[5] However, his subsequent directorial ventures All in All Azhagu Raja (2013), Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga (2015),[4] Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru (2016), and Mr. Local (2019) became box-office bombs.

[6][7] By the time of Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga's release, he was described by Sify as having lost his "Midas touch", and the website said he "should work on something out of the box to taste the much needed success".

[8] In 2022, Rajesh directed "Mirrage", an episode of the anthology thriller series Victim, deviating from his usual comedy films.

[10] Rajesh's films have been heavily criticized for seemingly glorifying stalking, drinking and degrading women.

Though Rajesh initially said Mr. Local would not feature any drinking or smoking scene, the film received criticism because of its toxic treatment of the female lead character, body shaming, shaming of transgender people and glorifying other activities not considered socially proper.