Lokesh Cinematic Universe
Created byLokesh Kanagaraj
Original workKaithi (2019)
OwnerDream Warrior Pictures
Seven Screen Studio
Raaj Kamal Films International
Years2019–present
Films and television
Film(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)
Miscellaneous
Budgetest. ₹395–₹445 crore (3 films)
Box officeest. ₹1155-1220 crore (3 films)

The Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), also known as the Loki Cinematic Universe or Lokiverse, is an Indian media franchise and shared universe of Tamil-language action thriller films created by Lokesh Kanagaraj.[lower-alpha 1] It is currently the highest grossing Tamil film franchise.[6]

The first feature of the universe Kaithi was released in 2019, while the second installment Vikram was released in 2022 and third installment Leo was released in 2023[lower-alpha 2] with Leo being the highest grosser of all LCU films. The universe follows an elaborate conflict between law enforcement officers and vigilantes in South India who are at war against dangerous drug cartels led by powerful crime lords. A 10-minute short film detailing the origins of the LCU will be released in late 2024, before the commencement of Kaithi 2.[10]

Development

Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed his desire to create a shared universe of films after completing his debut feature, Maanagaram. He emphasized that such films have enduring appeal. During the production of Kaithi, he conceptualized and experimented with this idea, incorporating multiple open-ended plotlines in Kaithi. He further developed this concept in collaboration with Dream Warrior Pictures and Raaj Kamal Films International for his film Vikram, utilising properties owned by these production companies. As a result, he successfully established a shared universe and announced plans for additional projects set within this interconnected cinematic world.[11][3]

Naming

Though the name "Lokesh Cinematic Universe" was coined by fans, post the release of Vikram, he accepted it as the official name of the universe.[12][13] Other names for the franchise include the Loki Cinematic Universe and Lokiverse, as Loki is his nickname.[14][15]

In-franchise connections

Narain and George Maryan are the only actors who have reprised their roles in significant capacities across multiple films within the universe.[16][17] Karthi and Kamal Haasan have made voice-only cameo appearances, reprising their roles as Dilli in Vikram and Vikram in Leo, respectively.[18][17]

Films

Film Release date Director(s) Writer(s) Producer(s) Status
25 October 2019
Lokesh Kanagaraj and Pon Parthiban
S. R. Prakashbabu, S. R. Prabhu and Thiruppur Vivek
Released
3 June 2022
Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rathna Kumar
Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran
Leo
19 October 2023
Lokesh Kanagaraj, Rathna Kumar, and Deeraj Vaidy
S. S. Lalit Kumar and Jagadish Palanisamy

Kaithi (2019)

After a drug bust of 900 kgs of cocaine belonging to drug peddlers Adaikalam and Anbu in Trichy, Inspector Bejoy faces a dire situation when several cops are poisoned at a party by a corrupt cop in an attempt to recover the loot and kill the officers involved in the bust. To thwart the gang, Bejoy blackmails ex-convict Dilli into assisting him by threatening to prevent him from meeting his 10-year-old daughter for the first time. Together, they embark on a mission to transport the poisoned cops to the hospital and prevent Anbu's gang from getting their hands on the busted drugs. Their journey is fraught with danger as they continuously evade pursuing gang members, who receive support from a corrupt narcotics official, Stephen Raj.

The first installment of the LCU, it stars Karthi in the lead role, along with Narain, Arjun Das, Harish Uthaman, George Maryan and Dheena in pivotal roles.

Vikram (2022)

Amar, a black ops agent, is assigned to investigate a series of murders committed by a masked group of vigilantes. Their victims include high-ranking officials from the narcotics department like Stephen Raj and ACP Prabhanjan[lower-alpha 3], and Prabhanjan's seemingly harmless foster father, Karnan. As Amar delves deeper into the case, a tangled web of clues leads him to the mastermind behind the murders, a drug kingpin named Sandhanam, who controls the largest drug syndicate in Chennai. However, a surprising twist reveals that Karnan is, in fact, alive and is former Black Ops Commander Vikram, who leads the group of vigilantes, that now includes Bejoy. In the face of this revelation, Vikram, Amar, and Bejoy unite their efforts to take down Sandhanam's powerful drug syndicate.

The second installment in the LCU stars Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil with Kalidas Jayaram, Narain and Chemban Vinod Jose in supporting roles. Suriya made his first appearance in the LCU in a cameo role as Rolex. The film is a spiritual successor of Vikram (1986).[19][1][4][20]

Leo (2023)

Parthiban, a café owner and animal rescuer in Theog, becomes a local hero after thwarting a group of robbers in his café. This draws the attention of gangsters Antony and Harold Das, who suspect him to be Antony's estranged son, Leo Das. Parthiban denies having any connection to them but they continue to hound him, and he takes matters into his own hands by eliminating both Antony and Harold and destroying their Datura factory after confessing that he is Leo having left his past life behind. Following this, Vikram, knowing Parthi's identity as Leo, invites him to join forces in creating a drug-free society in India, while suggesting a mysterious connection between them from their past.[lower-alpha 4]

The third installment in LCU stars Vijay in the title role, alongside Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priya Anand and Madonna Sebastian with George Maryan as Napoleon and a voice-over cameo by Kamal Haasan as Agent Vikram. It is based on 2005 film A History of Violence, which itself was an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name.

Leo emerged as the highest grossing LCU film of all time, the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023, the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the highest-grossing Tamil film overseas and the highest-grossing film in Tamil Nadu.

Future

Kaithi 2 (TBA)

As implied at the end of Kaithi, Lokesh had planned for a sequel, which he confirmed after its release.[21] In an interview with Subha J Rao to Firstpost, Lokesh conveyed his interest in developing the film into a franchise, stating that he had an idea for both the prequel and the sequel, which depends on the recurring schedules of the cast members. In May 2021, the film's producer, S.R.Prabhu, confirmed that the sequel was in the works.[22]

Kaithi 2 is intended to be a prequel for Dilli, focusing on his character. Later, in an interaction with fans through Twitter, Lokesh explained about Anbu's return in Vikram as he was knocked out and not dead, although he had stitch marks in his jaw due to his injuries.[23]

Following the success of Vikram, Lokesh planned to expand the scale of the sequel,[4] with S. R. Prabhu admitting that it would be bigger than the first film.[24] Production of the film was expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022 but was delayed as Lokesh intended to resume the project after completing Leo and a standalone film with Rajinikanth tentatively titled Thalaivar 171.[25]

Leo 2 (TBA)

In early August, reports surfaced indicating that the film would receive a sequel, marking Vijay's first venture into a sequel project.[26][27] In December 2023, Lokesh confirmed the project, Leo 2, and that he would begin work on it after fulfilling his commitments to Thalaivar 171 and Kaithi 2.[28]

Vikram 2 (TBA)

Due to the film's remarkable success, Kamal Haasan, in an interview with Pinkvilla, expressed the potential for a sequel to Vikram. Additionally, there were reports indicating the development of a third installment in the Vikram series, which would be incorporated into the expanding Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)..[29][30][31]

Rolex spin-off (TBA)

On August 13, 2023, during a public gathering, Suriya made a significant announcement, revealing that a spin-off centered around his character Rolex from Vikram is currently in the works.[32]

Music

Anirudh has composed the soundtracks and film scores of the LCU films under the label of Sony Music, except for Kaithi which was composed by Sam CS.[33]

Theme music

Lokiverse serves as the Theme music for the franchise. It has 2 versions. Original version was featured in Vikram (2022),[34][35] while the second version was featured in Leo (2023).[36] The second version titled "Lokiverse 2.0" connected the elements of the franchise between the first three installments: Kaithi (2019), Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023).[37]

Soundtracks

Title Release date Length Compser(s) Label Ref
15 May 2022
 0:15:52 [38][39][40]
19 October 2023
 0:22:57 [36][41]

Film scores

Title Release date Length Compser(s) Label Ref
22 November 2019
 0:28:18 N/A [42]
7 July 2022
 0:34:16 [34][35]
To be released
 TBA [43]

Timeline

Lokesh Cinematic Universe timeline
(as of Leo)
1991Vikram flashback
1992–1998
1999Leo flashback
2000–2018
2019Kaithi
Vikram
2020
2021Leo

An official timeline hasn't been released by the makers, but the movies give an indication of this.

In the cinematic universe, the events in Kaithi unfold in the year 2019, followed by the events in Vikram, which transpire three months after the events in Kaithi. Subsequently, the events in Leo occur two years later in 2021. The flashback storylines in Vikram and Leo depict events from 1991 and 1999 respectively.

Recurring cast and characters

List indicator(s)

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in Lokesh Cinematic Universe.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
  •  M indicates an appearance in onscreen movie footage.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
  •  Y indicates a younger version of the character.
Characters Films
Kaithi (2019) Vikram (2022) Leo (2023)
Introduced in Kaithi
Dilli Karthi KarthiV Mentioned[lower-alpha 5]
Anbu Doss Arjun Das Arjun DasC
Inspector Bejoy Narain
Stephen Raj Hareesh Peradi Hareesh PeradiC
Adaikalam Harish Uthaman Harish UthamanC
Kamatchi Dheena DheenaC
Amudha Baby Monica Baby MonicaC
Napoleon George Maryan George Maryanm George Maryan
Commander Arun Kumar Vikram / Karnan Mentioned[lower-alpha 6] Kamal Haasan Kamal HaasanV
Introduced in Vikram
Escort Maya S. Krishnan Maya S. KrishnanC
Introduced in Leo
Parthiban / Leo Das Vijay

Reception

Box office performance

The Lokesh Cinematic Universe is currently the highest grossing Tamil film franchise.

Film Release Budget Box office Ref(s)
Kaithi 25 October 2019 ₹25 crore (US$3.1 million) ₹105 crore (US$13 million) [44]
Vikram 3 June 2022 ₹120 crore (US$15 million) ₹435 crore (US$54 million) - ₹500 crore (US$63 million) [45][46][47]
Leo 19 October 2023 ₹250 crore (US$31 million) - ₹300 crore (US$38 million) ₹620.5 crore (US$78 million) [48]
Total ₹395-445 crore ₹1160.5-1227.5 crore

Notes

  1. ↑ [1][2][3][4][5]
  2. ↑ [7][8][9]
  3. ↑ The murder happens on the same night as the drug bust in Trichy, shown in Kaithi.
  4. ↑ As seen at the end of Leo.
  5. ↑ In Leo, Dilli is mentioned by Napoleon during an interaction with Parthiban.
  6. ↑ In the opening of Kaithi, Inspector Bejoy, portrayed by Narain, queries Ajaz Ahmad if there is any information about the "ghost". Vikram reveals that the "ghost" mentioned in Kaithi is Kamal Haasan's character, Vikram.

References

  1. 1 2 Thapa, Shaurya (11 July 2022). "Vikram's Lokesh Cinematic Universe and All Other MCUs of Indian Cinema". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  2. ↑ Athimuthu, Soundarya (14 June 2022). "What Is 'Vikram' Director Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Lokesh Cinematic Universe'?". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals the idea of a cinematic universe". The Times of India. 13 June 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 S, Srivatsan (3 June 2022). "'Vikram' movie review: Kamal Haasan steps back to watch Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi have fun in Lokesh Cinematic Universe". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  5. ↑ "A Ghost and a prisoner – One-stop shop for all things that might connect Kaithi and Vikram". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  6. ↑ "Vikram director Lokesh Kanagaraj is building his own cinematic universe". The Week. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  7. ↑ Athimuthu, Soundarya (3 June 2022). "'Vikram' Review: Kamal, Fahadh & Vijay Sethupathi Shine in Lokesh's Universe". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 5 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Vikram sequel to connect to Kaithi; Director Lokesh Kanagaraj planning crime cinematic universe [Exclusive]". Bollywood Life. 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  9. ↑ "Kamal Haasan confirms Lokesh Kanagaraj's cinematic universe while talking about 'Vikram'? – Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 19 May 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  10. ↑ "A Short Prequel To LCU? South Actor Narain Has More On It". News18. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  11. ↑ Krishna (9 June 2022). NELSON-ஐ திட்டுறது கஷ்டமா இருக்கு! – Lokesh Kanagaraj Post Release Interview Part-1 | Vikram (in Tamil). Cinema Vikatan. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "Lokesh Kanagaraj spills a bean on the next film in his cinematic universe – 'Kaithi 2' confirmed!". IndiaGlitz. 9 June 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  13. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (10 June 2022). Lokesh kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan (in Tamil). Galatta Plus. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  14. ↑ Chatterjee, Pramit (20 October 2023). "Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Explained: How Does 'Leo' Connect With 'Kaithi' And 'Vikram'?". Digital Mafia Talkies. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  15. ↑ "Why Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Lokiverse' is a smashing hit". The Week. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  16. ↑ "Narain: Vikram's stellar response and box office numbers are new to me". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  17. 1 2 "Is Vijay's Leo a part of Lokesh Kanagaraj's Cinematic Universe with Kamal Haasan, Suriya and Karthi? Here's everything you need to know". The Indian Express. 20 October 2023. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  18. ↑ "Karthi gives the real reason why he did not act in Vikram and only gave voiceover". IndiaGlitz. 21 August 2022. Archived from the original on 22 August 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  19. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' shatters box-office records, check out his other hit films". WION. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  20. ↑ "5 reasons why you shouldn't miss Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram'". DT next. 4 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms 'Kaithi 2' with Karthi". The News Minute. 29 October 2019. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  22. ↑ "Kaithi director Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals plan to expand film into a franchise: 'I have the idea for both a prequel and sequel'". Firstpost. 7 November 2019. Archived from the original on 30 August 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  23. ↑ "Anbu hasn't died, more details in Kaithi 2: Lokesh Kanagaraj in Q&A". DT Next. 8 June 2022. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "கைதி 2 வேலைகள் எப்போது தொடக்கம்?... தயாரிப்பாளர் கொடுத்த அப்டேட்". Zee News (in Tamil). 12 June 2022. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  25. ↑ "Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms that work for 'Kaithi 2' will begin after 'Thalaivar 171'". Times of India. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  26. ↑ Kota, Naresh (8 August 2023). "Thalapathy Vijay Leo could be releasing in two parts!". NTV. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  27. ↑ "Vijay starrer 'Leo' will have two parts; the superstar to do a sequel for the first time!". The Times of India. 9 August 2023. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  28. ↑ Krishnan, Dhesegaan Bala (29 December 2023). "Tamil blockbuster 'Leo' starring Vijay to get sequel, confirms director Lokesh Kanagaraj". Malay Mail. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  29. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Vikram 2 'already' on the cards? Kamal Haasan clears the air on the sequel". 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  30. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Vijay to play a gangster in his 40s in Lokesh Kanagaraj's next; Might enter LCU with Kamal Haasan". PINKVILLA. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "Kamal Haasan starrer Vikram to get two sequels?". Bollywood Hungama. 8 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  32. ↑ "Suriya reveals Lokesh Kanagaraj has plans for a standalone Rolex film". The Indian Express. 14 August 2023. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  33. ↑ Kollywood, Only (1 November 2019). "Kaithi: Sam CS talks about the different musical approach for the film". Only Kollywood. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  34. 1 2 Vikram (Original Background Score), 7 July 2022, retrieved 4 November 2023
  35. 1 2 Vikram (Original Background Score) - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn, 7 July 2022, retrieved 4 November 2023
  36. 1 2 "'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Soundtrack Album Released | Film Music Reporter". Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  37. ↑ "https://twitter.com/sunnewstamil/status/1715024816514695522". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 4 November 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  38. ↑ Vikram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), 15 May 2022, retrieved 4 November 2023
  39. ↑ Vikram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Ilaiyaraaja, 29 May 1986, retrieved 4 November 2023
  40. ↑ music.amazon.in https://music.amazon.in/albums/B0B1CCB3L8. Retrieved 4 November 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  41. ↑ "https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial/status/1715367363049300463". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 17 November 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  42. ↑ "Lokesh Kangaraj directed Karthi's Kaithi original soundtrack released". Behindwoods. 22 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  43. ↑ "'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Soundtrack Album Released | Film Music Reporter". Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  44. ↑ "Bigil, Petta, Viswasam, Kanchana 3, Nerkonda Paarvai, Kaithi power Kollywood's theatrical takings in 2019 to Rs 1000 cr". Firstpost. 4 December 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  45. ↑ "Vikram box office collection Day 27: Kamal Haasan's film refuses to slow down". India Today. 1 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023. Kamal Haasan's Vikram is showing no signs of slowing down at the box office. As of now, Vikram is marching towards Rs 500 crore at the worldwide box office.
  46. ↑ "வெற்றிகரமாக 75 நாட்களை நிறைவு செய்த விக்ரம்..! இதுவரை வசூல் செய்தது மட்டும் எத்தனை கோடி தெரியுமா?". Asianet News Network (in Tamil). 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022. இதுவரை 500 கோடி ரூபாய் வசூல் சாதனை செய்துள்ளதாக தகவல் வெளியாகியுள்ளது.
  47. ↑ "Kamal Haasan's Vikram finishes theatrical run as highest grossing film ever in Tamil Nadu, registers record footfall". Hindustan Times. 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022. At the end of its theatrical run, the film registered a record footfall and grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide.
  48. ↑ "Top highest grossing films in Tamil Nadu: Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo reigns Top". PINKVILLA. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
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