Lokesh Kanagaraj has made a stunning comeback. The filmmaker, who faced heavy trolling and criticism after last year’s Coolie, has now won over audiences with his acting debut in Arun Matheswaran’s DC. The film’s strong response has shifted the conversation from online memes back to his work.
For an entire year, Lokesh Kanagaraj was one of Tamil cinema’s most trolled figures. Coolie, his big project with Rajinikanth, opened in August 2025 to massive expectations. The film earned over Rs 500 crore at the box office. But the numbers could not save him from the backlash. The criticism did not stop at the film. It extended to his comments about it. Many felt he was trying to explain away the script’s problems rather than owning them. Soon, Lokesh Kanagaraj became meme fodder. Fan pages morphed his photos. They twisted his statements to create troll material.
The criticism made him think a lot. He later said, “The criticism made me think a lot. I understood the kind of cinema and storytelling the audience wants from me. I take all of that as lessons, and I will try my best to ensure my upcoming films don’t get such criticisms”.
The Gamble That Paid Off
Lokesh Kanagaraj decided to step in front of the camera for the first time as a lead actor. He took on the role of Devadas in Arun Matheswaran’s DC. It was a big risk. If the film had failed, people would have seen it as proof that he was out of ideas. The meme economy does not let you fail sideways. Every follow-up becomes a reminder of the last failure.
But DC opened on August 7, 2026, and the numbers did what memes cannot argue with. The film crossed Rs 50 crore globally in just five days. Producer Sun Pictures announced the film was “exploding at the Box Office”.
The real test was whether Lokesh, the actor, could survive the scrutiny that Lokesh, the director, never fully did. He has survived it.
What the Critics and Industry Are Saying
The reviews have been positive. The Times of India gave DC 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “a solid debut as a lead actor for Lokesh Kanagaraj”. The review praised the clarity of the writing and the emotional weight behind the violence.
India Today’s review described DC as “an engaging and arresting revenge thriller that dials up on violence, while embracing it”. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who built his name in Tamil cinema without industry backing, “makes a confident acting debut in DC”.
Celebrities have also shared their praise. Soundarya Rajinikanth called DC “an impeccably crafted film” on Instagram. She said Lokesh Kanagaraj made a “powerful, brutal debut as a hero”. She also praised the technical work and Anirudh Ravichander’s music.
Actor Sivakarthikeyan wrote on his Instagram Stories that DC “was a blast! A superb cinematic experience!” He congratulated the entire team for delivering “such a fantastic film”. He had special words for composer Anirudh Ravichander, calling him “truly incomparable”.
The Film Itself
DC is directed by Arun Matheswaran. It marks Lokesh Kanagaraj’s first full-fledged acting role. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and Sanjana Krishnamoorthy in important roles. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music.
The film follows Devadas (Lokesh Kanagaraj), an outcast who protects a family from police brutality while seeking justice and redemption on the run. It is a bloody take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel Devdas. But it transplants the principal characters into a world of guns, cops, and gangsters.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is the clarity of its writing. The violence serves both as an act of rescue and revenge. The supporting characters are also fascinating.
The Music That Made a Difference
Anirudh Ravichander’s work has been a major talking point. His background score has been called the film’s backbone. The track ‘Raga of Revenge’ went viral. This marks Anirudh’s fifth collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj after Master, Vikram, Leo, and Coolie.
Anirudh shared his reaction to Lokesh’s acting debut. He said, “When he was becoming a hero, my first reaction was, ‘Why do you want to do it?’ But I think now everything has come together so well”. He added that Lokesh always gives him freedom when it comes to music.
The Turning Point
What makes this story remarkable is the journey. Lokesh Kanagaraj went from being meme fodder to receiving standing ovations for his performance. Twelve months ago, he was Tamil cinema’s favorite person to be trolled. Now, the conversation has shifted back to his work.
The success of DC has also changed the mood around his upcoming projects. Lokesh is set to return to direction for AA23 starring Allu Arjun. After the criticism of Coolie, some fans had doubts about his ability to handle a pan-India star. The positive reaction to DC has given a big morale boost. Fans now believe he will carry this energy into Allu Arjun’s film.
Reports also suggest that Arun Matheswaran and Lokesh Kanagaraj may reunite for a new project. While details are not yet confirmed, the buzz has sent excitement through Kollywood.
A Performance That Demands Attention
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s performance as Devadas is being praised for its intensity. He plays a gangster with no intention of leaving crime behind. But his anger is rooted in grief. The role allowed him to show a different side of his talent.
DC is not just about Lokesh Kanagaraj, though. Wamiqa Gabbi’s performance as Chandra has also received widespread attention. Many walked in expecting to talk about Lokesh’s debut. They walked out talking about Chandra instead. For Wamiqa, this film has finally given her the mainstream recognition that eluded her for nearly two decades.
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The Comeback Is Complete
Lokesh Kanagaraj has answered the one charge that actually stuck. People said he handled Coolie‘s failure by dodging it. DC is the proof that he no longer has to. He turned the trolling into triumph.
The film released in theatres on August 7, 2026. It continues to perform well at the box office. With strong word of mouth and growing appreciation from the industry, DC has given Lokesh Kanagaraj the comeback he needed.
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