Is Lokesh Cinematic Universe nearing its end? Kaithi, Vikram director breaks silence

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has dismissed speculation that the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) will end after Benz. He said Kaithi 2, Vikram 2, Rolex and Benz remain part of his plans despite his other commitments.

In Short

• Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms LCU is not ending soon
• Upcoming LCU projects include Kaithi 2, Vikram 2, and Rolex
• Benz film under Lokesh's production is part of LCU

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has said the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, or LCU, is not coming to an end, putting to rest recent speculation around its future. The discussion had gathered pace as the filmmaker has been occupied with several other projects, including his acting debut, prompting questions over whether the universe would continue after Raghava Lawrence's Benz.

Speaking at a recent event, in remarks carried in a video posted by Galatta, Lokesh said there was no question of shutting the LCU down. He said, “There was buzz going around that the LCU was closed and all. I would close GSquad [his production house] if it came to it, but I cannot close the LCU. First of all, I didn't even name it; it was a tag given by fans online, and I just adopted it. I'm still following it now."

He also pointed to the projects still pending within the franchise and said he could not step away from them suddenly. “I cannot come out and abruptly say, no, I am not making any more films in the LCU. Be it Kaithi 2, Vikram 2, or the Rolex standalone film, these are all my commitments. The LCU is not closed; it will continue. After I finish Allu Arjun sir's film, I will work on it. Also, Benz, under my production banner, is happening, and that is also a part of the LCU,” the filmmaker said.

The shared universe began with Kaithi, starring Karthi, in 2019. It expanded with Vikram, starring Kamal Haasan, in 2022, and Leo, starring Vijay, in 2023. Lokesh had remained silent on the next instalment for some time before announcing Benz in 2024. He is producing the film, which is directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and stars Raghava Lawrence and Ravi Mohan. The film does not yet have a release date, though it was expected to hit screens in 2026.

Lokesh’s last film was the ensemble 2025 release Coolie, led by Rajinikanth. He is now set to make his acting debut with Arun Matheswaran’s DC, in which Wamiqa Gabbi is his co-star. The film is due to release on July 31.

He is also preparing to return to direction with an action film starring Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA23. With that line-up, there had been confusion over when he would return to his films with Karthi and Kamal Haasan. Rolex, meanwhile, is a spin-off from Vikram, with Suriya playing the titular character.

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