31 October 2023, Mumbai: The Tamil film ‘Leo,’ helmed by director Lokesh Kanagaraj, has taken the box office by storm, grossing an astounding ₹490 crore within a mere 10 days of its release. Notably, it has now emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film in both the UK and India, following in the footsteps of Rajinikanth’s ‘2.0.’ Despite mixed critical reviews, the movie continues to thrive in theaters, boasting a 46% occupancy rate, with expectations of crossing the ₹500 crore milestone soon. The film is all set for its OTT premiere on November 10 and features an ensemble cast, including Vijay, Trisha, Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, and others, with a musical score by Anirudh Ravichander.
‘Leo’ Soars at the Box Office
‘Leo’ emerged as one of the most highly anticipated Tamil films and hit theaters on October 19. Under the skilled direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj, this action-packed thriller garnered widespread praise and has raked in an impressive ₹490 crore at the box office within just 10 days of its release. Notably, it has now etched its name as the highest-grossing Tamil film in both the UK and India, following the formidable success of Rajinikanth’s ‘2.0.’
Continued Theatrical Success
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, ‘Leo’ is not just maintaining its theatrical presence but doing so with a commendable 46% occupancy for every screening. The film’s enduring popularity is evident as it continues to hold steady at the box office. All signs point to ‘Leo’ soon crossing the coveted ₹500 crore mark, cementing its place in the annals of blockbuster Tamil cinema. The film is poised for its OTT premiere on November 10, allowing even broader access to its captivating storyline and performances.
Mixed Reviews and Director’s Perspective
While ‘Leo’ celebrates its commercial success, director Lokesh Kanagaraj acknowledged the mixed reviews it received. During the ‘Japan’ audio and trailer launch event on October 28, he candidly addressed the polarized opinions surrounding the film, recognizing that it may not have resonated with everyone.
Vijay and Lokesh’s Dynamic Duo
‘Leo’ marks the second collaboration between Vijay and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, following their previous blockbuster ‘Master.’ The film is an integral part of Lokesh’s Cinematic Universe and features an ensemble cast including Vijay, Trisha, Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priya Anand, Mysskin, Mathew Thomas, Mansoor Ali Khan, Sandy, and Anurag Kashyap. The captivating music for the film is composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander.
‘Leo’ is rewriting the records in Tamil cinema, solidifying its place as a sensational box office success. The film’s remarkable journey from release to the impending OTT premiere on November 10 underscores its wide-ranging appeal and continued popularity among audiences. Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s dynamic partnership has once again struck gold, reaffirming their status as a formidable duo in the world of Tamil cinema.
By Yashika Desai