Lokesh Kanagaraj’s fourth feature film starring legendary actor Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil in major roles smashed the movies this Friday. Actor Suriya also features in the film in what could be called a key reveal scene. There were few decipherable easter eggs in the trailer of Vikram (2022) that paved way for a connection between Kamal Haasan starrer Vikram (1986) and Kaithi (2019) like the scorpion sealed jute bags from Kaithi. Now that we’ve watched the film, we can’t wrap our heads around the endless count of possibilities the ‘ Lokesh Cinematic Universe ‘ offers.
**Possible Spoilers Ahead** Read further only if you’ve watched the film.
As we all know, director Lokesh Kanagaraj posted a note prior to Vikram’s release requesting audience to brush up on his previous film ‘Kaithi’ starring Karthi. Vikram picks up from Kaithi’s end credits and Vikram is none other than Agent Vikram (Black Squad) from the 1986 Kamal Haasan starrer ‘Vikram’. This is a master-stroke of a crossover and a typical fan-boy tribute from Lokesh Kanagaraj. It doesn’t end there. We are introduced to Fahadh Faasil‘s ‘Amar’ (not his real name) who heads the proceedings to blow Karnan’s (Vikram) cover. A personal tragedy leads him to eventually join Vikram’s team thereby establishing his permanent place in the universe Lokesh sets up subsequently.
Fans of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Kaithi’ might have not forgotten about the mention of a Ghost, the myth, the legend who is none other than Vikram himself. ‘Kaithi’ references do not end here. We have Narain’s Inspector Bejoy back in Vikram who speaks of Dhilli (Karthi) multiple times. We can also see Arjun Das reprising his character from Kaithi.
Vijay Sethupathi‘s Santhanam, who is the main antagonist of the film works for a certain someone called ‘Rolex’ (we are not shown who Rolex is till the ending credits roll). By now we already know Lokesh is paving paths to build up a whole new universe of his own with a potential big villain in ‘Rolex’ aka the all-doer. Right before the end credits comes the big reveal. Suriya pops up in a white shirt as a ruthless beast of a villain ‘Rolex’ – the one Vikram and team comprising of Amar, Dhilli and Bejoy has to now hunt down.
There are endless possibilities to look forward to in this ‘Lokesh Cinematic Universe’ as addressed by fans. A potential back-story centred around the rise of Drug peddler Gangster Rolex to set him up against Team Vikram, A spin-off revolving around Santhanam’s story, A full-fledged action face-off between real-life brothers Karthi and Suriya aka Dhilli and Rolex, a solo Kamal Haasan starrer tracking the 1987 batch of Black Squad agents and a spin-off following Dhilli’s story before the occurrence of events in Kaithi etc. We would also give up anything to see more of Agent Tina played by Vasanthi.
The entire universe can be built on multiple characters, old and new potentially leading to a never seen before ambitious show-down with all the big names coming together. If Lokesh Kanagaraj can pull it off, which he is clearly aiming at.. We are in for a solid treat from the Commercial wing of Tamil Cinema and our excitement has hit the roofs. One thing is for sure, we can’t wait for ‘ Lokesh Cinematic Universe ‘ to witness its full glory.
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