Latest news with #LokeshCinematicUniverse
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karthi's 'Sardar 2' wraps up shoot, eyes December release
The filming of 'Sardar 2,' starring and directed by P.S. Mithran, has officially wrapped up. Following the massive success of the first 'Sardar' film released in 2022, this sequel was eagerly anticipated. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shooting began in July last year and has now been successfully completed. The film features an ensemble cast that includes S.J. Suryah, Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, Yogi Babu, and Rajisha Vijayan. Music is composed by Sam C.S., further building anticipation for the film. Bigger scale and strong buzz following the teaser release Like its predecessor, 'Sardar 2' is a gripping political thriller but is said to be made on a much larger scale. A teaser released on actor Karthi's birthday recently received an overwhelming response online. The film was initially planned for a Deepavali release this year, but it is now likely to hit theaters in December 2025. Since Suriya's 45th film, helmed by RJ Balaji, is set for a Diwali release, Karthi's film has decided to avoid a box office clash between brothers, leaving the way open for the senior. A tragic accident during the shoot causes a temporary delay Production wasn't without challenges. A tragic accident occurred during the shoot when stuntman Elumalai fell from a height of 20 feet and lost his life. The unfortunate incident caused a brief delay in filming and drew significant attention within the industry. Karthi gears up for 'Kaithi 2' after wrapping up 'Sardar 2' With 'Sardar 2' completed, Karthi is preparing to begin work on 'Kaithi 2,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film will go on floors after the release of 'Coolie,' Lokesh's upcoming film with Rajinikanth. As the first Kaithi launched the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), its sequel is among the most awaited projects in Tamil cinema.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nivin Pauly steps into LCU as villain: When we cast actor from other languages, they add a different colour to the film, says director Bakkiyaraj Kannan
Apart from Nivin and Lawrence, another big star will also be playing an important role in the film, he reveals. Nivin Pauly is making his entry into the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) by playing the main antagonist, Walter, in Raghava Lawrence 's Benz. This will be the actor's fourth film in Tamil after Neram , Richie , and Ram's yet-to-be-released Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai . The film's director, Bakkiyaraj Kannan , who previously made Remo and Sulthan , talks to us about what made him pick Nivin for the role, how his film is connected to the LCU, and more. Excerpts: 'FANS CAN EXPECT A RUTHLESS NIVIN PAULY' 'We wanted to cast an actor who would give off a new vibe and doesn't fall under the regular villain template. Fans can expect a ruthless Nivin Pauly. The character will be different from his previous ones and will be the peak of villainy,' begins Bakkiyaraj, who informs that Nivin will join the shoot next month. The actor will also be dubbing for himself in the film. 'When we cast actors from other languages, they add a different colour to the film,' states the director. 'Lawrence will also play a character with a negative shade' Talking about the character of his protagonist, played by Raghava Lawrence, the filmmaker shares, 'He plays a character with a negative shade as well. We wanted someone rough and tough and thought that this character would suit him.' Apart from Nivin and Lawrence, another big star will also be playing an important role in the film, he reveals. ' Benz will have three female leads. We are about to finish the first schedule in Chennai. Shooting will also happen in Mangaluru, and Rajasthan, among other places,' he adds. 'BENZ IS NEITHER A PREQUEL NOR A SEQUEL TO AN LCU FILM' Sharing how he ended up taking over the reins of the film, he says, 'Lokesh and I are friends. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 When I was working on another film, he floated the idea of other directors making films in the LCU. Since the film I was working on had a lot of CGI and its pre-production required more time, I took this up. We have been in discussions since January 2024.' The events in this film take place in parallel to the other LCU films. 'It's neither a prequel nor a sequel, but there will be a lot of connections with the LCU. While the basic story is by Lokesh, I've worked on it and written the screenplay,' he says. 'NOW, THE OPPORTUNITY FOR MULTIPLE DIRECTORS TO WORK IN FILMS OF A UNIVERSE IS OPENING UP IN INDIAN CINEMA' Bakkiyaraj says that he is proud to be the first director to join the LCU. 'In Hollywood, multiple directors work on various films of a particular universe. Now, such an opportunity has risen in Indian cinema,' he states, adding, 'Benz will have a totally different world and the making style will be different compared to my other two films. It isn't exactly set in the dark world of Lokesh's universe. There would be my flavour, too, with the screenplay comprising a mix of darkness, fun, and family love. ' 'I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO A TELUGU FILM BEFORE SULTHAN' His first and second films, Remo and Sulthan , came out in 2016 and 2022 respectively. Ask him about the gaps between his films, and he says, 'I take some time between films because I keep writing them until I'm satisfied. I was supposed to do a Telugu film before Sulthan and I worked on it for two years, but I wasn't able to take it forward because I couldn't entirely grasp the language. So, I thought I would do a film in Tamil. ' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Nivin Pauly will face off against Raghava Lawrence in Benz
Nivin Pauly is joining the cast of Benz, which stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead, as the makers made the announcement through a character promo video. Produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is the latest entrant in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe after Kaithi and Vikram. Twin Fish Walter, as his character is named, Nivin appears with a bloodied face and a red robe with golden-coloured fishes stitched into it. Talking to another character, also played by him, he struggles to recount the name 'Benz', which could possibly be Raghava Lawrence's character.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Nivin Pauly joins Lokesh Cinematic Universe with ‘Benz'
Malayalam star Nivin Pauly has joined the popular Lokesh Cinematic Universe with the upcoming movie Benz. Produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the movie stars Raghava Lawrence in the lead. The movie is director Bakkiyaraj Kannan. On June 05, 2025, Bakkiyaraj took to X to announce the development with a video. In the teaser, Pauly appears in a maniacal avatar. He is set to play a character named Walter in the movie. The role is expected to be Pauly's full-fledged antagonist character in Tamil cinema. The actor's other Tamil projects are Gautham Ramachandran's Richie and Ram's Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai. Bakkiyaraj had previously directed Remo and Sulthan. Benz, which has music from Sai Abhayankar, is set for a 2025 release. ALSO READ:Lokesh Kanagaraj welcomes Raghava Lawrence to LCU with 'Benz' Meanwhile, Pauly has wrapped up Baby Girl. He is currently working on Akhil Sathyan's film. Lokesh is awaiting the release of Coolie, starring Rajinikanth. The movie, bankrolled by Sun Pictures, hits the screens on August 14, 2025.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' roars in Japan amid 'Thug Life' release
Just days before the release of 'Thug Life,' Kamal Haasan 's eagerly awaited next outing, his 2022 blockbuster 'Vikram' has taken Japan by storm. The action-packed thriller made its Japanese theatrical debut on May 30, marking a grand re-entry for the actor on international screens. Releasing across 54 theaters, the film has quickly become a crowd-puller, setting the stage for record-breaking footfalls and grossing over ₹50 lakh in just its first three days. 'Vikram' released to mark its third anniversary Timed with the film's third anniversary since its original Indian release on June 3, 2022, Vikram's overseas premiere is more than symbolic—it's a powerful reminder of the film's lasting impact. Packed houses and overwhelmingly positive reviews in Japan reflect not only the excitement surrounding Kamal Haasan but also the rising enthusiasm for Indian cinema in global markets. Social media is abuzz with fans in Japan sharing their experiences from the screenings, showcasing packed theaters and loud cheers. 'Vikram' blends intense action with emotion Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj , 'Vikram' belongs to the celebrated Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) and stars Kamal Haasan alongside Vijay Sethupathi , Fahadh Faasil, Narain, and Kalidas Jayaram . With its slick action sequences and emotionally layered storytelling, the film follows a former black-ops commander's gritty return to battle against a menacing drug empire. Its success in Japan speaks to the film's universal themes and high production quality that transcends language barriers. The renewed success of 'Vikram' sets the stage for 'Thug Life' As 'Thug Life' has opened with blockbuster reviews, and Mani Ratnam's directorial continues to mount in India and abroad, Vikram's international wave offers perfect momentum. The dual release moment of one film revisiting its past glory while the other awaits its global curtain raise cements Kamal Haasan's position not just as a cinematic icon in India but also as a compelling force in world cinema. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
