Wamiqa Gabbi Cast Opposite Lokesh Kanagaraj in His Acting Debut Directed by Arun Matheswaran
Chennai, Oct 30 (TheTrendingPeople.com): In what has become one of the most anticipated collaborations in Tamil cinema, sources reveal that actress Wamiqa Gabbi has been roped in to play the female lead opposite ace filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is all set to make his acting debut in an upcoming gangster drama directed by Arun Matheswaran.
The film, yet to be titled, marks a significant transition for Kanagaraj — one of Tamil cinema’s most successful contemporary directors — as he steps in front of the camera for the first time. The project is being helmed by critically acclaimed director Arun Matheswaran, known for his gritty storytelling and strong visual style in films like Rocky, Saani Kaayidham, and Captain Miller.
Wamiqa Gabbi to Share Screen with Lokesh Kanagaraj
According to reliable industry insiders, Wamiqa Gabbi, who has been receiving widespread acclaim for her performances in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema, will play the female lead in the untitled project.
Best known for her roles in ‘Godha’ (Malayalam) and ‘Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam’ (Tamil), Gabbi has been one of the most versatile young actresses in the Indian film industry. Her inclusion in the film adds significant star power and cross-industry appeal to the project.
Sources close to the production told TheTrendingPeople.com that shooting for the film is progressing at a brisk pace and is expected to wrap up by January 2026.
“This project is shaping up to be one of the most exciting gangster dramas in recent times. The pairing of Lokesh and Wamiqa is something audiences are keenly looking forward to,” an insider revealed.
Lokesh Kanagaraj Trained in Martial Arts for the Role
Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is known for creating the popular Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) through blockbuster films like Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, reportedly underwent intensive martial arts training in Thailand for his acting debut.
The filmmaker completed the training soon after directing Superstar Rajinikanth’s action entertainer ‘Coolie’, which hit screens worldwide on August 14, 2025. His decision to personally train for action sequences reflects his commitment to authenticity and realism, a hallmark of his directorial style.
This transformation from director to actor has created immense curiosity among fans and industry observers, who are eager to see how Lokesh translates his cinematic vision to performance.
Arun Matheswaran Directs the Gangster Drama
Director Arun Matheswaran, who has carved a niche for himself with intense, atmospheric narratives, is at the helm of this new project. Known for his minimalist storytelling and stylized violence, Arun’s filmmaking approach is expected to complement Lokesh’s screen presence and Wamiqa’s emotional depth.
While official details about the plot remain under wraps, sources indicate that the film will be a dark, gritty gangster saga set in Chennai, focusing on themes of revenge, loyalty, and redemption.
The combination of Lokesh’s creative instincts and Arun’s cinematic precision is being touted as a “dream collaboration” among Tamil cinema enthusiasts.
Lokesh Kanagaraj to Resume Direction with Kaithi 2
Even as he explores acting, Lokesh Kanagaraj remains deeply involved in his directorial ventures. On the filmmaking front, he is set to return to direction with ‘Kaithi 2’, the much-awaited sequel to his 2019 cult hit Kaithi, starring Karthi in the lead role.
Pre-production for Kaithi 2 is already underway under the banner of Dream Warrior Pictures. The production house recently marked the sixth anniversary of Kaithi with a nostalgic social media post, stating,
“Some stories fade. Some become legends. Dilli stole our hearts — and still rules them! Six years on, #Kaithi stands tall. #6YearsOfKaithi.”
Producer Confirms Work on Kaithi 2 Has Begun
In May 2025, producer S. R. Prabhu confirmed during a media interaction that work on Kaithi 2 had already begun.
“Preparations for the shooting of Kaithi 2 began a month ago. Shooting will commence by the end of this year. Actor Karthi will first finish his film with director Tamizh, known for Taanakaran, and then begin work on Kaithi 2,” Prabhu said.
The sequel will continue the story of Dilli, the ex-convict protagonist played by Karthi, and is expected to expand the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which has become a defining element of contemporary Tamil cinema.
Revisiting Kaithi’s Legacy
Released in 2019, Kaithi was a turning point for Tamil cinema, blending high-octane action with emotional storytelling. The film, starring Karthi and Naren, revolved around a prisoner who helps the police take down a drug syndicate — all in one night.
Remarkably, Kaithi had no female lead, a rarity in mainstream Indian cinema. Its gripping narrative, real-time tension, and tightly woven screenplay earned it both critical acclaim and commercial success.
In earlier interviews, Lokesh Kanagaraj had revealed that Kaithi was inspired partly by Bruce Willis’s ‘Die Hard’ and a real-life news report that sparked the film’s concept. “My assistant directors and I were discussing a news report that appeared in a newspaper when I got the spark for the story,” he shared.
The success of Kaithi set the stage for Lokesh’s future projects like Master, Vikram, and Leo, each contributing to the expanding LCU narrative.
The Future of Lokesh Kanagaraj
With his acting debut on the horizon and Kaithi 2 in the pipeline, Lokesh Kanagaraj stands at a pivotal juncture in his career. Known for blending mass appeal with artistic integrity, his move into acting demonstrates his evolving creative journey.
Meanwhile, Wamiqa Gabbi’s growing presence across industries — from Hindi and Tamil to Malayalam and Punjabi cinema — continues to reinforce her reputation as one of India’s most dynamic actresses.
If the buzz around this untitled project is any indication, audiences can expect a compelling cinematic experience that blends performance, storytelling, and technical brilliance.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s acting debut alongside Wamiqa Gabbi marks a new chapter in Tamil cinema — one that promises fresh energy and cinematic excellence. With Arun Matheswaran directing, this collaboration brings together three creative forces known for pushing artistic boundaries.
As shooting races toward completion and anticipation builds for Kaithi 2, fans have plenty to look forward to from one of India’s most visionary filmmakers.