On Monday, Lokesh Kanagaraj held a press meet with reporters from across Tamil media channels to clear the air around the status of his upcoming films including Kaithi 2, Benz and other films in the LCU franchise and why he walked away from the Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173. During the time, he took questions from many reporters and clarified the rumours surrounding his projects. However, a personal question aimed at the noted filmmaker has not gone well among social media users who criticised his disrespectful query and lack of professionalism.
During the Q and A session, the journalist from a private channel had probed him about his personal life, relationships and the internet chatter surrounding the same. "Are you starting a family?" the reporter further asked, to which Lokesh replied with a smile, "There were many rumours. None of them are true. I already have a family." Before Lokesh left the venue, the person noted that it could be a "second family". However, the filmmaker did not respond to the question.
As clips from the press meeting were shared widely on social media, the reporter's question was met with severe backlash. They condemned his invasive question, and praised Lokesh for keeping calm during the situation.
While one user described the question as “terrible” and “problematic,” another remarked that Tamil journalists “need some serious ethical and professionalism cleansing.” Many others echoed the sentiment, calling for an urgent need to introduce sensitivity programmes to foster responsible and respectful journalism.
Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently working on a film with Allu Arjun tentatively titled #AA23 and #LK7 which was announced officially earlier this month. Music for this high-profile pan-Indian project will be composed by Anirudh.
On the other hand, the director also has a film for Aamir Khan, which was confirmed by the actor in a recent conversation. While Aamir revealed that the film will be a superhero project, it wouldn't be the first time that he will be collaborating with Lokesh. He earlier made a cameo appearance in Coolie, playing as Dahaa, a gangster. The status of the project currently remains unknown as Lokesh's film with Allu Arjun is rumoured to be the superhero project which will revive the director's long-delayed dream of witnessing Irumbu Kai Maayavi to light. A confirmation is however awaited on the same. "We are still discussing that film," said Lokesh Kanagaraj.
His banner G Squad is backing Raghava Lawrence's Benz, and Mr Bhaarath, which marks the debut of Finally YouTube channel fame Bhaarath and Niranjan. He is also producing 29, Rathna Kumar's upcoming film, starring Retro-fame Vidhu and Preethi Asrani with Karthik Subbaraj's Stone Bench banner. Lokesh Kanagaraj is also making his acting debut with Arun Matheswaran's DC.