26 June 2023, Mumbai: In a recent development, popular Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay and the makers of his highly anticipated film “Leo” have found themselves in trouble following a complaint filed against them for allegedly glorifying drug usage and rowdyism in the recently released song, Naa Ready. The complaint was lodged by an activist named RTI Selvam, hailing from Chennai’s Korukkuppettai, who filed an online complaint on June 25 and subsequently submitted a petition urging action against the actor and the film’s team under the Narcotic Control Act.
Naa Ready, the first single from the Lokesh Kanagaraj-directed film “Leo,” was unveiled on Thalapathy Vijay’s birthday, June 22, and quickly became a chartbuster among fans. However, the song’s popularity has now been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding its alleged portrayal of drug usage and rowdyism, leading to the formal complaint.
RTI Selvam’s petition calls for legal action against Vijay and the Leo team, citing concerns about the promotion and glorification of drug-related activities, which could have a negative impact on society, particularly the youth. The activist’s complaint aligns with ongoing efforts by the Chennai police to combat drug abuse, with multiple events being organised across the city, featuring the participation of actors Karthi and Vijay Antony.
“Leo” is an action thriller featuring Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, and Trisha in lead roles. The film, set to release on October 19, coinciding with the Ayudha Pooja weekend, has generated immense excitement among fans. Notable figures such as Gautham Vasudev Menon, Action King Arjun, Mysskin, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Priya Anand also form part of the supporting cast. Produced by Lalit Kumar and Jagadish Palanisamy, the movie boasts a musical score by renowned composer Anirudh Ravichander.
While the complaint against “Leo” raises concerns about the alleged glorification of drug usage and rowdyism in the Naa Ready song, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the controversy surrounding the song adds an unexpected twist to the anticipation surrounding “Leo.”
As this matter moves forward, it is essential to ensure a fair examination of the content in question, considering both artistic expression and the responsibility of filmmakers to portray social issues responsibly.
By: Tanya Chantola