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'{{short description|Indian shared universe of action thriller films}} {{Infobox media franchise | italic_title = no | title = Lokesh Cinematic Universe | creator = [[Lokesh Kanagaraj]] | origin = ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' (2019) | owner = [[Raaj Kamal Films International]]<br/>[[Dream Warrior Pictures]] | years = 2019–present | films = {{ubl|''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' (2019)| ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]'' (2022)}} | atv = | soundtracks = {{ubl|''[[Kaithi (2019 film)#Music|Kaithi (soundtrack)]]''|''[[Vikram (soundtrack)]]''}} | color = Brown | otherlabel1 = Budget | otherdata1 = <!--Do not remove-->{{Estimation}}<!--per WT:ICTF consensus--> ₹145–175&nbsp;crores (2 films) | otherlabel2 = Box office | otherdata2 = <!--Do not remove-->{{Estimation}}<!--per WT:ICTF consensus--> {{INR}}525–₹605&nbsp;crores (2 films) | image = }} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}} '''Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)''' is an Indian [[shared universe]] of [[action thriller|action thriller films]] created by [[Lokesh Kanagaraj]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=11 July 2022 |first=Shaurya |last=Thapa |title=Vikram's Lokesh Cinematic Universe and All Other MCUs of Indian Cinema |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/vikram-s-lokesh-cinematic-universe-1974355-2022-07-11 |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711212040/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/vikram-s-lokesh-cinematic-universe-1974355-2022-07-11 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Athimuthu |first=Soundarya |date=14 June 2022 |title=What Is 'Vikram' Director Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Lokesh Cinematic Universe'? |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/lokesh-kanagaraj-kamal-haasan-vikram-director-what-is-lokesh-cinematic-universe-lcu-suriya |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615182923/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/lokesh-kanagaraj-kamal-haasan-vikram-director-what-is-lokesh-cinematic-universe-lcu-suriya |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals the idea of a cinematic universe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-the-idea-of-a-cinematic-universe/articleshow/92175231.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613115208/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-the-idea-of-a-cinematic-universe/articleshow/92175231.cms |archive-date=13 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=S |first=Srivatsan |date=3 June 2022 |title='Vikram' movie review: Kamal Haasan steps back to watch Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi have fun in Lokesh Cinematic Universe |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-steps-back-to-watch-fahadh-faasil-and-vijay-sethupathi-have-fun-in-lokesh-cinematic-universe/article65490343.ece |access-date=2022-06-25 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608222221/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-steps-back-to-watch-fahadh-faasil-and-vijay-sethupathi-have-fun-in-lokesh-cinematic-universe/article65490343.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Ghost and a prisoner – One-stop shop for all things that might connect Kaithi and Vikram |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/features/2022/jun/03/a-ghost-and-a-prisoner-one-stop-shop-for-all-things-that-might-connect-kaithi-and-vikram-31929.html |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604024701/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/features/2022/jun/03/a-ghost-and-a-prisoner-one-stop-shop-for-all-things-that-might-connect-kaithi-and-vikram-31929.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The first feature of the universe [[Kaithi (2019 film)|''Kaithi'']] was released in 2019 and the second installment [[Vikram (2022 film)|''Vikram'']] was released on 3 June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Athimuthu |first=Soundarya |date=3 June 2022 |title='Vikram' Review: Kamal, Fahadh & Vijay Sethupathi Shine in Lokesh's Universe |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-vijay-sethupathi-fahadh-faasil-lokesh-kanagaraj |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=TheQuint |language=en |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605050444/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/vikram-movie-review-kamal-haasan-vijay-sethupathi-fahadh-faasil-lokesh-kanagaraj |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2022 |title=Vikram sequel to connect to Kaithi; Director Lokesh Kanagaraj planning crime cinematic universe [Exclusive] |url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/vikram-kamal-haasan-fahadh-faasil-starrer-to-connect-to-kaithi-in-its-sequel-lokesh-kanagaraj-planning-crime-cinematic-universe-exclusive-latest-tamil-film-news-2091982/ |access-date=2022-06-04 |website=Bollywood Life |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604021104/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/south-gossip/vikram-kamal-haasan-fahadh-faasil-starrer-to-connect-to-kaithi-in-its-sequel-lokesh-kanagaraj-planning-crime-cinematic-universe-exclusive-latest-tamil-film-news-2091982/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 May 2022 |title=Kamal Haasan confirms Lokesh Kanagaraj's cinematic universe while talking about 'Vikram'? – Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/kamal-haasan-interview-about-vikram-part-3-suriya-cameo-role-lokesh-kanagaraj-kaithi-2-latest-update-tamil-news-315070 |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613005651/https://www.indiaglitz.com/kamal-haasan-interview-about-vikram-part-3-suriya-cameo-role-lokesh-kanagaraj-kaithi-2-latest-update-tamil-news-315070 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the third [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films#Highest-grossing Tamil film franchises|highest grossing Tamil film franchise]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vikram director Lokesh Kanagaraj is building his own cinematic universe |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2022/06/18/vikram-director-lokesh-kanagaraj-is-building-his-own-cinematic-universe.html |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=The Week |language=en |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Future== == Development == Lokesh Kanagaraj has stated that he wanted to do a shared universe of films since finishing his first feature film, ''[[Maanagaram]]''. He has stated that these kind of films have longevity. During the production of ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'', he explored the idea and experimented with it, by having many open-ended plotlines in ''Kaithi'', which he then incorporated in ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]'', by working together with [[Dream Warrior Pictures]] and [[Raaj Kamal Films International]], as they own the properties. He established a shared universe and has announced that more projects will be releasing in the future, that will be set in it. Though the name "Lokesh Cinematic Universe" was coined by fans, he accepted it as official.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNVUTp4ERjg |title=NELSON-ஐ திட்டுறது கஷ்டமா இருக்கு! – Lokesh Kanagaraj Post Release Interview Part-1 {{!}} Vikram |date=9 June 2022 |last=Krishna |language=ta |publisher=[[Ananda Vikatan|Cinema Vikatan]] |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610005238/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNVUTp4ERjg&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=9 June 2022 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj spills a bean on the next film in his cinematic universe – 'Kaithi 2' confirmed! |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/lokesh-kanagaraj-vikram-kaithi-cinematic-universe-sequel-kaithi-2-karthi-kamal-haasan-arjun-das-latest-update-tamil-news-316983 |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=IndiaGlitz |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spMj3clLSoI |title=Lokesh kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan |date=10 June 2022 |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |language=ta |publisher=Galatta Plus |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610002854/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spMj3clLSoI |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" /> [[Narain (actor)|Narain]] is the only actor to have reprised his roles in both the films in the universe in a major role.<ref>{{cite web |title=Narain: Vikram's stellar response and box office numbers are new to me |website=[[Cinema Express]] |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2022/jun/19/narain-vikrams-stellar-response-and-box-office-numbers-are-new-to-me-32191.html |access-date=7 August 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Films== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Film !Release date !Director(s) !Dialogue(s) !Producer(s) !Status |- !{{center|''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]''}} |{{center|25 October 2019}} | rowspan="3" |{{center|[[Lokesh Kanagaraj]]}} |{{center|Lokesh Kanagaraj and Pon Parthiban}} |{{center|S. R. Prakashbabu, [[S. R. Prabhu]] and Thiruppur Vivek}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|Released}} |- !{{center|''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]''}} |{{center|3 June 2022}} |{{center|Lokesh Kanagaraj and [[Rathna Kumar]]}} |{{center|[[Kamal Haasan]] and R. Mahendran}} | === ''Kaithi'' (2019) === {{Main|Kaithi (2019 film)}} The first installment of the LCU, it stars [[Karthi]] in the lead role, along with [[Narain (actor)|Narain]], [[Arjun Das]], [[Harish Uthaman]], [[George Maryan]] and [[Dheena (actor)|Dheena]] in pivotal roles. The story follows Dilli, an ex-convict, endeavors to meet his daughter for the first time after 10 years imprisonment. However, his attempts are interrupted due to a drug raid planned by [[Inspector]] Bejoy. === ''Vikram'' (2022) === {{Main|Vikram (2022 film)}} The second installment in the LCU, it stars [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Fahadh Faasil]] with [[Kalidas Jayaram]], [[Narain (actor)|Narain]] and [[Chemban Vinod Jose]] in supporting roles and [[Suriya]] in a cameo role. The film is a [[spiritual successor]] of [[Vikram (1986 Tamil film)|Vikram]] (1986).<ref>{{cite web |title=Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' shatters box-office records, check out his other hit films |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/kamal-haasans-vikram-shatters-box-office-records-check-out-his-other-hit-films-497258 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=WION |language=en |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3" /> The story follows a [[black ops]] squad led by Amar, who is assigned to track down a group of ruthless [[vigilantes]]. When Amar investigates the case, he realizes it is not what it seems to be and following down this path will lead to nothing, but war between everyone involved.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |title=5 reasons why you shouldn't miss Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Vikram' |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/04/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-miss-lokesh-kanagarajs-vikram |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604152714/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/04/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-miss-lokesh-kanagarajs-vikram |archive-date=4 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=DT next |language=en}}</ref> === Cast and characters === {{Cast indicator|appeared=Lokesh Cinematic Universe|C|V|Y|M}} *^m refers to the character being mentioned. {| class="wikitable" width ="100%" style="text-align:center" ! rowspan="2"|Characters ! colspan="3" |Films |- ! align="center" |''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' (2019) !''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]'' (2022) |- !Commander Arun Kumar Vikram / Karnan |[[Kamal Haasan]]{{ref|mentioned|M}} |[[Kamal Haasan|Kamal Hassan]] |- !Dilli |[[Karthi]] | [[Karthi]]{{ref|voice only|V}} |- !Rolex | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Suriya]]{{ref|cameo|C}} |- !Agent Amar | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Fahadh Faasil]] |- !Sandhanam | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Vijay Sethupathi]] |- !Anbu Doss | [[Arjun Das]] | [[Arjun Das]]{{ref|cameo|C}} |- !Inspector Bejoy | colspan="2" | [[Narain (actor)|Narain]] |- !Stephen Raj |[[Hareesh Peradi]] | [[Hareesh Peradi]]{{ref|cameo|C}} |- !Adaikalam | [[Harish Uthaman]] | [[Harish Uthaman]]{{ref|cameo|C}} |- !Kamatchi | [[Dheena (actor)|Dheena]] | [[Dheena (actor)|Dheena]]{{ref|cameo|C}} |- !Gayathri Amar | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Gayathrie Shankar]] |- !Amudha |Baby Monica |Baby Monica{{ref|cameo|C}} |- ! Napoleon | [[George Maryan]] | [[George Maryan]]{{ref|mentioned|M}} |- !ACP Prabhanjan | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Kalidas Jayaram]] |- ! Jose | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Chemban Vinod Jose]] |- ! Cutting Plier | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | Jaffer Sadiq |- !Agent Tina | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | Vasanthi |- !Agent Lawrence | style="background:#d3d3d3;" | | [[Elango Kumaravel]] |- !Agent Uppiliappan | style="background :#d3d3d3;" | | [[Santhana Bharathi]] |- !Vikram Jr. | style="background :#d3d3d3;" | | Baby Darshan |- |} == Reception == === Box office performance === The Lokesh Cinematic Universe is one of the highest-grossing Tamil film franchises. {| class="wikitable" !Film !Release !Budget !Box office !Ref(s) |- ![[Kaithi (2019 film)|''Kaithi'']] |25 October 2019 |{{INRConvert|25|c|}} |{{INRConvert|105|c|}} |<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2019 |title=Bigil, Petta, Viswasam, Kanchana 3, Nerkonda Paarvai, Kaithi power Kollywood's theatrical takings in 2019 to Rs 1000 cr-Entertainment News , Firstpost |url=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 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ![[Vikram (2022 film)|''Vikram'']] |3 June 2022 |{{INRConvert|120|c|}}–{{INRConvert|150|c|}} |{{INRConvert|420|c|}}–{{INRConvert|500|c|}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=manimegalai.a |title=வெற்றிகரமாக 75 நாட்களை நிறைவு செய்த விக்ரம்..! இதுவரை வசூல் செய்தது மட்டும் எத்தனை கோடி தெரியுமா? |url=https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/cinema/vikram-movie-completed-75-days-and-latest-box-office-collection-details-here-rgpt9q |access-date=2022-08-17 |website=[[Asianet News Network]] |language=ta |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826060026/https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/cinema/vikram-movie-completed-75-days-and-latest-box-office-collection-details-here-rgpt9q |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2022 |title=Vikram: Here's how many crores Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil & others charged for their roles in the movie made on a budget of Rs 120 Crores |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/vikram-heres-how-many-crores-kamal-haasan-fahadh-faasil-and-others-charged-for-their-roles-in-the-film-made-on-a-budget-of-rs-120-crores |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=GQ India |language=en-IN |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605171220/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/vikram-heres-how-many-crores-kamal-haasan-fahadh-faasil-and-others-charged-for-their-roles-in-the-film-made-on-a-budget-of-rs-120-crores |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2022 |title=Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' to hit theatres tomorrow. Can it beat 'Pushpa', 'RRR' and 'KGF: Chapter 2'? |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/kamal-haasans-vikram-to-hit-theatres-tomorrow-can-it-beat-pushpa-rrr-and-kgf-chapter-2-336117-2022-06-02 |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Business Today |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602110330/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/kamal-haasans-vikram-to-hit-theatres-tomorrow-can-it-beat-pushpa-rrr-and-kgf-chapter-2-336117-2022-06-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! colspan="2" |Total |{{INRConvert|145|c|}}–{{INRConvert|175|c|}} |{{INRConvert|525|c|}}–{{INRConvert|605|c|}} | |} ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Lokesh Kanagaraj}} [[Category:Action film franchises]] [[Category:Continuity (fiction)]] [[Category:Fictional universes]] [[Category:Film series introduced in 2019]] [[Category:Indian film series]] [[Category:Mass media franchises introduced in 2019]] [[Category:Shared universes]]'