Journey of Irumbu Kai Mayavi: From Steel Claw to Suriya-starrer and now Aamir Khan-Lokesh Kanagaraj’s superhero saga

It is only getting bigger and better for filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, who, after giving smashing hits with his LCU universe, is expecting the release of his next with Rajinikanth. The Maanagaram filmmaker, who started out with a humble star cast, is now directing the who's who of the industry, with Lokesh next working with none other than Hindi actor Aamir Khan himself. It was only recently that Aamir Khan, who is expecting the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, announced that the film will go on floors in the later half of 2026.

Also read: Aamir Khan denies PK sequel reports but confirms Lokesh Kanagaraj’s superhero movie; 'It's a big-scale action film' 

Touted to be a superhero film, it will be made on a lavish budget. Though not much is known about the project, we know that the film was once pitched to a South star, and was called Lokesh’s dream project.

Irumbu Kai Mayavi: From Steel Claw to Suriya-starrer and now Aamir Khan-Lokesh Kanagaraj’s superhero saga

Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is famously known for his LCU brand of films, has always reiterated that his dream project remains something else. It is Irumbu Kai Mayavi, which is an adaptation of the British comics Steel Claw. And this precisely is the crux of his next film. Lokesh Kanagaraj, at various instances, had talked about the project and how he read Irumbu Kai Mayavi during childhood and wanted to write something that is rooted. 

The ambitious project was first pitched to Suriya, who later went on to star in LCU as the ruthless Rolex. While fans have been eagerly waiting for the duo to come together for Irumbu Kai Mayavi, it was a while back that Suriya hinted that the project might see a bigger star do it. And was first pitched to actor Suriya, and is now being made with Hindi actor Aamir Khan, with the latter confirming that his film with Lokesh will be a superhero film.

What is Irumbu Kai Mayavi all about?

Irumbu Kai Mayavi, which is one of the reiterations of Steel Claw, has achieved cult status over time. In short, it follows the protagonist who loses his right hand and uses a prosthetic metal hand in its place. However, in another accident, he receives a shock that makes him invisible for some time, barring his steel hand. He then uses his newfound power to fight crime. Lokesh has talked about how Irumbu Kai Mayavi will not be about bloodshed and guns, as opposed to his other films. While it is not yet known why Lokesh had chosen Aamir over Suriya, it is safe to assume that with the PK actor’s involvement, the superhero project has automatically gained the pan-Indian status. And we will also get to see Suriya as the notorious Rolex in the face-off planned for the upcoming LCU films.

As the superhero film is set to go on floors later in 2026, it is also expected that Aamir Khan will be doing a cameo role in Lokesh’s immediate next, Coolie which is headlined by Rajinikanth. A standalone film from LCU, Coolie will release on August 14 and also stars Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Upendra, Shruthi Haasan, Soubin Shahir and others.