From Kaithi to Vikram, for the first time ever, the architect of Indian cinema’s boldest cinematic universe breaks down how he writes, directs, and builds edge-of-your-seat films that command mass and craft.
Discover filmmaking through the
eyes of a storyteller who transformed
everyday encounters into cinematic masterpieces.
No one changed Tamil cinema the way Lokesh did. With just a few films, Lokesh redefined how Indian cinema approaches tension, scale, and interconnected storytelling. The Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) didn’t start with a franchise plan—it started with conviction, craft, and character.
No one changed Tamil cinema the way Lokesh did. With just a few films, Lokesh redefined how Indian cinema approaches tension, scale, and interconnected storytelling. The Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) didn’t start with a franchise plan—it started with conviction, craft, and character.
This Masterclass captures that mindset. No filters. No fluff. Just filmmaking from the inside out.
This Masterclass captures that mindset. No filters. No fluff. Just filmmaking from the inside out.
CLASS INFO
CLASS INFO
Episode 1
The Journey Behind the Lens
Understand how Lokesh Kanagaraj transitioned from film enthusiast to one of India’s most influential directors. Learn what shaped his cinematic voice, and how each stage of his journey—from short films to box-office hits—influenced the way he writes and directs today.
Episode 2
Finding Your Story — Ideation & Pre-visualisation
Learn how to turn real-world observations, memories, and events into compelling cinematic ideas. Lokesh breaks down how he develops core concepts, separates the role of writer and director, and pre-visualizes scenes to strengthen clarity before writing a single line of dialogue.
Episode 3
Research as a Filmmaker’s Superpower
Explore how in-depth research creates more believable worlds and characters. Through Maanagaram, Lokesh shows how grounded story development enhances authenticity, emotional depth, and audience immersion.
Episode 4
Structuring Conflict — Lokesh’s Approach to Screenwriting
Go beyond the traditional three-act structure and learn Lokesh’s unique writing method, which begins with the midpoint conflict. Discover how he builds escalating tension, character motivations, and story arcs that hold attention from start to finish.
Episode 5
Writing Action That Serves the Story
Learn how to script action scenes that are emotionally driven, not just visually impressive. Lokesh uses the Leo café fight to break down how action emerges from character and conflict, and how he ensures every beat supports the overall narrative.
Episode 6
Building Characters with Emotional Truth
Understand how to create characters rooted in reality, with layered motivations and organic arcs. Lokesh uses JD from Master to demonstrate how he develops protagonists that feel both larger-than-life and deeply human.
Episode 7
Visual Characterization — Costumes, Props & Palette
Learn how to enhance character depth through visual storytelling. Lokesh shows how lighting, costume design, props, and even posture contribute to how a character is perceived—across both lead and supporting roles.
Episode 8
Assembling the Right Crew
Discover how to build a creative team that aligns with your vision. Lokesh shares how he chooses technicians, communicates his intent, and builds trust with collaborators—especially when working with experienced senior artists.
Episode 9
Directing with the Edit in Mind
Learn how Lokesh makes editing decisions on set—knowing exactly when to call cut, what coverage to capture, and how to reduce editing guesswork. Using Leo and Maanagaram, he shows how preemptive thinking creates tighter, more powerful scenes in post.
Episode 10
Crafting a Directorial Signature
Explore how visual, tonal, and musical choices form a director’s creative identity. Lokesh reflects on how he developed recurring elements like graphic violence, red hues, and nostalgic music—and how you can identify and refine your own style.
Episode 11
Scouting Locations with Intent
Go inside the location scouting process as Lokesh explains how to evaluate settings not just for logistics, but for emotional and narrative value. He walks through the Maanagaram recce process to show how space impacts scene design and flow.
Episode 12
Designing Sound for Maximum Impact
Learn how sound becomes a storytelling tool. Lokesh explains how he avoids generic SFX, collaborates with sound designers, and builds sonic identities for violence, silence, and suspense—so that every punch or pause feels intentional.
Episode 13
Art Direction and Worldbuilding
Join Lokesh and Art Director Sathish as they break down how detailed props and constructed sets enhance immersion. Learn how long-term planning and material specificity create believable, character-driven environments.
Episode 14
The Art of Choosing a Title
Titles are more than names—they’re promises. Lokesh walks through how he approaches naming a film, what a title should communicate, and how to make sure it emotionally primes the audience for what’s to come.
Episode 15
Directing with Conviction
Explore why belief in your vision is essential to leadership on set. Lokesh shares personal reflections on how conviction affects creative choices, motivates teams, and shapes how a director earns trust—from cast, crew, and ultimately, the audience.
Start today for just
Start today for just
₹2,499
₹2,499
₹4,999
₹4,999
Limited Time Offer
Limited Time Offer
What You'll Get?
What You'll Get?
20+ Cinematic Lessons
20+ Cinematic Lessons
Watch in Tamil with English subtitles
Watch in Tamil with English subtitles
Lifetime validity
Lifetime validity
Certificate Signed by Nelson
Certificate Signed by Nelson
100% satisfaction guarantee
100% satisfaction guarantee
Bonus behind-the-scenes content
Bonus behind-the-scenes content
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
WHAT IF FILMMAKING WASN'T ABOUT FORMULAS-BUT ABOUT STORYTELLING
THAT STAYS WITH YOU?
Lokesh Kanagaraj's cinema is visceral, gripping, and distinctively intense. In this one-of-a-kind Masterclass, he reveals his complete filmmaking process: how a single moment can become a cinematic universe, how to craft tension scene-by-scene, and how to stay true to your vision while directing some of India's biggest stars.
Learn the techniques he actually uses on set:
Lokesh Kanagaraj's cinema is visceral, gripping, and distinctively intense. In this one-of-a-kind Masterclass, he reveals his complete filmmaking process: how a single moment can become a cinematic universe, how to craft tension scene-by-scene, and how to stay true to your vision while directing some of India's biggest stars.
Learn the techniques he actually uses on set:
Crafting scenes
around tension
Crafting scenes around tension
Writing characters
with depth
Writing characters with depth
Building a
cinematic universe
Building a cinematic universe
Directing action
with clarity
Directing action with clarity
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
THIS IS FOR YOU
IF YOU'RE…
How to write for tension, not just plot
Scene construction & escalation
Scene construction & escalation
Grounded action choreography
Directing superstars and elevating performance
Directing superstars and elevating performance
Balancing chaos with emotional clarity
Balancing chaos with emotional clarity
The visual language of intensity
Building a cinematic universe
Building a cinematic universe
Case studies from Maanagaram, Kaithi, Vikram, Leo, Master
Case studies from Maanagaram, Kaithi, Vikram, Leo, Master
WHY IS THIS
MASTERCLASS FOR YOU?
WHY IS THIS MASTERCLASS FOR YOU?
Think deeply about how to hold tension in a scene
Think deeply about how to hold tension in a scene
Want to make commercial films without losing their voice
Want to make commercial films without losing their voice
Obsess over blocking, rhythm, and how a moment plays out
Obsess over blocking, rhythm, and how a moment plays out
Want to learn how to build characters and connect stories across films
Want to learn how to build characters and connect stories across films
Believe great action is nothing without emotional clarity
Believe great action is nothing without emotional clarity
You’ve seen what he builds on screen. Now learn how he builds it off screen.
If you’re serious about filmmaking, this isn’t just a class. It’s a front-row seat to the thought process behind some of Indian cinema’s boldest work.
Limited Time Offer
You’ve seen what he builds on screen. Now learn how he builds it off screen.
If you’re serious about filmmaking, this isn’t just a class. It’s a front-row seat to the thought process behind some of Indian cinema’s boldest work.
Limited Time Offer
WHAT EARLY LEARNERS
ARE SAYING?
WHAT EARLY LEARNERS
ARE SAYING?
I’ve done a few writing workshops before, but this one stood out. Lokesh didn’t come through film school—and you can feel it in his teaching. No rules, no formulas. Just his rhythm—how he builds tension, uses silence, and gives the audience room to breathe. His narrative breakdown of Leo and Vikram helped me untangle a script I’d been stuck on for months. Suddenly, the clutter in my head made sense. It felt like he gave me permission to write instinctively.
Priya Sharma
Aspiring Writer, Jaipur
I don’t work in films—I lead a product team in tech. But I’ve always believed storytelling matters everywhere. What surprised me was how relevant this class was for my world. The way Lokesh builds emotional arcs, places reveals, and times his ‘mass’ moments—honestly, it reminded me of how we build pitch decks. His lesson on scene rhythm made me think differently and I actually took notes like I was back in college.
Rahul Mehta
Product Manager, Mumbai
His explanation of emotional hooks during ‘mass’ scenes really stuck with me. He doesn’t believe in loud for the sake of loud—he builds character stakes first, then delivers the punch. It’s not just about the noise, but about making you feel something when the moment hits. That one insight completely changed how I think about impact in storytelling. I went back to my scripts and started focusing more on emotional buildup than spectacle.
Kunal Bhagat
Marketing Lead, Bengaluru
I shoot bike vlogs every weekend—nothing fancy. But I love cutting footage to music, adding drama, building arcs. I never thought a director like Lokesh would help with that. His take on action scenes—how every cut is about emotion, not just movement—completely changed how I edit. His lesson on fight sequences, explaining why pauses matter more than punches, was eye-opening. I now pace my edits differently, giving breath and building tension. Suddenly, my videos feel more cinematic—just by thinking differently.
Karthik Raj
Motovlogger & Editor, Madurai
I’ve been on film sets for four years now. I thought I’d seen it all. But just in the first two videos, Lokesh shared things that made me pause. The way he talks about building character —using actions, glances, silences—it’s subtle but powerful. He’s not teaching with slides or breakdowns. He’s just walking you through his decisions, and you realise how much of direction is just emotional clarity. I took what he said into my next shoot, and my scene blocking felt more fluid. It’s like I was seeing things with a clearer lens.
Amrita Rao
Assistant Director, Kochi
We study screen theory in class—three-act structures, character arcs, all that stuff. But when Lokesh talks about why he chose a certain beat or framed a shot, it feels alive—like real thinking in motion. His breakdown of Leo vs Master—why each needed a different emotional payoff—completely changed how I view endings. What stood out the most is that he never once said, ‘this is the right way.’ He simply shows what worked for him, and that gives you the confidence to trust your instincts and find your own voice.
Aisha Iqbal
Media Student, Delhi
"I’ve done a few writing workshops before, but this one stood out. Lokesh didn’t come through film school—and you can feel it in his teaching. No rules, no formulas. Just his rhythm—how he builds tension, uses silence, and gives the audience room to breathe. His narrative breakdown of Leo and Vikram helped me untangle a script I’d been stuck on for months. Suddenly, the clutter in my head made sense. It felt like he gave me permission to write instinctively."
Priya Sharma
Aspiring Writer, Jaipur
"I’ve done a few writing workshops before, but this one stood out. Lokesh didn’t come through film school—and you can feel it in his teaching. No rules, no formulas. Just his rhythm—how he builds tension, uses silence, and gives the audience room to breathe. His narrative breakdown of Leo and Vikram helped me untangle a script I’d been stuck on for months. Suddenly, the clutter in my head made sense. It felt like he gave me permission to write instinctively."
Priya Sharma
Aspiring Writer, Jaipur
"I don’t work in films—I lead a product team in tech. But I’ve always believed storytelling matters everywhere. What surprised me was how relevant this class was for my world. The way Lokesh builds emotional arcs, places reveals, and times his ‘mass’ moments—honestly, it reminded me of how we build pitch decks. His lesson on scene rhythm made me think differently and I actually took notes like I was back in college.
Rahul Mehta
Product Manager, Mumbai
"I don’t work in films—I lead a product team in tech. But I’ve always believed storytelling matters everywhere. What surprised me was how relevant this class was for my world. The way Lokesh builds emotional arcs, places reveals, and times his ‘mass’ moments—honestly, it reminded me of how we build pitch decks. His lesson on scene rhythm made me think differently and I actually took notes like I was back in college.
Rahul Mehta
Product Manager, Mumbai
His explanation of emotional hooks during ‘mass’ scenes really stuck with me. He doesn’t believe in loud for the sake of loud—he builds character stakes first, then delivers the punch. It’s not just about the noise, but about making you feel something when the moment hits. That one insight completely changed how I think about impact in storytelling. I went back to my scripts and started focusing more on emotional buildup than spectacle.
Kunal Bhagat
Marketing Lead, Bengaluru
His explanation of emotional hooks during ‘mass’ scenes really stuck with me. He doesn’t believe in loud for the sake of loud—he builds character stakes first, then delivers the punch. It’s not just about the noise, but about making you feel something when the moment hits. That one insight completely changed how I think about impact in storytelling. I went back to my scripts and started focusing more on emotional buildup than spectacle.
Kunal Bhagat
Marketing Lead, Bengaluru
"I shoot bike vlogs every weekend. Nothing fancy. But I love cutting my footage to music, adding drama, building little arcs. I didn’t expect a director like Lokesh to help with that. But the way he talks about action scenes—how every cut is about emotion, not just movement—completely changed how I edit now. His lesson on fight sequences, where he explains why pauses matter more than punches... bro, that was eye-opening. I’ve started pacing my edits differently. Giving breath. Building tension. Suddenly, my videos feel more cinematic without adding anything new—just thinking differently."
Karthik Raj
Motovlogger & Editor, Madurai
"I shoot bike vlogs every weekend. Nothing fancy. But I love cutting my footage to music, adding drama, building little arcs. I didn’t expect a director like Lokesh to help with that. But the way he talks about action scenes—how every cut is about emotion, not just movement—completely changed how I edit now. His lesson on fight sequences, where he explains why pauses matter more than punches... bro, that was eye-opening. I’ve started pacing my edits differently. Giving breath. Building tension. Suddenly, my videos feel more cinematic without adding anything new—just thinking differently."
Karthik Raj
Motovlogger & Editor, Madurai
"I’ve been on film sets for four years now. I thought I’d seen it all. But just in the first two videos, Lokesh shared things that made me pause. The way he talks about building character —using actions, glances, silences—it’s subtle but powerful. He’s not teaching with slides or breakdowns. He’s just walking you through his decisions, and you realise how much of direction is just emotional clarity. I took what he said into my next shoot, and my scene blocking felt more fluid. It’s like I was seeing things with a clearer lens."
Amrita Rao
Assistant Director, Kochi
"I’ve been on film sets for four years now. I thought I’d seen it all. But just in the first two videos, Lokesh shared things that made me pause. The way he talks about building character —using actions, glances, silences—it’s subtle but powerful. He’s not teaching with slides or breakdowns. He’s just walking you through his decisions, and you realise how much of direction is just emotional clarity. I took what he said into my next shoot, and my scene blocking felt more fluid. It’s like I was seeing things with a clearer lens."
Amrita Rao
Assistant Director, Kochi
I edit a lot of wedding films. Didn't think this would be useful honestly. But then he said editing is like 'finding the heartbeat of the story'—that line stuck. I started rewatching my client films, and yeah... I was rushing. Now I leave more space, more pause. Emotion lands better.
Aisha Iqbal
Media Student, Delhi
I edit a lot of wedding films. Didn't think this would be useful honestly. But then he said editing is like 'finding the heartbeat of the story'—that line stuck. I started rewatching my client films, and yeah... I was rushing. Now I leave more space, more pause. Emotion lands better.
Aisha Iqbal
Media Student, Delhi
You’ve seen what he builds on screen. Now learn how he builds it off screen.
If you’re serious about filmmaking, this isn’t just a class. It’s a front-row seat to the thought process behind some of Indian cinema’s boldest work.
Limited Time Offer
QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Is this a technical filmmaking course?
No. This is not a technical or academic filmmaking course. Lokesh isn’t teaching shot sizes or camera gear. He’s walking you through how he thinks, how he builds stories, choreographs action, directs actors, and balances emotion with mass appeal.
Who is this Masterclass for?
This is for anyone who loves cinema and wants to understand how powerful films are made from instinct, rhythm, and emotional clarity—not just craft. Whether you're a film student, aspiring director, AD, editor, content creator, or just a curious movie buff—there’s something here for you.
Do I need any prior experience in filmmaking?
No experience required. Lokesh himself didn’t come up through film school. His process is grounded in observation, passion, and working with teams. You’ll understand his approach even if you’re completely new to the world of filmmaking.
Will I learn how to shoot or write scripts?
Not in the traditional sense. You won’t learn formatting or gear settings. But you will learn how Lokesh crafts moments—how he edits tension, blocks scenes, handles stars and newcomers, builds layered arcs, and choreographs emotion into action. It’s real, applicable, and deeply intuitive.
How long is the Masterclass?
The course includes 20+ video lessons with over 100 mins of content. You can watch it at your own pace—rewind, revisit, pause and absorb whenever you like.
Is this a technical filmmaking course?
No. This is not a technical or academic filmmaking course. Lokesh isn’t teaching shot sizes or camera gear. He’s walking you through how he thinks, how he builds stories, choreographs action, directs actors, and balances emotion with mass appeal.
Who is this Masterclass for?
This is for anyone who loves cinema and wants to understand how powerful films are made from instinct, rhythm, and emotional clarity—not just craft. Whether you're a film student, aspiring director, AD, editor, content creator, or just a curious movie buff—there’s something here for you.
Do I need any prior experience in filmmaking?
No experience required. Lokesh himself didn’t come up through film school. His process is grounded in observation, passion, and working with teams. You’ll understand his approach even if you’re completely new to the world of filmmaking.
Will I learn how to shoot or write scripts?
Not in the traditional sense. You won’t learn formatting or gear settings. But you will learn how Lokesh crafts moments—how he edits tension, blocks scenes, handles stars and newcomers, builds layered arcs, and choreographs emotion into action. It’s real, applicable, and deeply intuitive.
How long is the Masterclass?
The course includes 20+ video lessons with over 100 mins of content. You can watch it at your own pace—rewind, revisit, pause and absorb whenever you like.
What do I get when I enroll?
This course includes 20+ detailed lessons from Lokesh Kanagaraj, offering full lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace. You’ll also receive a signed Certificate of Completion, along with access to downloadable PDFs and case notes for deeper insights. Plus, you’ll gain entry into our exclusive creative community, where you can join discussions and events with like-minded storytellers.
What language is the course in?
The lessons are in simple Tamil with English Subtitles , spoken in Lokesh’s natural, conversational tone. Dubbed versions will soon be available in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
No film background—will it help?
Absolutely. Many learners from tech, design, marketing, and education backgrounds have taken this course. If you’re a storyteller in any form, you’ll connect deeply with Lokesh’s process.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Upon completing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. You can download and share it on social media or add it to your creative portfolio.
Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. You pay once and get lifetime access. No renewals, no subscription—just unlock it once and revisit anytime.
What do I get when I enroll?
This course includes 20+ detailed lessons from Lokesh Kanagaraj, offering full lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace. You’ll also receive a signed Certificate of Completion, along with access to downloadable PDFs and case notes for deeper insights. Plus, you’ll gain entry into our exclusive creative community, where you can join discussions and events with like-minded storytellers.
What language is the course in?
The lessons are in simple Tamil with English Subtitles , spoken in Lokesh’s natural, conversational tone. Dubbed versions will soon be available in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
No film background—will it help?
Absolutely. Many learners from tech, design, marketing, and education backgrounds have taken this course. If you’re a storyteller in any form, you’ll connect deeply with Lokesh’s process.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Upon completing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion signed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. You can download and share it on social media or add it to your creative portfolio.
Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. You pay once and get lifetime access. No renewals, no subscription—just unlock it once and revisit anytime.
Copyright © 2025 LevelUp Learning • All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2025 LevelUp Learning • All Rights Reserved