Vikram (2022) Tamil Movie – Full Cast, Crew & Plot Details

Vikram is an Indian Tamil action thriller movie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj in 2022. This movie manages the practical and financial aspects of creating a film by Raaj Kamal Films International.

This movie stars Kamal Haasan in the main role, alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil, with Narain, Kalidas Jayaram, Gowtham Sundararajan, Gayathrie, Chemban Vinod Jose, and Santhana Bharathi as the supporting cast.

It revolves around the former commander of a black-ops squad’s pilot batch, and his efforts to take down the runner of a drug syndicate, Vetti Vagaiyara and the revenge for his son.

Movie summary table

Title	Vikram
Directed by	Lokesh Kanagaraj
Written by	Lokesh Kanagaraj
Produced by	Kamal Haasan, R. Mahendran
Starring	Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Narain, Kalidas Jayaram
Music by	Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography	Girish Gangadharan
Edited by	Philomin Raj
Production Company	Raaj Kamal Films International
Distributed by	Red Giant Movies (Tamil), Disney+ Hotstar (OTT)
Release Date	3 June 2022 (India)
Running Time	173 minutes
Country	India
Language	Tamil (Dubbed in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi)
Budget	₹120 crore (US$15 million)
Box Office	₹432 crore (US$54 million) (worldwide)
OTT Release	Disney+ Hotstar (12 August 2022)
IMDb Rating	8.4/10 ⭐
Genres	Action, Thriller
Official Website	Raaj Kamal Films Official
Post Credits Scene	Yes (LCU connection)
Based on	Original screenplay (Part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe)

Cast & Crew in Viram (2022)

Actor	Role
Kamal Haasan	Karnan/Arun Kumar Vikram
Vijay Sethupathi	Sandhanam
Fahadh Faasil	Amar
Suriya	Rolex (special appearance)
Narain	Bejoy
Kalidas Jayaram	Prabhanjan
Chemban Vinod Jose	Police Chief Jose
Gayathrie Shankar	Gayathrie
Arjun Das	Anbu (special appearance)
Shivani Narayanan	Sumitra
Harish Uthaman	Aadukalam
Jaffer Sadiq	Veera
Vasanthi	Kalai
Ramesh Thilak	Ilango
Swathishta Krishnan	Shruti

Role	Crew member
Director	Lokesh Kanagaraj
Writer	Lokesh Kanagaraj
Producers	Kamal Haasan, R. Mahendran
Music	Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography	Girish Gangadharan
Editor	Philomin Raj
Action Choreography	Anbariv
Dialogue Writer	Rathna Kumar

Director Info

Full Name	Lokesh Kanagaraj
Occupation	Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer
Known For	Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)
Notable Films	Maanagaram, Kaithi, Master, Vikram, Leo, Coolie
Awards	Vijay Award for Best Debut Director (Maanagaram), Zee Cine Awards Tamil for Favourite Director (Kaithi), South Indian International Movie Awards for Best Director (Master, Vikram)

Producers

• Kamal Haasan
• R. Mahendran
• Raaj Kamal Films International Production Company

Character Profiles

• Vikram / Karnan: Kamal Haasan
• Sandhanam: Vijay Sethupathi
• Agent Amar: Fahadh Faasil
• Rolex: Suriya
• Bejoy: Narain
• ACP Prabhanjan: Kalidas Jayaram
• Anbu: Arjun Das
• Gayathri: Gayathrie Shankar
• Jose (Police Chief): Chemban Vinod Jose
• Adaikalam: Hareesh Peradi
• Stephen Raj: Vinay Rai
• Prabhanjan’s Wife: Shivani Narayanan
• Tina / Valliammal: Shanthnu Bhagyaraj
• Dilli: Karthi

Production Timeline

Based on available information, here is a production timeline for the film Vikram (2022).

Project Announcement	September 2020
Title Teaser Release	November 7, 2020
Pre-production Begins	April 2021
Principal Photography Begins	July 2021
Filming Wraps	Late-February 2022
Release of First Single	May 11, 2022
Worldwide Theatrical Release	June 3, 2022

Filming Locations

• Karaikudi
• Chennai
• Pondicherry
• Coimbatore
• Mumbai

Release timeline

Here is a release timeline for the film Vikram (2022):

Event	Date
Worldwide Theatrical Release	June 3, 2022
OTT Release	July 8, 2022
TV Premiere	TBD

Plot Summary

Budget

Production Budget	₹120-150 crore ($15-18 million)
Worldwide Box Office Gross	₹424-500 crore ($53-62 million)
Pre-Release Revenue	₹200+ crore ($25 million), including satellite and OTT rights.
Key Revenue Streams	Theatrical distribution, satellite rights (Vijay TV), and OTT streaming rights (Disney+ Hotstar).

Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Budget	Estimated Cost (in INR Crores)
Total Production Budget	₹120–150 Crores
Cast Salaries	₹70–80 Crores
— Kamal Haasan	₹50 Crores
— Vijay Sethupathi	₹10 Crores
— Fahadh Faasil	₹4 Crores
— Suriya	₹1 Crore
Director’s Fee	₹8–10 Crores
Music	₹4 Crores
Production & Technical Costs	₹30–40 Crores
Marketing & Promotion	₹5–10 Crores

Box Office Collection

Region	Box Office Gross (Estimated)
Tamil Nadu	₹175 – 190 Crores
Kerala	₹38 – 40 Crores
Andhra Pradesh / Telangana	₹35 – 40 Crores
Karnataka	₹25 – 28 Crores
Rest of India	₹15 – 20 Crores
Total India Gross	₹290 – 320 Crores

Worldwide Box Office Collection

Region	Box Office Gross (Estimated)
Total India Gross	₹290 – 320 Crores
Overseas / International	₹125 – 180 Crores
USA	~$5 million
UK	~$1.2 million
UAE & Gulf Region	~$6 million
Malaysia	~$3 million
Singapore	~$1 million
Total Worldwide Gross	₹424 – 500 Crores

OTT Release Info

Platform	Disney+ Hotstar	ZEE5
Release Date	July 8, 2022	September 13, 2022
Languages	Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada	Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada
Release Type	Included with subscription	Included with subscription

Nominations

Based on a review of major film awards, here are the nominations for the film Vikram (2022) that did not result in a win.

Award Ceremony	Category	Nominee
South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)	Best Actor in a Leading Role – Tamil	Kamal Haasan
	Best Director	Lokesh Kanagaraj
	Best Music Director	Anirudh Ravichander
	Best Cinematographer	Girish Gangadharan
	Best Supporting Actor – Tamil	Fahadh Faasil
	Best Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil	Vijay Sethupathi
	Best Comedian – Tamil	Santhana Bharathi
Filmfare Awards South	Best Film – Tamil	Raaj Kamal Films International
	Best Director – Tamil	Lokesh Kanagaraj
	Best Actor – Tamil	Kamal Haasan
	Best Supporting Actor – Male – Tamil	Fahadh Faasil
	Best Supporting Actor – Female – Tamil	Gayathrie Shankar
	Best Music Director – Tamil	Anirudh Ravichander
	Best Lyricist – Tamil	Vishnu Edavan (“Porkanda Singam”)
	Best Playback Singer – Male – Tamil	Anirudh Ravichander (“Pathala Pathala”)
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards	Best Villain	Vijay Sethupathi
National Film Awards	Best Feature Film	Raaj Kamal Films International
	Best Actor	Kamal Haasan
	Best Supporting Actor	Vijay Sethupathi
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne	Best Film	Raaj Kamal Films International
	Best Actor	Kamal Haasan

Awards

The film Vikram (2022) was a major critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards for its cast and crew. Here is a list of some of the key awards the film won:

• South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)
  • Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role – Popular Choice: Kamal Haasan
  • Best Supporting Actress: Vasanthi
  • Best Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
  • Best Male Playback Singer: Kamal Haasan (“Pathala Pathala”)
  • Best Film
• Filmfare Awards South
  • Best Actor – Tamil: Kamal Haasan
  • Best Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan
• Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards
  • Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
  • Best Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
  • Best Stunt Choreographer: Anbariv
  • Best Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan

Award Timeline

Date of Ceremony	Award Ceremony
January 4, 2023	Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards
September 15-16, 2023	11th South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)
July 11, 2024	68th Filmfare Awards South
August 24, 2023	69th National Film Awards

Behind the Scenes

Trivia

• The film’s title, Vikram, is a direct reference to Kamal Haasan’s 1986 film of the same name. However, it’s a spiritual successor rather than a direct remake, as the 2022 film reintroduces the character of Vikram into a new, contemporary story.
• The idea for the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) originated from a simple thought during the writing of Vikram. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj wanted to connect the film to his previous work, Kaithi, by including the character of Bejoy (played by Narain). When he pitched the idea to Kamal Haasan, the veteran actor not only approved but encouraged the expansion of the universe.
• Suriya’s chilling performance as the villain Rolex was one of the film’s biggest surprises. The actor’s cameo was kept a closely guarded secret from much of the cast and crew, and he reportedly did not charge a fee for the role. Instead, he was gifted a Rolex watch by Kamal Haasan as a token of appreciation.
• The highly acclaimed background score and songs were composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The film’s energetic theme music and the track “Pathala Pathala,” written and performed by Kamal Haasan himself, became instant hits and were crucial to the film’s success.
• While Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil shared the screen for the first time in Vikram, it was noted that a large portion of their scenes were shot separately. This was due to the complex narrative structure that follows each character’s journey before they converge.

Controversies

“Pathala Pathala” Song Controversy

The film’s first single, “Pathala Pathala,” which was written and sung by Kamal Haasan, drew criticism for its lyrics.¹ A social activist filed a police complaint against the song, claiming that certain lines mocked the Union government’s handling of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.² The controversial lines, which were in a colloquial Madras Tamil slang, roughly translated to:³

“There is no money in the treasury… due to the mistakes of the Union government, there is nothing left.⁴ Now the key is in the thief’s hand.”⁵

Kamal Haasan, who is also a politician, responded to the controversy by defending the lyrics as a form of social and political commentary, stating that a healthy democracy requires the state to be able to critique any government. He also clarified that the word “Ondriyam” (Union) can be interpreted in multiple ways and was used to suit the film’s context.⁶

Plagiarism Allegations

The film was subject to some minor, unconfirmed plagiarism allegations, primarily discussed on social media and fan forums. Some viewers pointed out similarities between certain plot points or action sequences in Vikram and other Hollywood films, a common criticism levelled against many action-thrillers. However, these claims never escalated into a formal legal dispute, and the film’s director, Lokesh Kanagaraj, did not officially address them. The overall consensus among critics and audiences was that the film was a fresh and original take on the action genre.

Songs & Soundtrack

Songs

1. “Pathala Pathala”
   • Singer: Kamal Haasan and Anirudh Ravichander
   • Lyrics: Kamal Haasan
   • Details: This was the lead single of the film and became a massive hit. A lively “kuthu” number, it gained significant popularity for its peppy beat and Kamal Haasan’s unique vocals and politically-charged lyrics.
2. “Vikram (Title Track)”
   • Singer: Anirudh Ravichander
   • Lyrics: Vishnu Edavan
   • Details: This powerful and adrenaline-pumping track is the film’s main theme song. Its iconic beat and high-energy vocals became synonymous with the film’s action sequences.
3. “Porkanda Singam”
   • Singer: Ravi G
   • Lyrics: Vishnu Edavan
   • Details: A melancholic and emotional song that plays during scenes highlighting the emotional struggles of Vikram’s character.
4. “Wasted”
   • Singer: Anirudh Ravichander
   • Lyrics: Heisenberg
   • Details: An upbeat, English-language track that adds a gritty, modern rock feel to the album.
5. “Once Upon a Time”
   • Singer: Anirudh Ravichander
   • Lyrics: Heisenberg
   • Details: A short, impactful track with a unique style that complements the film’s intense and fast-paced nature.

Background Score

The original background score was released as a separate album on July 7, 2022. It features a range of instrumental themes and musical cues that are integral to the film’s storytelling, including:

• Vikram’s Theme
• Amar’s Theme
• Sandhanam’s Theme
• Rolex’s Theme
• The “Lokiverse” theme connects Vikram to the wider cinematic universe.

Songs & Soundtrack Embed

“Pathala Pathala”

“Vikram (Title Track)”

“Porkanda Singam”

“Wasted”

“Once Upon a Time”

Vikram’s Theme

Amar’s Theme

Sandhanam’s Theme

Rolex’s Theme

The “Lokiverse” theme

Trailer & Teaser Embed

Public Reaction & Audience Review

• Overwhelmingly Positive Reception: The film was a huge success with both critics and the general audience, who praised its fast-paced action and intelligent screenplay.
• Praise for the Cast: The performances of the three main leads—Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil—were universally acclaimed. Suriya’s cameo as the villain Rolex was a major highlight, earning widespread applause.
• Box Office Phenomenon: Vikram was a massive commercial hit, breaking multiple box office records and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. It was regarded as a pivotal film in the post-pandemic resurgence of Indian cinema.
• LCU Connection: Fans enthusiastically responded to the film’s links to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s earlier movie, Kaithi. The creation of a shared cinematic universe was a major talking point and generated significant buzz for future films.
• Technical and Music Appreciation: Anirudh Ravichander’s intense background score and the film’s slick cinematography were highly praised for elevating the viewing experience and contributing to its blockbuster status.

IMDB Ratings & Others

Platform	Rating
IMDb	8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes	8.3/10
Times of India (TOI)	4.4/5
Google Users	95% liked the film

Related Movies

If you enjoyed the high-octane action, gritty storytelling, and interconnected world of Vikram, here are 20 related movies that share similar themes of revenge, vigilante justice, and ensemble casts, or are part of the same cinematic universe.

1. Kaithi (2019)
   • The first film in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) that directly connects to Vikram. This film, also directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, follows a prisoner’s journey to save a group of police officers.
2. Leo (2023)
   • The third installment in the LCU. It tells the story of a man who lives a peaceful life with his family but is forced to confront his violent past.
3. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)
   • A neo-noir crime thriller starring Kamal Haasan as a police officer on a mission to catch a serial killer. The film shares a similar intense and cerebral tone.
4. Vikram Vedha (2017)
   • A critically acclaimed crime thriller about a tough police officer on the hunt for a notorious gangster. The film’s dual-protagonist structure and moral ambiguity will appeal to fans of Vikram.
5. Aaranya Kaandam (2010)
   • A stylish and multi-layered neo-noir gangster film featuring an ensemble cast. Its complex plot and dark humor are reminiscent of the LCU’s tone.
6. Thuppakki (2012)
   • An action thriller starring Vijay as an army officer who foils a terrorist plot in Mumbai. The film features intense action and a cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the antagonist.
7. Mankatha (2011)
   • A slick heist thriller starring Ajith Kumar as a suspended police officer who gets involved in a high-stakes robbery. The film’s stylish direction and anti-hero protagonist have a similar appeal.
8. Maanaadu (2021)
   • A unique action thriller that uses a time loop as its central plot device. The film’s innovative concept and fast-paced narrative will appeal to fans of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s work.
9. Kaaka Kaaka (2003)
   • One of the defining cop films in Tamil cinema, it follows an honest police officer’s relentless hunt for a psychopathic gangster. The film’s emotional weight and fierce action are a good match.
10. Jailer (2023)
    • A blockbuster action film starring Rajinikanth as a retired jailer who goes on a violent quest for revenge after his son’s disappearance. It shares a similar vigilante justice theme.
11. Master (2021)
    • Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this film stars Vijay as an alcoholic professor who confronts a ruthless gangster. It showcases the director’s signature style and high-impact action.
12. Mahaan (2022)
    • A gangster film with a revenge plot, starring Vikram and his son Dhruv. It explores the dark side of a man forced to embrace his criminal past.
13. Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018)
    • A multi-starrer gangster film directed by Mani Ratnam. It features an ensemble cast and a complex plot involving a power struggle within a crime family.
14. Mersal (2017)
    • A commercial action thriller starring Vijay in a triple role. The film’s grand scale, revenge plot, and political themes have a similar appeal.
15. Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)
    • A neo-noir crime thriller that is praised for its non-linear narrative and clever plot twists, much like the investigative segments of Vikram.
16. Indian (1996)
    • A vigilante action film starring Kamal Haasan as a freedom fighter who turns into an assassin to fight corruption. Its themes of justice and patriotism are closely related to Vikram.
17. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015)
    • A dark comedy crime film starring Vijay Sethupathi. While a different genre, it showcases the actor’s versatility and his ability to play a complex and unconventional character.
18. Thalapathi (1991)
    • A classic gangster film directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty. The film’s epic scale, strong character dynamics, and stylized action are timeless.
19. Billa (2007)
    • A stylish action film starring Ajith Kumar. The film’s suave protagonist, international settings, and high-tech crime are a departure from Vikram‘s raw action but share a cool, cinematic feel.
20. Maari (2015)
    • A crime-comedy film starring Dhanush as a local gangster. While lighter in tone, it shares a similar focus on a single, powerful individual at the center of a criminal underworld.

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FAQ’s

What is Vikram about?

Vikram is a high-octane action thriller that follows a black ops team, led by Agent Amar, investigating a series of gruesome murders.¹ The investigation leads them to a seemingly ordinary man named Karnan, who is later revealed to be the legendary black ops commander Vikram.² He is on a mission of vengeance against a powerful drug cartel, and his path crosses with the ruthless drug lord Sandhanam.

Is Vikram a sequel to Kaithi?

Vikram is not a direct sequel to Kaithi, but it is a continuation of the same shared universe, known as the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).³ It takes place after the events of Kaithi and includes characters like Bejoy, a police officer from the first film.⁴ The events of both movies are interconnected, creating a larger, cohesive narrative.⁵

Who is the villain, Rolex?

Rolex is the ultimate antagonist in the LCU and the head of the entire drug syndicate. His character, played by Suriya in a special cameo, is introduced at the very end of the film.⁶ His brief but powerful appearance sets him up as the main threat for future films in the cinematic universe.

What is the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)?

The LCU is a series of interconnected action films created by director Lokesh Kanagaraj.⁷ It began with Kaithi (2019), continued with Vikram (2022), and expanded with Leo (2023).⁸ The films share characters, storylines, and a central conflict against a drug cartel.⁹

Did Kamal Haasan have a role in the creative process?

Yes. As the lead actor and producer of the film through his banner, Raaj Kamal Films International, Kamal Haasan was deeply involved in the creative process.¹⁰ He not only starred in the film but also wrote and sang the popular song “Pathala Pathala.” He was also instrumental in giving Lokesh Kanagaraj the freedom to build the LCU.¹¹

What was the budget and box office collection?

The film was made on an estimated budget of ₹120–150 crore.¹² It was a massive commercial success, grossing a worldwide total of over ₹424–500 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.¹³