Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally addressed the swirling speculation around his reported exit from Thalaivar 173, the much-hyped project set to unite Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan on screen. Speaking candidly at a recent press conference in Chennai, Lokesh made it clear that the decision had nothing to do with box office pressure or backlash — but everything to do with creative alignment.
“It Was a Genre Mismatch, Not a Fallout”
Lokesh revealed that he spent close to one and a half months developing a script for Thalaivar 173. However, detailed discussions with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan eventually led to a mutual understanding that the project was heading in a different creative direction.
According to Lokesh, both senior actors were keen on doing a lighter, more relaxed film after a string of intense, action-heavy roles. With Rajinikanth returning to mass action in Jailer 2 and Kamal Haasan lining up another high-energy project with the Anbariv stunt duo, the tone they were looking for didn’t match Lokesh’s sensibilities.
Blunt as ever, the director summed it up simply: such films aren’t really his cup of tea — and that’s when he decided to step away.
Kaithi 2 Delay Not About Money
Lokesh also took the opportunity to shut down persistent rumours linking the delay of Kaithi 2 to a supposed salary hike. He clarified that remuneration had no role to play in the project being put on hold.
Instead, the delay coincided with overlapping commitments and shifting schedules, which eventually allowed him to revisit a long-standing promise to Mythri Movie Makers — a move that led directly to his next big collaboration with Allu Arjun.
No Rivalry With Atlee
Addressing comparisons with Atlee, who is also working with Allu Arjun, Lokesh dismissed any talk of competition. He stressed that there is no rivalry between them and that both filmmakers are focused on making strong films and representing Tamil cinema proudly.
He added that box office success — whether his own or someone else’s — is something to be celebrated, not competed over.
What’s Next for Thalaivar 173 and Lokesh
Thalaivar 173 will now be directed by Cibi Chakravarthi and produced under Kamal Haasan’s banner Raaj Kamal Films International.
As for Lokesh, he recently unveiled a teaser for his yet-untitled film with Allu Arjun. The project will feature music by Anirudh Ravichander and is expected to go on floors later this year, marking his first full-fledged Telugu collaboration.
Final Words
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s clarification puts an end to weeks of speculation. His exit from Thalaivar 173 wasn’t about failure, pressure, or money — it was about creative honesty. And with major projects like Kaithi 2 and his Allu Arjun film still ahead, the director’s cinematic journey looks far from derailed — just firmly on his own terms.
