A Celebration of Cinema and Camaraderie
March 14, 2025, marked a special day for Tamil cinema as director Lokesh Kanagaraj celebrated his 39th birthday in style—right on the bustling set of his upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer, Coolie. Known for his cinematic brilliance and the creation of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), Lokesh has become a household name in Kollywood. This year, his birthday wasn’t just a personal milestone but a moment of joy shared with the Coolie team, offering fans a glimpse into the warmth and excitement surrounding one of 2025’s most anticipated films.
The celebration, captured in a viral video circulating online, showcased Lokesh cutting a cake amidst the Coolie cast and crew. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, cheers, and the kind of camaraderie that hints at a tight-knit team working on something extraordinary. While superstar Rajinikanth couldn’t join the festivities—having wrapped his portions and moved on to Jailer 2—the presence of actors like Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, and others ensured the party was a star-studded affair.
Lokesh, born on March 14, 1986, in Coimbatore, has had a meteoric rise in Tamil cinema. From his debut Maanagaram (2017) to blockbusters like Vikram and Leo, he’s redefined action thrillers with his signature style—hyper-stylized violence, retro vibes, and intricate storytelling. Coolie, his first collaboration with Rajinikanth, is a standalone action flick centered on gold smuggling, promising a fresh avatar for the Thalaivar. The film’s teaser, reportedly slated for release today as a birthday surprise (though unconfirmed as of 9 PM IST), has fans buzzing with anticipation.
The Coolie set has been a hub of activity since filming began in July 2024 across Hyderabad, Chennai, and Vizag. With Rajinikanth’s portions complete and a release eyed for August or September 2025, the team is now in post-production mode. Lokesh’s birthday bash doubled as a morale boost, with the viral clip showing him in high spirits, surrounded by a crew that clearly admires him. The absence of Rajinikanth didn’t dim the mood—rumors suggest he might have a surprise up his sleeve for his director, perhaps a special message or cameo tease.
For Lokesh, this birthday isn’t just about cake and candles; it’s a testament to his journey from a banker to a filmmaking powerhouse. As Coolie gears up to hit screens in standard and IMAX formats, this celebration on set is a reminder of the magic he’s crafting with an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Upendra, and Sathyaraj. Here’s to Lokesh Kanagaraj—may his 39th year bring more cinematic fireworks!