(This article is authored by Alar)

Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director who created the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), a shared universe of action thriller films, has dropped the bombshell to the fans as he announced that he will leave the film industry after completing 10 films in LCU.

In a recent interview with a magazine, he said, “I don’t want to do many films. I don’t have any desire to stay in this place for long. I thank the actors and producers who helped me create the universe. Because it is not that easy. That’s why I think the universe should get the recognition it deserves. I will leave the film industry after directing 10 films in LCU.”

The LCU started with Kaithi (2019), starring Karthi, and continued with Vikram (2022), starring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. The films are connected by characters, plotlines and themes, and have been critically and commercially successful. The LCU is currently the third highest grossing Tamil film franchise.

Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently working on his fifth film in LCU, titled Leo with Vijay in the lead role. The film to release in 19th October 2023 and has a star-studded cast including Gautham Menon, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, Mansoor Ali Khan and Arjun Sarja. The film is also speculated to be a part of the LCU, as Lokesh has hinted at some connections with his previous films.

The director has also revealed the cast of his final film in LCU, which will feature Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Suriya and Karthi in the lead roles. He said that this would be the ultimate culmination of his cinematic universe and that he has ideas to make films for the next ten years. This created a huge buzz for fans, as they wondering that he meant to quit from his franchise films, or quit directing entirely.

Lokesh Kanagaraj has expressed his passion for filmmaking and his ambition to try new things in his interview. He said that he loves creating a compelling cinematic universe and that he hopes his fans will enjoy his films. He also said that he will be happy to pass on the torch to other filmmakers who want to continue the LCU after he leaves.