Lokesh Kanagaraj unveils approach for Thalaivar 171 after 'Leo's feedback: "I won’t repeat that mistake again"

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his work in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), is taking a measured approach to his upcoming film, "Thalaivar 171," featuring the iconic Rajinikanth. After the release of his recent film, "Leo," which garnered both praise and criticism, Lokesh is opting for a more careful and thoughtful filmmaking process this time around.

In a recent interview, Lokesh Kanagaraj opened up about the pressure associated with announcing release dates and the subsequent time constraints. He revealed, “I don’t want to announce a release date for my next film with Rajinikanth because it puts immense pressure on me to finish the film in a limited time. I need some time to do it well.” Acknowledging the criticisms received by the second half of "Leo," Lokesh emphasized the importance of taking constructive feedback into account for future projects.

"Leo" marked the latest addition to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, following the success of "Kaithi" and "Vikram." All three films share a connected universe with supporting characters weaving through the narratives. Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed regret over the rushed timeline of "Leo," stating, “I felt immense pressure to release Leo on a certain date; I had only 10 months to make the film. I won’t repeat that mistake again.”

"Thalaivar 171" is set to be Lokesh's next venture with Rajinikanth, and he plans to approach it as a stand-alone film, not part of the LCU. 

Rajinikanth, currently occupied with "Vettaiyan" and "Lal Salaam," will collaborate with Lokesh after completing these projects. As Lokesh Kanagaraj takes a step back to prioritize craftsmanship over deadlines, anticipation builds for what "Thalaivar 171" will bring to the audience.