Coolie Trailer Creates Waves: Best Trailers of Lokesh Kanagaraj Films Before Coolie

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj in his debut, Maanagaram is a gripping hyperlink thriller set in Chennai. The film weaves together the lives of several characters including a job seeker, a cab driver, a gangster, and a kidnapped child whose paths intersect in unpredictable ways. Featuring Sundeep Kishan, Sri, and Regina Cassandra, the film explores themes of urban chaos, fate, and survival. Praised for its tight screenplay, realistic performances, and smart editing, Maanagaram marked a powerful directorial debut.

Master stars Thalapathy Vijay as JD, an alcoholic professor sent to a juvenile school to reform young criminals. There, he clashes with Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathi), a ruthless gangster who exploits juveniles for crime. The film blends action, emotion, and a strong social message. With Anirudh Ravichander's chartbuster music and high-octane sequences, Master became a box-office blockbuster and revived theatrical releases in Tamil cinema post-COVID-19. 

A spiritual sequel to Kaithi, Vikram, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, stars Kamal Haasan as the enigmatic Agent Vikram, battling a massive drug cartel. With powerhouse performances from Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil, the film is a gritty action thriller that expands the “Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).” Featuring explosive stunts, a gripping narrative, and Anirudh’s powerful score, Vikram was a critical and commercial hit, re-establishing Kamal Haasan’s mass appeal.

Leo features Vijay as Parthiban, a humble café owner with a mysterious past. When violence threatens his town, his hidden identity surfaces, tying him to the criminal underworld. A psychological action thriller and part of the LCU, Leo explores duality, transformation, and redemption. With intense action sequences, Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist, and a pulsating score by Anirudh, Leo became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2023.

Coolie, one of the most anticipated films of 2025, marks the second collaboration between Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj. While the plot remains under wraps, the teaser showcases Vijay in a rugged, massy avatar with a retro gold smuggling backdrop. Promising stylish action, strong political undertones, and a throwback to 80s masala cinema, Coolie is expected to expand the LCU further. With Anirudh scoring the music, the film already has massive hype among fans.