25 October 2023, Mumbai: In a remarkable feat of cinematic success, Thalapathy Vijay’s latest action-thriller, “Leo,” directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is poised to etch its name in the annals of Tamil cinema history. Mere days into its theatrical run, this blockbuster has already positioned itself among the highest-grossing Tamil movies of all time. As of the sixth day of its release, Leo amassed an impressive Rs 31 crore across India, bringing its domestic nett collections to a staggering Rs 248 crore, inching ever closer to the coveted Rs 250 crore milestone.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Leo embarked on its journey with an astonishing opening, raking in Rs 64 crore across India on its inaugural day, a Thursday. This initial triumph set the stage for continued success, with Rs 35 crore added on day two, Rs 39 crore on day three, Rs 41 crore on day four, and another Rs 35 crore on day five. This remarkable trajectory propels Leo to claim the title of the second-highest grossing Tamil film of the year, the fifth-highest grossing Indian film of 2023, and a crowning achievement as Vijay’s highest-grossing film to date.
The Filmy Charcha Movie Review Of Leo:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
In the backdrop of Himachal Pradesh, “Leo” introduces us to Parthiban (Thalapathy Vijay), a peaceful coffee shop owner. However, a daring act of heroism unexpectedly plunges him into a web of peril. He unwittingly grabs the attention of two enigmatic figures, Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun). As the story unfolds, it raises questions about Parthiban’s connection to their past and the enigmatic Leo Das. From the very beginning, director Lokesh Kanagaraj keeps the audience engaged. The seamless transformation of Parthiban from a humble shop owner to a resolute protector of his family is both convincing and engaging. The action sequences in the café and marketplace, along with a nail-biting first-half climax, are indisputable highlights.
“Leo” excels in depicting familial bonds, particularly the dynamics between Thalapathy Vijay and Gautam Menon, adding emotional depth. It underscores that friendships can be as robust as blood ties. The snowy chase and an unexpected twist towards the end provide an exhilarating rush. The film breaks new ground with its Lokesh Cinematic Universe, an interconnected cast that generates excitement and adds an extra layer of intrigue, even if it occasionally feels disjointed. Thalapathy Vijay’s performance is the film’s undeniable cornerstone, resonating with every viewer as the ordinary man willing to risk it all for his loved ones. The “Naa Reddy” song and Anirudh’s background score enhance the viewing experience.
What Doesn’t Work:
Despite a strong start, the film falters with a somewhat predictable storyline, particularly in the latter half. The absence of unexpected twists makes the narrative somewhat linear. The backstory involving Leo, Antony, and Harold lacks depth and fails to evoke the expected emotions. Sanjay Dutt, despite his strong presence, is hindered by underdeveloped character arcs. While action sequences are a forte, their repetitiveness, especially in the second half, becomes somewhat tedious. The climax, in particular, falls short of the anticipated impact. Certain emotional scenes, like Vijay’s outburst at Trisha, lack depth, diminishing their intended impact.
Leo’s Spectacular Holiday Performance
On the sixth day, which coincided with Vijay Dashmi and offered a nationwide holiday, Leo continued to captivate audiences. The film’s Tamil-language version recorded an impressive 65% occupancy, even on a mid-week day, signaling an overwhelming approval from fans. While the majority of its revenue flowed in from Tamil Nadu, where it amassed Rs 21.5 crore, Leo also showcased its appeal in Kerala, with Rs 5 crore in earnings. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions contributed an additional Rs 3.5 crore to the film’s impressive total. However, it’s worth noting that Leo faces stiff competition in the Telugu states from “Bhagavanth Kesari” and “Tiger Nageswara Rao.” In the Hindi version, Leo has garnered nearly Rs 15 crore, despite not being screened in multiplexes due to an ongoing dispute.
Leo’s Triumph in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe
Leo’s unparalleled success has elevated it to the pinnacle of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s interconnected cinematic universe of films. This achievement surpasses even the Kamal Haasan-starrer “Vikram,” solidifying Leo’s place as the flagship installment. The series, which includes “Kaithi” starring Karthi, is expected to continue with Lokesh’s upcoming Ranjikanth-starrer. Should this come to fruition, it would unite three of the most prominent male Tamil stars in one unparalleled franchise. With an estimated global gross of Rs 450 crore, Leo now stands as the fourth-highest grossing Tamil film in history, trailing only “Ponniyin Selvan-I,” “Jailer,” and “2.0.”
Leo’s remarkable journey is a proof to the enduring appeal of Thalapathy Vijay, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s storytelling prowess, and the unwavering support of passionate fans. As it nears the illustrious Rs 500 crore global gross mark, it leaves an indelible mark on Tamil cinema, solidifying its place in history of Kollywood Box Office
By Yashika Desai