fatigue." With Rajinikanth occupied with high-octane projects such as Coolie and the forthcoming Jailer 2, and Kamal Haasan with the hectic Indian franchise and Thug Life, the two veterans craved something else in this tone.
Lokesh said the superstars said an unexpected question: “Do we have to do an action film again? Why don't we do a full-length comedy entertainer this time?” Lokesh’s Artistic Integrity. Lokesh on his own terms found himself at a crossroads. He believed in both legends, but comedy isn’t his jam, he said. At his core lies worlds, intense choreography and suspenseful storylines.
“My style is entirely action-oriented,” Lokesh said in a recent interaction. “I believed I couldn’t even do justice, on a pure-comedy film with such huge stars. If I am unable to serve up what I can best, it may be better to allow someone else to lead.”
What Is Next for the Project?
After Lokesh moved on, veteran director Sundar C who had a big-budget life of making blockbuster comedy-dramas was supposedly approached, but the last directorial role has seen a series of changes. Even while fans are mourning that they will never see a final showdown with Rajini-Kamal, “Lokesh of Rajini” format, the discovery marks Lokesh’s growing up as a filmmaker, as he settled on sticking with a path to be in sync with all those mega stars without any intention to leave a project just for the sake of their big-star crushes. At the moment, Lokesh is focused on his upcoming project Coolie with Rajinikanth, still making sure that though the multi-star thing didn't pan out, his collaboration with 'Thalaivar' is still very much on.
