Director Lokesh Kanagaraj recently opened up about his anticipated Rs 50 crore salary for the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer “Coolie,” and revealed his unique post-release ritual.
“Coolie” Creates Buzz
“Coolie,” set to hit screens on August 14, is generating significant excitement among fans. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan, and Upendra Rao.
Despite the immense anticipation, director Lokesh Kanagaraj maintains a distinct approach to his film releases. He shared in a recent interview that he prefers to distance himself from box office figures and critical reception once a movie is out.
Lokesh’s Post-Release Ritual
Lokesh revealed his unique plan for the days following “Coolie’s” premiere. He intends to watch the first three shows on release day, celebrate with his team, and then disappear for a few days.
His destination of choice? Bali, with his school friends. He stated he won’t be checking numbers or reviews, opting to return only after the initial buzz has settled and critics have had their say.
This detachment, he explained, helps him maintain focus and prevents external opinions from affecting his peace of mind after pouring his heart and soul into a project.
Justifying a Rs 50 Crore Salary
While Lokesh distances himself from post-release numbers, he acknowledges the immense pressure on certain key individuals. He believes only the hero (if it’s a market-driven film), the director, and the producer truly bear the burden of a film’s success or failure.
He openly discussed his reported Rs 50 crore salary for “Coolie,” asserting that he completely deserves the compensation. He attributed this fee directly to the massive success of his previous film, “Leo.”
The Scale of “Coolie”
Lokesh didn’t disclose the individual salaries of stars like Rajinikanth or Aamir Khan. However, he emphasized the significant overall budget of “Coolie,” stating it’s a Rs 400 crore production.
He views his salary as justified given the massive responsibility that comes with helming such a high-stakes project, which has consumed two years of his life. He highlighted that if the film performs well, the earnings will directly benefit his family and friends.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj believes his Rs 50 crore salary for “Coolie” is justified due to his previous film’s success and the new film’s Rs 400 crore budget.
- He intends to detach from box office numbers and reviews by traveling to Bali after “Coolie’s” release.
- He feels the hero, director, and producer are the main individuals responsible for a film’s market performance.
With a powerhouse cast and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s impressive track record, “Coolie” is widely expected to make a significant impact at the box office upon its release.
