Lokesh Cinematic Universe

{{Infobox media franchise | italic_title = no | title = Lokesh Cinematic Universe | creator = Lokesh Kanagaraj | origin = Kaithi (2019) | owner = Raaj Kamal Films InternationalDream Warrior PicturesSeven Screen Studio | years = 2019–present | films = | soundtracks = {{ubl|Kaithi (soundtrack)|Vikram (soundtrack)|Leo (soundtrack)}} | color = Brown | otherlabel1 = Budget | otherdata1 = ₹395–₹445 crore (3 films) | otherlabel2 = Box office | otherdata2 = 1083-1148 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. The first feature of the universe Kaithi was released in 2019, while the second installment Vikram was released on 3 June 2022 and third installment Leo was released on 19 October 2023. 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. It is currently the highest grossing Tamil film franchise. Development Lokesh Kanagaraj has stated that he wanted to do a shared universe of films since finishing his first feature film, Maanagaram. He stated that these kind of films have longevity. During the production of Kaithi, he had the idea and experimented with it, by having many open-ended plotlines in Kaithi, which he then incorporated in 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, post the release of Vikram, he accepted it as the official name of the universe. Other names for the franchise include the Loki Cinematic Universe and Lokiverse, as Loki is his nickname. Narain and George Maryan are the only actors to have reprised their roles in multiple films in the universe in major capacities. Karthi and Kamal Haasan have reprised their roles as Dilli (in Vikram) and Vikram (in Leo) respectively as voice-only cameo appearances. Films