‘DC’ Movie: Is Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Acting Debut a Violent ‘Bonnie & Clyde’-Style Reimagining of Devdas?

Acclaimed Tamil director Arun Matheshwaran is teaming up with Lokesh Kanagaraj for an ambitious new project titled DC. The film marks Lokesh’s first full-fledged acting role, with Wamiqa Gabbi joining him as the female lead. Fans were introduced to the project through a gritty first-look teaser that dropped on Saturday, November 2, 2025.

Produced by Sun Pictures and scored by Anirudh Ravichander, the film instantly grabbed attention for its violent tone and striking aesthetic — hallmarks of Matheshwaran’s filmmaking style seen in Captain Miller, Saani Kaayidham, and Rocky. But what has sparked curiosity is the film’s connection to both Devdas and Bonnie & Clyde, hinting at a bold fusion of tragedy and chaos.

Lokesh Kanagaraj as Devdas, Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra in Arun Matheshwaran’s ‘DC’

According to the teaser, Lokesh plays Devdas — the ‘D’ in DC — while Wamiqa Gabbi portrays Chandra, representing the ‘C’. Their names directly reference Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel “Devdas”, which has inspired several adaptations across decades, from Sanjoy Leela Bhansali’s Devdas to Anurag Kashyap’s Dev.D.

Matheshwaran’s take appears to be a radical reinterpretation. Instead of a conventional romantic tragedy, DC seems poised to deliver a gritty, violent, and modern retelling of doomed love — a recurring theme in both his and Lokesh’s cinematic worlds. The teaser’s stark visuals, drenched in blood and neon light, suggest that this version of Devdas could be a criminal antihero rather than a helpless lover.

Interestingly, the teaser includes a blink-and-you-miss-it shot of Arthur Penn’s 1967 film “Bonnie & Clyde”. The reference has set the internet abuzz, with many speculating that DC could mirror the legendary outlaw couple’s dynamic — lovers bound by violence and fate. It’s a stylistic nod to the Hollywood New Wave classic that reshaped how filmmakers approached crime and realism.

Arun Matheshwaran’s Vision and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Big Transition

For Lokesh Kanagaraj, this project marks a rare shift from directing to acting. The creator of the Lokesh Kanagaraj Cinematic Universe (LCU) — which includes Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo — will step in front of the camera while Arun Matheshwaran takes the director’s chair.

Matheshwaran, known for his poetic yet brutal approach to storytelling, seems to be channeling both Indian and Western influences here. With Anirudh’s music and Sun Pictures’ production scale, DC could emerge as one of Tamil cinema’s most daring experiments in genre and tone.

Once filming wraps, Lokesh is expected to return to directing, beginning work on Kaithi 2 starring Karthi, which will expand his shared cinematic universe. Other spin-offs like Rolex with Suriya are also said to be in development.

In essence, “DC” could redefine how Tamil cinema merges literary tragedy, stylized violence, and pop-culture homage — all anchored by Lokesh Kanagaraj’s star power and Matheshwaran’s cinematic flair.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘DC’ movie about?

It’s a violent reimagining of “Devdas,” directed by Arun Matheshwaran, starring Lokesh as Devdas and Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra.

Q2: Who is directing DC?

Arun Matheshwaran, known for “Captain Miller” and “Saani Kaayidham,” is directing the film.

Q3: Is DC connected to Bonnie & Clyde?

The teaser includes a visual reference to the 1967 film, suggesting thematic inspiration from the infamous outlaw couple.

Q4: When will DC be released?

The release date has not been announced yet, as the film is still in production.

Q5: What’s next for Lokesh Kanagaraj after DC?

He will resume directing “Kaithi 2,” continuing his cinematic universe with Karthi and Suriya’s Rolex spin-off.