Get ready for a powerful new on-screen pairing as the versatile Wamiqa Gabbi is confirmed to star alongside acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj in his highly anticipated acting debut, directed by the visionary Arun Matheswaran.
TL;DR- Acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj is officially making his acting debut in a high-octane gangster action film.
- Bollywood and pan-Indian actress Wamiqa Gabbi has been confirmed as the female lead, following earlier rumors about Rachitha Ram.
- The untitled film is helmed by director Arun Matheswaran and is already in production, with filming expected to wrap by January 2026.
Lokesh Kanagaraj's Bold New Chapter: From Visionary Director to Action Star
We all know Lokesh Kanagaraj as the mastermind behind some of the most thrilling and successful films in recent Tamil cinema, like Kaithi, Master, and Vikram. His recent collaboration with Superstar Rajinikanth on Coolie also kept us all talking. But now, Lokesh is taking a massive leap – right into the spotlight as a lead actor!
This isn't his first time in front of the camera, though. Fans got a delightful glimpse of his acting chops alongside Shruti Haasan in the romantic song "Inimel," which impressively racked up over 15 million views on YouTube. That small appearance certainly sparked curiosity, and now his full-fledged acting debut is officially underway!
To prepare for this demanding new role, Lokesh has reportedly undergone intense martial arts training abroad. He's also embraced a significant physical transformation, including weight loss and sporting a rugged, long-bearded look, hinting at the intensity he's bringing to his character. Talk about dedication!
Wamiqa Gabbi: The Pan-Indian Sensation Bringing Glamour and Grit to the Screen
Joining Lokesh in this exciting venture is the incredibly talented and popular actress Wamiqa Gabbi. You might know her from her captivating performances across various languages – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Punjabi. Wamiqa is a true pan-Indian star, adored for her dazzling screen presence and often viral glamorous social media pictures, which have earned her a significant following down South, even without headlining massive blockbusters.
While earlier rumors floated around about Rachitha Ram being considered for the female lead, fresh updates confirm that Wamiqa Gabbi has been locked in for the role. This pairing promises a fresh dynamic, and fans are already buzzing with excitement to see their chemistry unfold in this action-packed story.
Wamiqa's career is currently soaring! She's managed to strike a fantastic balance between Bollywood and regional cinema, juggling nearly eight films in her kitty at the moment. This makes her one of the busiest actresses in the industry. Her involvement in Lokesh's debut is poised to be a major boost, helping her consolidate her image further in the South with a meaty, high-profile performance.
Arun Matheswaran's Signature Style: Crafting an Intense Gangster Saga
Guiding Lokesh's acting debut is director Arun Matheswaran, a filmmaker renowned for his distinctive and bold storytelling. Arun has carved a niche for himself with gritty, stylized realism in films like Rocky, Saani Kaayidham, and most recently, Dhanush's critically acclaimed Captain Miller (2024). His films often feature intense, grounded violence, presented with a unique cinematic vision.
This upcoming project is touted as an intense action drama, specifically a raw gangster action story. This genre aligns perfectly with Arun's strengths and Lokesh's established persona, albeit now in front of the camera. We can definitely expect a film that's both visually striking and packed with high-octane sequences, showcasing Lokesh's newfound action skills.
Behind the Scenes: What We Know About This High-Octane Project
The cameras are already rolling! The first schedule for this untitled film is currently underway in Chennai, having officially gone on floors last week with a traditional pooja ceremony. The team is reportedly progressing at a brisk pace, with plans to wrap up the entire production by January 2026.
While an official announcement from the makers about the full cast and crew is still anticipated, reports suggest that Sun Pictures, the banner that backed Lokesh's recent directorial Coolie, is producing this film. If true, this indicates that the project is being mounted on a grand scale, promising a high-quality cinematic experience for audiences.
The secrecy around the project is certainly building anticipation, but the core elements – Lokesh's debut, Wamiqa's casting, and Arun's direction – are enough to make cinephiles eagerly await more details.
The Road Ahead: Future Plans for Lokesh, Wamiqa, and Arun
All three talents involved in this film have incredibly packed schedules. For Wamiqa, this is just one of many exciting projects. You'll soon see her in Adivi Sesh's spy thriller sequel G2, and she also has a handful of Tamil films coming up, including Ravi Mohan's Genie and SJ Suryah's Iravaakaalam. Beyond that, she's busy with Hindi and Punjabi projects, with recent appearances in films like Bhool Chuk Maaf opposite Rajkummar Rao, and upcoming roles in films like Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan's Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, Akshay Kumar's Bhooth Bangla, and Asif Ali's Tiki Taka. Her career graph is definitely on a strong upward trajectory!
As for Lokesh, his directorial plate remains full. After wrapping up his acting debut with Arun Matheswaran, he's set to dive into his next directorial venture, the highly anticipated Kaithi 2, starring Karthi. Beyond that, there's speculation about a massive collaboration with Aamir Khan on a superhero film, and even rumors about a legendary Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan project. It's clear that Lokesh will be juggling multiple roles – actor, director, and visionary – for the foreseeable future.
Arun Matheswaran is equally busy. While he's helming this intense action drama, he's also reportedly directing a biopic on the eminent composer-singer Ilaiyaraaja, with Dhanush set to play the lead role, though some reports suggest this project might be postponed. His unique storytelling will continue to shape diverse and compelling narratives.
Why This Unique Collaboration is Generating Immense Anticipation
The confluence of these three incredible talents makes this upcoming film a must-watch. Lokesh Kanagaraj stepping into an acting role, especially one that requires such physical transformation and intense performance, is a fascinating development for his career and for the industry. It's a testament to his artistic courage and willingness to explore new avenues.
Wamiqa Gabbi's casting brings a fresh face and proven versatility, enhancing the film's appeal across multiple languages. Her ability to exude both glamour and deliver strong performances makes her an ideal choice for a project that aims to be both intense and engaging.
And then there's Arun Matheswaran, whose distinct directorial voice promises a film that will stand out. His knack for gritty narratives combined with stylized visuals means Lokesh's acting debut won't be just another action flick, but a cinematic experience with a unique artistic fingerprint.
As the film progresses towards its early 2026 wrap, all eyes will be on the official updates regarding its title, more cast members, and a potential release timeline. This unexpected yet incredibly exciting collaboration is definitely one for the calendars!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Exciting New Film
When is Lokesh Kanagaraj's acting debut movie expected to release? Official release dates are still under wraps. However, filming is projected to be completed by January 2026, so we can expect announcements for a release sometime next year! Who is directing Lokesh Kanagaraj's first film as an actor? The film is being directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Arun Matheswaran, known for his distinctive action thrillers. What genre can we expect for Lokesh Kanagaraj's acting debut? It's confirmed to be an intense gangster action drama, promising a raw and high-octane cinematic experience. Has Wamiqa Gabbi worked in Tamil cinema before? Yes! Wamiqa has previously starred in Tamil films like Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam (2016) and an episode of Modern Love Chennai (2023).Sources
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- Finally, Lokesh Kanagaraj's Debut Movie Heroine Revealed? (By: Shanaz B Syed | 30 Oct 2025 11:10 AM IST)
- Wamiqa Gabbi Joins Lokesh Kanagaraj's Acting Debut Under Sun Pictures (PUBLISHED DATE : 30/Oct/2025)
- Wamiqa Gabbi Joins Lokesh Kanagaraj in His Acting Debut (By Ram P Updated at: 2025-10-30 07:16:00)
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- (Untitled article from Oct 23, 2025 regarding Lokesh's acting debut kickoff)