Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals the only thing Rajinikanth did after hearing the narration of Thalaivar 171

Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently riding high on the success of his last theatrical release - the Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo. The director is now gearing up to commence filming for Thalaivar 171 which will feature Rajinikanth in the lead. Thalaivar 171 will only take off post Rajinikanth has completed filming for TJ Gnanavel's Thalaivar 170 which is currently under way. Kanagaraj recently opened up about the moment Rajinikanth said yes to his film.

Lokesh Kanagaraj shares anecdote from Thalaivar 171 reading

Lokesh Kanagaraj recently opened up on the moment Rajinikanth said yes to his script, which has now been dubbed Thalaivar 171 post the veteran actor being brought on board. Kanagaraj confirmed how the Rajinikanth led Thalaivar 171 will be a high octane action entertainer. The director revealed how when he completed narrating the script for the film, Rajinikanth's only reaction to it was the embrace the director in a hug.

As per previous reports, Thalaivar 171 is a standalone film. This information is crucial, considering the LCU - short for Lokesh Cinematic Universe, the Leo director is in the midst of mounting. Thalaivar 171 will be bankrolled by Sun Pictures, with Anirudh Ravichander giving the music for the same. Considering the film has been pitched as an action entertainer, Anbariv will be helming  the action sequences.

What is next for Lokesh Kanagaraj?

Before the director commences filming for Thalaivar 171, Lokesh Kanagaraj reportedly has a short film he will be helming, on the cards. This short film, clocking in at around 10 minutes, will be based on the director's LCU, serving as an explanatory originating point for the cinematic universe.

Thus far, the Lokesh Cinematic Universe comprises of three films - the Karthi led Kaithi (2019), the Kamal Haasan led Vikram (2020) and now the Thalapathy Vijay led Leo (2023).