Lokesh Cinematic Universe Explained

Italic Title:no
Lokesh Cinematic Universe
Creator:Lokesh Kanagaraj
Origin:Kaithi (2019)
Owner:Dream Warrior Pictures
Seven Screen Studio
Raaj Kamal Films International
Years:2019–present
Color:
  1. E50B15
Otherlabel1:Budget
Otherdata1: ₹395–₹495 crore (3 films)
Otherlabel2:Box office
Otherdata2: 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. It is currently the highest grossing Tamil film franchise.[1]

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 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.[2]

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.[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.[4] [5] Other names for the franchise include the Loki Cinematic Universe and Lokiverse, as Loki is his nickname.[6] [7]

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.[8] [9] Karthi and Kamal Haasan have made voice-only cameo appearances, reprising their roles as Dilli in Vikram and Vikram in Leo, respectively.[10]

Films

Kaithi (2019)

See main article: Kaithi (2019 film).

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)

See main article: Vikram (2022 film). 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, 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).[11] [12]

Leo (2023)

See main article: Leo (2023 Indian film). 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.

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.[13] 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.[14]

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.[15]

Following the success of Vikram, Lokesh planned to expand the scale of the sequel, with S. R. Prabhu admitting that it would be bigger than the first film.[16] 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 film with Rajinikanth later titled Coolie that would not be the part of the LCU .[17]

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.[18] [19] 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.[20]

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.[21] [22] [23]

Rolex spin-off (TBA)

In August 2023, Suriya revealed that a spin-off centered around his character Rolex from Vikram is being planned.[24]

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.[25]

Theme music

Lokiverse serves as the theme music for the franchise. It has two versions. The original version was featured in Vikram (2022),[26] [27] while the second version was featured in Leo (2023).[28] 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).[29]

Soundtracks

TitleRelease dateLengthComposer(s)LabelRef
0:15:52[30]
0:22:57[31]

Film scores

TitleRelease dateLengthComposer(s)LabelRef
0:28:18N/A[32]
0:34:16
TBA[33]

Timeline

An official timeline has not been released by the makers, but the films 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.[34]

Recurring cast and characters

CharactersFilms
Kaithi (2019)Vikram (2022)Leo (2023)
Introduced in Kaithi
DilliKarthiKarthiMentioned
Anbu DossArjun DasArjun Das
Inspector BejoyNarain
Stephen RajHareesh PeradiHareesh Peradi
AdaikalamHarish UthamanHarish Uthaman
KamatchiDheenaDheena
AmudhaBaby MonicaBaby Monica
NapoleonGeorge MaryanGeorge Maryan
Commander Arun Kumar Vikram / KarnanMentionedKamal HaasanKamal Haasan
Introduced in Vikram
EscortMaya S. KrishnanMaya S. Krishnan

Reception

Box office performance

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

FilmReleaseBudgetBox officeRef(s)
Kaithi25 October 2019[35]
Vikram3 June 2022[36] [37] [38]
Leo19 October 2023[39]
Total

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vikram director Lokesh Kanagaraj is building his own cinematic universe . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220619071837/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2022/06/18/vikram-director-lokesh-kanagaraj-is-building-his-own-cinematic-universe.html . 19 June 2022 . 2022-06-19 . The Week.
  2. Web site: 2023-12-14 . A Short Prequel To LCU? South Actor Narain Has More On It . 2023-12-14 . News18 . en . 14 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231214165634/https://www.news18.com/movies/a-short-prequel-to-lcu-south-actor-narain-has-more-on-it-8703656.html . live .
  3. NELSON-ஐ திட்டுறது கஷ்டமா இருக்கு! – Lokesh Kanagaraj Post Release Interview Part-1 Vikram . 9 June 2022 . Krishna . ta . . 10 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220610005238/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNVUTp4ERjg&gl=US&hl=en . 10 June 2022 . live.
  4. Web site: 9 June 2022 . Lokesh Kanagaraj spills a bean on the next film in his cinematic universe – 'Kaithi 2' confirmed! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220613005652/https://www.indiaglitz.com/lokesh-kanagaraj-vikram-kaithi-cinematic-universe-sequel-kaithi-2-karthi-kamal-haasan-arjun-das-latest-update-tamil-news-316983 . 13 June 2022 . 2022-06-10 . IndiaGlitz.
  5. Lokesh kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan . 10 June 2022 . Rangan . Baradwaj . ta . Galatta Plus . Baradwaj Rangan . 10 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220610002854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spMj3clLSoI . 10 June 2022 . live.
  6. Web site: Chatterjee . Pramit . 2023-10-20 . Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Explained: How Does 'Leo' Connect With 'Kaithi' And 'Vikram'? . 2023-10-30 . Digital Mafia Talkies . en-US . 30 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231030062119/https://dmtalkies.com/lokesh-cinematic-universe-explained-leo-kaithi-and-vikram-2023-film/ . live .
  7. Web site: Subramanian . Lakshmi . 29 October 2023 . Why Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Lokiverse' is a smashing hit . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231030062120/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2023/10/28/why-lokesh-kanagaraj-s-lokiverse-is-a-smashing-hit.html . 30 October 2023 . 2023-10-30 . The Week . en.
  8. Web site: Narain: Vikram's stellar response and box office numbers are new to me . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220622141028/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2022/jun/19/narain-vikrams-stellar-response-and-box-office-numbers-are-new-to-me-32191.html . 22 June 2022 . 7 August 2022 . Cinema Express. 19 June 2022 .
  9. Web site: 2023-10-20 . 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 . 2023-10-23 . The Indian Express . en . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021160201/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vijay-leo-connections-lokesh-kanagaraj-universe-8991974/ . live .
  10. Web site: August 21, 2022 . Karthi gives the real reason why he did not act in Vikram and only gave voiceover . 2023-10-23 . IndiaGlitz . en . 22 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220822185634/https://www.indiaglitz.com/karthi-reason-for-not-acting-in-kamal-haasan-vikram-movie-lokesh-kanagaraj-kaithi-kaithi-2-ponniyin-selvan-updates-tamil-_amp-news-322373 . live .
  11. Web site: Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' shatters box-office records, check out his other hit films . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714115200/https://www.wionews.com/photos/kamal-haasans-vikram-shatters-box-office-records-check-out-his-other-hit-films-497258 . 14 July 2022 . 2022-07-14 . WION . en.
  12. Web site: 5 reasons why you shouldn't miss Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220604152714/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/04/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-miss-lokesh-kanagarajs-vikram . 4 June 2022 . 2022-06-08 . DT next . 4 June 2022 . en.
  13. Web site: 29 October 2019 . Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms 'Kaithi 2' with Karthi . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220103102944/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/lokesh-kanagaraj-confirms-kaithi-2-karthi-111369 . 3 January 2022 . 15 May 2020 . The News Minute.
  14. Web site: 2019-11-07 . Kaithi director Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals plan to expand film into a franchise: 'I have the idea for both a prequel and sequel' . 2023-10-30 . Firstpost . en . 30 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105849/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kaithi-director-lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-plan-to-expand-film-into-a-franchise-i-have-the-idea-for-both-a-prequel-and-sequel-7609941.html . live .
  15. Web site: 8 June 2022 . Anbu hasn't died, more details in Kaithi 2: Lokesh Kanagaraj in Q&A . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20220608190205/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/08/anbu-hasnt-died-more-details-in-kaithi-2-lokesh-kanagaraj-in-qa . 8 June 2022 . 14 June 2022 . DT Next.
  16. Web site: 12 June 2022 . கைதி 2 வேலைகள் எப்போது தொடக்கம்?... தயாரிப்பாளர் கொடுத்த அப்டேட் . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220612091020/https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/after-vijay-67-lokesh-kanagaraj-will-starts-kaithi-2-movie-works-397192 . 12 June 2022 . 14 June 2022 . . ta.
  17. Web site: 8 October 2023. Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms that work for 'Kaithi 2' will begin after 'Thalaivar 171'. 20 October 2023. Times of India. 9 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231009065857/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-confirms-that-work-for-kaithi-2-will-begin-after-thalaivar-171/articleshow/104255527.cms. live.
  18. Web site: Kota . Naresh . 8 August 2023 . Thalapathy Vijay Leo could be releasing in two parts! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230810044606/https://www.ntvenglish.com/movie-news/thalapathy-vijay-leo-could-be-releasing-in-two-parts.html . 10 August 2023 . 9 August 2023 . NTV.
  19. Web site: 9 August 2023 . Vijay starrer 'Leo' will have two parts; the superstar to do a sequel for the first time! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230810044604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-starrer-leo-will-have-two-parts-the-superstar-to-do-a-sequel-for-the-first-time/articleshow/102575410.cms . 10 August 2023 . 9 August 2023 . The Times of India.
  20. Web site: Krishnan . Dhesegaan Bala . 2023-12-29 . Tamil blockbuster 'Leo' starring Vijay to get sequel, confirms director Lokesh Kanagaraj . 2023-12-29 . . en . 29 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229104007/https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2023/12/29/tamil-blockbuster-leo-starring-vijay-to-get-sequel-confirms-director-lokesh-kanagaraj/109694 . live .
  21. Web site: 3 June 2022 . EXCLUSIVE: Vikram 2 'already' on the cards? Kamal Haasan clears the air on the sequel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220619142439/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-vikram-2-already-cards-kamal-haasan-clears-air-sequel-1135938 . 19 June 2022 . 16 June 2022 . Pinkvilla.
  22. Web site: 2022-06-18 . EXCLUSIVE: Vijay to play a gangster in his 40s in Lokesh Kanagaraj's next; Might enter LCU with Kamal Haasan . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220619122422/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-vijay-play-gangster-his-40s-lokesh-kanagarajs-next-might-enter-lcu-kamal-haasan-1145882 . 19 June 2022 . 2022-06-19 . Pinkvilla . en.
  23. Web site: Kamal Haasan starrer Vikram to get two sequels?. . 8 June 2022. 1 October 2022. 4 December 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221204053451/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/kamal-haasan-starrer-vikram-get-two-sequels/. live.
  24. Web site: 2023-08-14 . Suriya reveals Lokesh Kanagaraj has plans for a standalone Rolex film . 2023-08-16 . The Indian Express . en . 16 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230816114523/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/suriya-reveals-lokesh-kanagaraj-has-plans-for-a-standalone-rolex-film-8891525/ . live .
  25. Web site: Kollywood . Only . 2019-11-01 . Kaithi: Sam CS talks about the different musical approach for the film . 2023-11-04 . Only Kollywood . en-US . 14 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191214032118/https://www.onlykollywood.com/kaithi-sam-cs-talks-about-the-different-musical-approach-for-the-film/ . live .
  26. Web site: Vikram (Original Background Score) . . 2022-07-07 . 2023-11-04 . en . 7 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220707150057/https://open.spotify.com/album/6S5qpNyT3ZAg7m0e2XSOqx . live .
  27. Web site: Vikram (Original Background Score) - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn . 2022-07-07 . 2023-11-04 . en-US . 9 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220709063521/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/vikram-original-background-score/F,rzIdfV5zE_ . live .
  28. Web site: 'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Soundtrack Album Released Film Music Reporter . 2023-11-04 . en-US . 29 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231029212539/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/10/20/anirudh-ravichander-leo-bloody-sweet-soundtrack-album-released/ . live .
  29. Web site: #CinemaUpdate Lokiverse 2.0 அடங்கிய 'லியோ' படத்தின் மியூசிக் ஆல்பம் வெளியானது! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231019181456/https://twitter.com/sunnewstamil/status/1715024816514695522 . 19 October 2023 . 2023-11-04 . X (formerly Twitter) . en.
  30. Web site: Archived copy . 2023-11-04 . music.amazon.in . 3 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220603103809/https://music.amazon.in/albums/B0B1CCB3L8 . live .
  31. Web site: https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial/status/1715367363049300463 . 2023-11-17 . X (formerly Twitter) . en . 24 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231024081258/https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial/status/1715367363049300463 . live .
  32. Web site: 2019-11-22 . Lokesh Kangaraj directed Karthi's Kaithi original soundtrack released . 2023-11-04 . Behindwoods . 21 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211221144658/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/lokesh-kangaraj-directed-karthis-kaithi-original-soundtrack-released.html . live .
  33. Web site: 'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Soundtrack Album Released Film Music Reporter . 2023-11-04 . en-US . 29 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231029212539/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/10/20/anirudh-ravichander-leo-bloody-sweet-soundtrack-album-released/ . live .
  34. News: Rajendran . Gopinath . 24 October 2023 . A breakdown of Lokesh Kanagaraj's LCU: How the timelines of 'Kaithi', 'Vikram' and 'Leo' are interconnected . live . https://archive.today/20231024130953/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/breaking-down-lokesh-kanagarajs-lcu-how-the-timelines-of-kaithi-vikram-and-leo-are-interconnected/article67453488.ece . 24 October 2023 . 2024-05-24 . The Hindu.
  35. Web site: 4 December 2019 . Bigil, Petta, Viswasam, Kanchana 3, Nerkonda Paarvai, Kaithi power Kollywood's theatrical takings in 2019 to Rs 1000 cr . 2022-06-15 . Firstpost . en . 28 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191228120405/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bigil-petta-viswasam-kanchana-3-nerkonda-paarvai-kaithi-power-kollywoods-theatrical-takings-in-2019-to-rs-1000-cr-7736851.html . live .
  36. Web site: Vikram box office collection Day 27: Kamal Haasan's film refuses to slow down. India Today. 1 July 2022. 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.. 17 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230617043840/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vikram-box-office-collection-day-27-kamal-haasan-s-film-refuses-to-slow-down-1968795-2022-07-01. live.
  37. Web site: வெற்றிகரமாக 75 நாட்களை நிறைவு செய்த விக்ரம்..! இதுவரை வசூல் செய்தது மட்டும் எத்தனை கோடி தெரியுமா?. Asianet News Network. ta. 16 August 2022. 10 October 2022. இதுவரை 500 கோடி ரூபாய் வசூல் சாதனை செய்துள்ளதாக தகவல் வெளியாகியுள்ளது.. 17 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220817053630/https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/cinema/vikram-movie-completed-100-days-and-latest-box-office-collection-details-here-rgpt9q. live.
  38. Web site: Kamal Haasan's Vikram finishes theatrical run as highest grossing film ever in Tamil Nadu, registers record footfall. Hindustan Times. 22 September 2022. 10 October 2022. At the end of its theatrical run, the film registered a record footfall and grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide.. 10 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221010000129/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/kamal-haasan-s-vikram-finishes-theatrical-run-as-highest-grossing-film-ever-in-tamil-nadu-registers-record-footfall-101663821451673.html. live.
  39. Web site: 2023-11-17 . Top highest grossing films in Tamil Nadu: Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo reigns Top . 2023-11-17 . PINKVILLA . en . 17 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231117134013/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/top-highest-grossing-films-in-tamil-nadu-thalapathy-vijay-starrer-leo-reigns-top-1259038 . live .

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