Lokesh Kanagarj addressed Rajinikanth’s cool box office run, audience hyp
Director Lokesh Kanagarj addressed the underperformance of his film Cool, which describes the expectations of the audience and the challenges of the global reception of the film.
Recently in a public presence, director Lokesh Kanagaraj rectified by superstar Rajinikanth, addressed a mixed reception of his latest outing, ‘Cooli’. Despite riding on a large scale and on the sky-high expectations, the film could not meet the estimates of becoming the largest blockbuster of Tamil cinema. Nevertheless, it still managed to emerge as the third highest -grossing Indian film of 2025.
Speaking at the SSVM Transforming India Conclave 2025 in Coimbatore, Kanagaraj clearly accepted the role of the audience in shaping the story around the film. He said, “I never said anything. But this is his excitement that brought me here. It is not only for me, but for all stars and technicians. Without their enthusiasm, we can’t make films. Therefore, I can’t criticize the expectations of the audience,” he said, a note of gratitude.
The filmmaker clarified the misconceptions around ‘Coolie’. For example, take the porter. I never said that it was the story of a time-journey or that it would be part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). In fact, I did not even release a trailer. For 18 months, I did not keep everything wrapped. Nevertheless, I cannot write their expectations. Explained.
The film featured Rajinikanth along with Nagarjuna Akini and Shruti Haasan, produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures with a report of Rs 350–400 crore.
According to SACNILK, Coolie earned Rs 507.75 crore worldwide, but still reduced to crossing Shankar’s ‘2.0’ with Rajinikanth’s ‘jailer’ and his ‘Leo’ of Kanagarj.
