Director Lokesh Kanagaraj on Friday openly acknowledged the criticism surrounding his recent film Coolie, starring superstar Rajinikanth, and said he would work on correcting his mistakes in future projects.
Speaking to the media, Lokesh said he had heard several negative comments from audiences and critics alike. “Whenever there is criticism for a film from the audience, it is important to accept it,” he said, adding that feedback plays a crucial role in a filmmaker’s growth.
Gratitude despite criticism
While accepting the shortcomings pointed out by viewers, Lokesh also expressed gratitude to audiences who watched Coolie primarily for Rajinikanth. “Beyond all the criticism, many people saw the film for Rajinikanth sir. I must thank them sincerely,” he said.
The director revealed that his producer had informed him that Coolie collected around ₹500 crore at the box office, underlining the film’s commercial success despite mixed reactions.
Could not respond earlier
Lokesh explained that he could not address criticism immediately after the film’s release as he was occupied with the shoot of his next project. “I was continuously shooting and didn’t get the opportunity to speak about it earlier,” he said.
He added that audience responses, even harsh ones, would be kept in mind while shaping his upcoming films.
Packed slate ahead
Lokesh Kanagaraj has several projects lined up. He is set to direct Aamir Khan in a superhero film, marking a major collaboration between the Tamil filmmaker and the Bollywood star.
In addition, Lokesh will make his debut as a lead actor in an upcoming action film directed by Arun Matheswaran, known for Captain Miller. Until now, Lokesh has appeared only in cameo roles in films such as Master and Singapore Saloon.
Expanding the LCU
Apart from directing and acting, Lokesh is also producing Benz, starring Raghava Lawrence and Nivin Pauly, directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The film is part of the expanding Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).
With multiple roles and projects underway, Lokesh’s candid acceptance of criticism signals a filmmaker keen to evolve, even as he balances commercial success with audience expectations.
Excerpt:
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has accepted criticism of Coolie and said he will correct his mistakes in future films, while thanking fans of Rajinikanth.
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Lokesh Kanagaraj accepts Coolie criticism, promises improvement
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Lokesh Kanagaraj says he accepts criticism of Coolie and will learn from it, even as the Rajinikanth starrer reportedly earned ₹500 crore.
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Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie, Rajinikanth, Tamil cinema, film criticism, LCU, newskarnataka
Virat Kohli looked set for another dominant outing while turning out for Delhi in their second Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Gujarat on Friday at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. From the moment he walked out to bat, Kohli was in full flow, playing with authority and attacking intent. At 37, he showed no signs of restraint, taking on the bowlers early and finding gaps all around the ground. Virat Kohli and Vishal Jayswal Kohli appeared firmly on course for a second successive hundred, but the innings ended unexpectedly. Against the run of play, Gujarat spinner Vishal Jayswal provided the breakthrough. The left arm orthodox bowler managed to draw Kohli out of his crease as the ball spun away from the outside edge. The wicketkeeper was quick to react, removing the bails and sending Kohli back after a well made 77 off 61 balls. 03:05 Virat Kohli’s childhood coach makes a big statement on 2027 ODI World Cup For a brief period, Gujarat looked in control and threatened to snatch the contest away from Delhi. However, a late collapse turned the tide, allowing Delhi to escape with the result despite the pressure applied by the Gujarat bowlers. Vishal Jayswal gets signed ball from Virat Kohli After the match, a warm moment unfolded between Kohli and Jayswal. The former India captain spent time with the spinner who dismissed him, signing the match ball and posing for a photograph. BY TABOOLASPONSORED LINKS YOU MAY LIKE This device changes the lives of seniors with hearing loss (without breaking the bank) Hearing Magazine Jayswal later shared the image on Instagram, describing the moment as a surreal experience after growing up watching Kohli on television. The spinner also posted a video of the dismissal, capturing his emotional reaction to taking such a prized wicket. In another message, Jayswal spoke about the significance of the moment, calling it one he would cherish forever and expressing gratitude for the journey the game has given him. Kohli’s return to domestic cricket saw him feature in Delhi’s first two matches of the tournament, scoring 131 against Andhra before following it up with 77 against Gujarat. He was later seen leaving Bengaluru airport on Friday evening and is not expected to take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures.
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Virat Kohli’s fluent 77 ends abruptly as Delhi edge past Gujarat
Bengaluru, December 27, 2025:
Virat Kohli looked set for another commanding knock while turning out for Delhi in their second Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Gujarat at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Friday, before his innings ended unexpectedly against the run of play.
From the moment he walked out to bat, Virat Kohli was in complete control, playing with trademark authority and attacking intent. At 37, the former India captain showed no signs of caution, taking on the Gujarat bowlers early and finding gaps with ease.
Kohli cruises, Gujarat find a breakthrough
Kohli appeared well on course for a second successive century in the tournament, following his 131 against Andhra in the previous match. However, Gujarat spinner Vishal Jayswal provided the crucial breakthrough.
The left-arm orthodox bowler tempted Kohli out of his crease as the ball spun away, with the wicketkeeper effecting a sharp stumping. Kohli departed after a well-crafted 77 off 61 balls, bringing a sudden halt to Delhi’s momentum.
For a brief phase, Gujarat sensed an opening and applied pressure through disciplined bowling, threatening to wrest control of the contest.
Delhi hold their nerve
Despite Gujarat’s push, a late collapse from the opposition turned the match back in Delhi’s favour, allowing them to escape with the result under pressure. Kohli’s innings, though cut short, remained the standout performance of the match.
A moment to remember for Jayswal
After the game, a warm exchange between Kohli and Jayswal captured attention. Kohli spent time with the young spinner, signing the match ball and posing for a photograph. Jayswal later shared the image on Instagram, calling the moment surreal and one he would cherish forever after growing up watching Kohli on television.
He also posted a video of the dismissal, expressing gratitude for the journey cricket has given him and the opportunity to claim such a prized wicket.
Kohli set to step away from tournament
Kohli featured in Delhi’s first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy but was later seen leaving Bengaluru airport on Friday evening. He is not expected to take part in the remaining fixtures of the tournament.
Excerpt:
Virat Kohli’s fluent 77 for Delhi ended unexpectedly against Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, before a warm post-match moment with spinner Vishal Jayswal.
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Virat Kohli’s 77 ends abruptly as Delhi beat Gujarat
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Virat Kohli scored a fluent 77 for Delhi against Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before being dismissed by Vishal Jayswal in Bengaluru.
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Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Delhi cricket, Gujarat cricket, domestic cricket, newskarnataka
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar penned a heartfelt birthday wish for the Bhaijaan of Bollywood, Salman Khan, who turned 60 years on Saturday. The ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ maker wished for Salman’s starlight to shine forever’. Advertisement Posting a throwback pic of Salman from his younger days, Zoya wrote on her IG, “Happy Birthday Salman (collision and hug emojis) Health Happiness and 60 More (The clinking glasses emoji) May you shine your starlight forever (Evil eye emoji) Only (Red heart emoji) (sic)”. Advertisement Salman rang in his 60th birthday with the paparazzi. The ‘Sultan’ actor stepped out of his Panvel farmhouse and cut a cake with the paparazzi gathered outside the venue. He was even seen offering them a slice before posing for the cameras. Salman hosted a special birthday bash for his family and members of the film fraternity at the farmhouse on Friday night. His parents, Salim Khan and Salma Khan, sister Arpita Khan, along with her husband Aayush Sharma and their children, Ahil and Ayat, brother Arbaaz Khan’s son Arhaan Khan, Sohail Khan’s son, Nirvaan Khan. Arbaaz Khan and his wife Sshura Khan with their newborn daughter, Sipaara were seen arriving at the venue. The guest list from Bollywood includes Randeep Hooda and his better half Lin Laishram, Genelia Deshmukh and her sons Riaan and Rahyl, MS Dhoni with his wife Sakshi, producer Ramesh Taurani, Tabu, Nikhil Dwivedi, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Huma Qureshi, to name just a few. On the work front, Salman is presently busy with his much-anticipated war drama, “Battle of Galwan”. With Chitrangda Singh as the leading lady, the project is a cinematic adaptation of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between the Indian and Chinese troops, where the soldiers fought with their hands, using sticks and stones, as firearms were not permitted in the region.
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Zoya Akhtar wishes Salman Khan as he turns 60
Mumbai, December 27, 2025:
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar penned a warm and affectionate birthday message for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who celebrated his 60th birthday on Saturday, calling for his “starlight to shine forever”.
Sharing a throwback photograph of a young Salman on Instagram, the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara director wrote, “Happy Birthday Salman… Health, happiness and 60 more. May you shine your starlight forever,” accompanied by hugs, hearts and celebratory emojis. The post quickly drew attention from fans and members of the film fraternity.
Birthday celebrations at Panvel farmhouse
Salman marked his milestone birthday with a low-key yet warm interaction with the paparazzi. Stepping out of his Panvel farmhouse, the actor cut a cake with photographers gathered outside, even offering them slices before posing for pictures.
Later in the evening, Salman hosted a private birthday celebration at the farmhouse for family members and close friends from the film industry.
Family and film fraternity in attendance
Several members of the Khan family were present, including Salman’s parents Salim Khan and Salma Khan, sister Arpita Khan with husband Aayush Sharma and their children Ahil and Ayat, along with nephews Arhaan and Nirvaan Khan.
Among the Bollywood guests were actors Randeep Hooda with wife Lin Laishram, Genelia Deshmukh with her sons, Tabu, Huma Qureshi, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, producer Ramesh Taurani, and cricketer MS Dhoni with wife Sakshi.
Salman’s next big project
On the work front, Salman Khan is currently busy with his upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan. The film, which stars Chitrangda Singh as the leading lady, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, depicting the intense hand-to-hand combat fought without firearms.
As Salman enters a new decade, wishes from colleagues like Zoya Akhtar reflect the enduring admiration he commands across generations in Hindi cinema.