As Expected Lokesh Kanagaraj Gets Trolled On SM!
While this was meant to counter negative narratives, it ended up drawing mixed reactions online.
By: Tupaki Desk | 27 Jan 2026 12:19 PM ISTIn a short span, director, Lokesh Kanagaraj went from being one of the most aspired film makers on social media to one of the disputed ones. His latest statement on a box office result of Coolie didn’t help the case either.
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s recent press meet for Coolie has triggered fresh controversy, with many feeling that the filmmaker chose to defend himself using numbers rather than accepting creative criticism.
During the interaction, Lokesh stated that Coolie ran successfully for 35 days in theatres and claimed that Sun Pictures informed him the film was profitable. While this was meant to counter negative narratives, it ended up drawing mixed reactions online.
Instead of directly addressing complaints about the film’s storytelling and execution, Lokesh focused largely on box office performance. This approach did not go down well with a section of the audience, who felt that commercial success cannot be used as a shield against genuine criticism. Many viewers expected a more reflective response, especially considering the high expectations surrounding a Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth combination.
Lokesh also spoke about the censorship issue, revealing that the CBFC had suggested around 35 cuts for a U A certificate.
He said the team chose to retain the A certificate to protect the film’s original vision, even though it may have resulted in significant revenue loss. This explanation again divided opinions, with some appreciating his honesty and others calling it an excuse.
Overall, the press meet has added fuel to the ongoing debate. While Coolie may have survived commercially, the discussion around Lokesh’s accountability and response to criticism continues to intensify.
