Lokesh Kanagaraj shocks Tamil cinema, reveals plan to quit filmmaking after 10 films

Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj made an unexpected announcement during a special event celebrating Tamil superstar Vijay's upcoming 49th birthday. In a revelation that echoes the approach of Hollywood legend Quentin Tarantino, Lokesh expressed his intention to retire from filmmaking after completing his 10th movie.

"I don't have long-term plans. Or I don't have the desire to hold on to this place for a long time. I wanted to try my hand at movies. That's why I made short films. When I saw I was able to connect with it, I made that my profession," he explained. 

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"I will do 10 films and I will quit," he added. 

The production of Leo is going on in full swing. The movie went on the floors in Kashmir earlier this year. After shooting for more than 50 days in the valley, the filmmakers returned to Chennai. The film is fast nearing completion and the production should end by the end of July. After which Lokesh will begin the post-production work as the film is due to arrive in cinemas on October 19. 

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Besides Vijay, Leo also stars Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun, Priya Anand, Mysskin, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mansoor Ali Khan, Sandy Master, and Mathew Thomas among others. In addition, Lokesh has also roped in some popular YouTubers for cameo appearances.

Lokesh earlier announced that the filmmakers have planned big surprises on June 22 to mark the birthday celebration of Vijay. He already announced that the first single named Naa Ready from the film's music album will be released on that day. 

Lokesh remained tight-lipped about whether Leo belongs to the cinematic universe that he is building. He noted that it will be revealed in due time as there were a few more months to the movie's release. However, he promised Leo will be a unique film in Vijay's career.