What inside the world of Leo | Movie Review | Vijay | Lokesh Kanagaraj


In the world of Tamil cinema, "Leo" starring Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, has created unprecedented hype. This much-anticipated collaboration between Vijay and Lokesh, following their successful venture "Master," generated enormous financial success, with a staggering 148.5 crores collected on its very first day of theatrical release, setting a new standard for Indian films worldwide


The Enigmatic World of "LEO"

"Leo" centers around the character "Parthiban," portrayed by Vijay. Parthiban leads a seemingly peaceful life with his beautiful family in Himachal Pradesh, where he runs a café and is a part-time animal rescuer. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters dangerous criminals who threaten his employee and attempt to harm his child. The film unfolds as Parthiban's reactions to this life-altering event become the focal point.


Parallel Stories: Parthiban and the Hyena

A fascinating parallel can be drawn between the life of Parthiban and a hyena, a carnivorous mammal depicted in the film. The hyena, like Parthiban, is isolated from its clan and becomes ferocious in a human habitat. Parthiban's transformation from a man with a dark past  to a compassionate person mirrors the hyena's journey from ferocity to a serene existence under his care.


Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)

The concept of a "Lokesh Cinematic Universe" (LCU) has garnered immense excitement among fans, inspired by Lokesh's previous films such as "Kaithi" and "Vikram." While the idea of a cinematic universe is intriguing, its execution in "Leo" feels somewhat forced, detracting from the film's core narrative. Parthiban's character, with its depth and potential to captivate the audience, might have been better served without this additional layer.


Vijay's Title Card and Stellar Performance

One of the most striking elements of "Leo" is the unprecedented title card used for Actor Vijay, providing a visual treat to the audience. The background music by Anirudh accompanying the title card is a testament to its impact and sets a high standard for future Thalapathy movies. Vijay's performance in "Leo" demonstrates his growth as an actor, felt mindblowing when he danced to the tune of "karu karu karupayi", his emotional performances bringing depth and engagement to the audience, reminiscent of his stellar acting in films like "Thulladha Manamum Thullum" and "Kaththi."


Nerve-Wracking Tensions and Missed Potential

While "Leo" delivers nerve-wracking tension, particularly in the café fight scenes, it falls short of fully realizing its potential. The film, if centered more on these gripping moments, could have achieved iconic status in Indian cinema. However, it misses the mark in fully matching the enormous pre-release hype.

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