Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj recently spoke at the SSVM Transforming India Conclave 2025 held in Coimbatore, where he offered compelling insights into the evolving intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. Reflecting on his experience using AI tools in his upcoming film Coolie, Lokesh revealed that a de-aged Rajinikanth was brought to life not just visually, but vocally with the star’s younger voice recreated using artificial intelligence.
Despite incorporating AI into his creative process, Lokesh made it clear that he doesn’t see the technology as a threat. “AI cannot write emotions. A story that resonates with the audience must come from a human being,” he said, emphasizing that AI should serve as a tool, not a replacement. He noted that AI has proven helpful in tasks like pre-visualization, referencing, and simplifying complex workflows like story-boarding, which traditionally took weeks.
On a lighter note, when asked about the possibility of using AI-generated music, Lokesh smiled and said, “As long as Anirudh is composing, I have no need for AI. If he quits cinema, I might consider it,” reaffirming that Anirudh will continue to compose music for all his films.
He also shared an interesting perspective on technological evolution, citing Kamal Haasan’s early advocacy for OTT platforms as an example. “Fifteen years ago, Kamal sir spoke about OTTs when nobody understood them. Now, every film has an OTT deal. I see AI in a similar way, we are just beginning to understand it.”
The conversation also turned toward aspiring filmmakers and their challenges. Lokesh encouraged young talents to pursue their vision without being bogged down by budget constraints. Recalling his own humble beginnings, he said, “I made my first short film with just 4000. A friend with a camera shot it, and another edited it on a laptop. Passion matters more than resources.”
He challenged conventional ideas of success as well, candidly stating, “I don’t consider myself a successful director. I never got to work under the filmmaker I admired most. To me, success is about sharing your story, whether it’s one minute long or three hours.” He added that box office numbers matter more to producers, not necessarily to the creator.
In closing, Lokesh urged students and future filmmakers to stay true to their instincts. “I have reached this point only because I did not let others’ opinions shape my choices. I followed my heart, and I want others to do the same.”