Even before actor-producer-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin revealed that Leo is part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), it was already a well-known secret that Thalapathy Vijay's new film would have LCU connections. No matter how hard director Lokesh Kanagaraj tried to dispel the rumors, the similarities between the teasers for Vikram and Leo's announcements were significant. Fortunately, the trailers of Leo kept these connections to a minimum to preserve surprises for the viewers. If you haven't watched Leo and plan to do so in the near future, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE! Leo Movie Review: A Restrained Thalapathy Vijay Works Wonders But Lokesh Kanagaraj's Film Could Have Been Bloody Sweeter!

So, yes, Leo is part of LCU, but I must say that it doesn't necessarily guarantee the film's protagonist will appear in a crossover film in the future, despite hints in the film's finale. Some may argue that the LCU connections feel somewhat forced in the film, as Leo could easily stand alone as a movie. However, it's undeniable that when these Easter Eggs appear, you can't help but smile at the callbacks. Leo includes references to both Kaithi and Vikram, even featuring a couple of characters from these movies.

Kaithi

Remember Napoleon from Kaithi? The first film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe featured George Maryan as a nearly-retiring, newly transferred constable tasked with protecting a police station and a group of college students trapped by gang attacks. With the help of Karthi's Dilli, Napoleon and the kids manage to save the day and become heroes. So, what happened to him afterward?

A Still From Kaithi

Well, Leo provides an answer, as Napoleon makes a return here. Vijay's Parthiban, after he and his family face attacks from criminals, requests the judge to assign a Tamil Nadu police officer for their protection. They send Napoleon to handle this task. Why? We learn that everything Dilli did in Kaithi to protect the station and the policemen is credited to Napoleon, as the police have kept Dilli out of their records. Parthiban remains unconvinced by these claims, and he later questions Napoleon about it, to which the latter reveals that it was Dilli who used the Gatling gun to keep the enemies at bay. Surprisingly, Parthiban doesn't inquire about this mysterious Dilli's identity. We wonder why. Udhayanidhi Stalin Spoils Leo’s LCU Secret! ‘Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Efforts Gone Waste’ Thalapathy Vijay Fans React With Funny Memes and Jokes.

Napoleon also showcases some of his Kaithi heroics when he defends Parthiban's house from enemies, even having his own 'Gatling gun' moment, mowing down gang members with a rifle.

Vikram

Vikram, the second film in LCU, features Kamal Haasan in the lead as the titular character and introduces Suriya as the franchise antagonist, Rolex, towards the end. While Rolex doesn't appear in the film, Leo includes two Vikram cameos that hint at Parthiban's potential appearances in future LCU films, crossing paths with Vikram.

The first cameo comes from Maya Krishnan's unnamed character, who served as an escort in Vikram and helped the hero keep his activities secret (her 'moaning' scene was quite the highlight). Surprisingly, she shows up at Parthiban's cafe and leaves a card that reads 'Pleasure is all Mine' before leaving. In case you've forgotten who she is, don't worry; her appearance also brings in the "Vikram" tune to remind you. Since Parthiban meets Sanjay Dutt's Anthony Das in the next scene, we assume that she might be working for Anthony, although it doesn't make much sense. Vikram Ending Explained: Decoding How Suriya’s Cameo in Kamal Haasan, Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi’s Film Expands Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Kaithi-Verse.

A Still From Vikram

And we are right to feel so, since her visit seems related to a call that Parthiban, who is by then confirmed to be the previously assumed dead Leo Das, receives in the end. The caller turns out to be Vikram himself, who seems to have sent Maya Krishnan's character to check on Leo.

A Still From Vikram Teaser

Even though we don't see his face because the character is wearing a mask, Kamal Haasan's voice is unmistakable, and Anirudh's "Vikram" tune sets in. He informs Leo that the drugs factory he burnt down (of his father's) isn't the only one in the country, and there are many others Leo should consider destroying as well. Leo smiles at the camera, leaving it open-ended whether he accepts the assignment.

Leo and LCU

It's clear that the present-day events of Leo take place after Kaithi and Vikram. However, whether Vijay will appear in a future LCU movie remains to be seen, despite the optimistic epilogue. For one, Leo is primarily presented as a standalone film. Secondly, with Vijay's busy schedule and the rumoured entry into politics, it's uncertain how the schedules will align. Crossovers also involve coordinating dates among stars like Vijay, Kamal Haasan, Suriya, Karthi, and Fahadh Faasil.

A Still From Leo

Even if Leo may not become a fully-fledged character in future LCU films, it's quite likely that references will be dropped or perhaps a fun cameo of the superstar will occur. Also, if he chooses not to join Vikram's missions, that would make sense. Leo was all about protecting his family from harm, revealing his Parthiban persona to his father and uncle only at the very end of their lives, so he wouldn't want to take unnecessary risks and draw criminal attention to his family. What do you think, readers?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 04:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).