In a recent interview, director Lokesh Kanagaraj stated that he has been promoting a 'No drug use' morality through his films. Furthermore, he has been to several Tamil Nadu colleges to make youngsters take an oath against substance abuse.
Do Lokesh's films genuinely don't glorify drug use? In visiting multiple colleges, is he atoning? His critics have lashed out at his movies on certain grounds. While the "heroes" like Vikram (Kamal Haasan) are fighting for a drug-free society, netizens often point to characters like Rolex (played by Suriya) or Sandhanam (Vijay Sethupathi). They argue that the stylish portrayal of these drug kingpins and their "mass" entries can unintentionally glorify the power and lifestyle associated with the drug trade, making it look "cool" to younger audiences.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, on his part, is doing what he can do off the world of cinema. To prove his sincerity, he has highlighted his real-world efforts, such as taking anti-drug pledges with over 15,000 students and hiring assistant directors who made short films against drug abuse.
