Starring: Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, Arjun, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priya Anand, Mysskin, Mansoor Ali Khan, and others
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Producer: Lalit Kumar
Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
Thalapathy Vijay, who has been gradually but successfully expanding his market in Telugu cinema over the past few years, collaborates with the talented filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj in the highly anticipated action drama ‘Leo’. As the film finally graces the screens, all eyes are on whether it can live up to the immense pre-release hype, given Vijay’s growing appeal among Telugu audiences.
Story:
Parthiban (Thalapathy Vijay) leads a simple life running a cafe in Theog, Himachal Pradesh, with his wife Satya (Trisha) and children. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when his family is threatened by a group of assailants, compelling him to take extreme measures. Parthiban’s life takes a dramatic turn when two gangsters, Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun), mistake him for their family member, Leo Das (also played by Thalapathy Vijay). As the narrative unfolds, the audience is taken on a gripping journey to unravel the mystery behind Leo Das and the turmoil that befalls Parthiban’s life.
Plus Points:
Vijay’s expanding popularity among Telugu audiences is well reflected in the film’s strong first half. The deliberate pacing effectively establishes the characters and the protagonist’s world, and Thalapathy Vijay’s portrayal of vulnerability adds depth to the narrative. The well-executed action sequences in the initial part of the movie keep the audience engaged. The interval sequence sets the stage for an intriguing second half, with some noteworthy moments for fans of the franchise.
Minus Points:
However, the second half, a crucial segment for the film’s success, fails to maintain the same momentum. The flashback portions, unexpectedly lacking in substance and depth, disappoint viewers, especially considering Lokesh Kanagaraj’s reputation for delivering compelling narratives. The slow pacing post-intermission and the underdeveloped characters portrayed by Sanjay Dutt and Arjun contribute to the film’s overall shortcomings. Other supporting actors, including Priya Anand, are underutilized, while certain emotional scenes lack impact due to inadequate writing. Additionally, some technical aspects, such as the subpar VFX in certain action sequences and the discrepancies in language-specific details, detract from the overall viewing experience.
Technical Aspects:
While Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is commendable, it falls short of his previous notable works. The cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa stands out, particularly in capturing the action sequences effectively. However, the editing, especially in the second half, is substandard, affecting the overall pacing of the film. Despite some well-executed VFX, certain sequences appear lackluster and fail to deliver the intended impact. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, although decent, does not fully live up to the expectations set by his previous works.
Verdict:
‘Leo’ primarily hinges on Thalapathy Vijay’s performance and his successful Telugu market expansion. It serves as an engaging action entertainer for fans of the franchise. While the film manages to sustain interest in the first half, it falters in delivering a consistently engaging narrative in the latter part. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, although decent, does not fully live up to the expectations set by his previous works. Ultimately, ‘Leo’ remains a one-time watch, with its success at the box office largely reliant on Thalapathy Vijay’s star power and the appeal of the larger cinematic universe it belongs to.
