Will Top Stars Take the Lokesh Kanagaraj Challenge After DC Success?
After DC's box-office success, industry buzz questions if top stars will risk their image to work with Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for prioritising story over stardom.
Dumtika Editorial
August 14, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'DC' performed strongly at the box office.
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan embraced Lokesh's story-first approach.
Industry buzz suggests some top stars are hesitant to risk their image.
The next big star to join Lokesh's universe is eagerly awaited.
Lokesh Kanagaraj's reputation in Kollywood has only grown stronger after the impressive box-office run of 'DC'. The film's success has sparked fresh talk in industry circles about whether the biggest stars—especially those known for carefully curating their on-screen image—are ready to step into Lokesh's world. Reportedly, the director's style puts the story and characters ahead of just hero elevation, making his films stand out from the usual star-driven fare.
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, both legends in their own right, have already taken the plunge by working with Lokesh. As per sources, their willingness to let the narrative take centre stage—sometimes even sharing the limelight or allowing their characters to face real struggles—has set a new template. The buzz suggests that Lokesh, especially when teaming up with composer Anirudh, crafts films where the hero is part of a larger universe, not the sole focus.
However, the industry grapevine has it that some top stars are hesitant. For those who prefer to maintain tight control over their image, Lokesh's approach could feel risky. The question making rounds is whether these stars will choose their established stardom or embrace the challenge of a story-driven film.
With Lokesh's stock rising and his unique style gaining attention, all eyes are now on which big name will next sign up for his brand of cinema. The coming months could reveal whether more stars are ready to put the story first.
