There was a time when the audience enjoyed films simply for their commercial packaging and star combinations. That is no longer the case, as viewers now expect freshness and sincerity in storytelling, not just glamour or hype.
Lokesh Kanagaraj realised this with his latest release Coolie. The film was designed as a commercial package featuring RajinikanthAamir Khan, Nagarjuna and others. But the weak storyline overshadowed the star power and ended up hurting the film’s reception.
Now reports suggest Lokesh is preparing a film with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. This project is expected to be one of the biggest multistarrers in South Indian cinema, generating buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
The combination of Rajini and Kamal might excite Tamil fans, but it could carry limited appeal outside the Tamil market. Lokesh must ensure the story itself carries weight instead of relying only on big names to create buzz.
If he repeats the Coolie formula, audiences may reject it again. Viewers today want strong storytelling and original content when they visit theatres. Lokesh’s graph has been questioned since Vikram, with many still considering Khaithi his finest work.
So, if he is planning to unite Kamal and Rajini on the big screen, he must back it with a powerful script. Only then will such a historic collaboration feel justified and truly deliver the magic fans are hoping for.
