Cast: Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priya Anand
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Review: Set in the tranquil beauty of Himachal Pradesh, “Leo” delves into the life of Parthiban (Thalapathy Vijay), a calm and composed owner of a coffee shop. However, a bold act of heroism catapults him into unforeseen perils. He unwittingly attracts the attention of two ominous figures—Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun). As the plot thickens, the question arises: What connects Parthiban to their past, and who exactly is Leo Das?
Right from the get-go, Lokesh Kanagaraj ensures audiences are gripped. The transformation of Parthiban from a humble shop owner to a fierce protector of his family is seamless and believable. Action scenes in the café and market, combined with a nail-biting climax to the first half, are undoubted highlights.
“Leo” excels in illustrating familial bonds. The dynamics between Thalapathy Vijay and Gautam Menon add a layer of emotional depth, proving that friendships can be as strong as blood ties. The snow-covered chase and the unexpected twist towards the end provide a much-needed adrenaline rush.
The film ventures into uncharted territory with its LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe). The interconnected cast may not always seem fluid, but it does create a buzz and adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Thalapathy Vijay is the undeniable pillar of the film. His portrayal resonates with every viewer, representing the everyday man willing to risk it all for his loved ones. “Naa Reddy” song and Anirudh’s background score further enhance the viewing experience.
What Doesn’t Work
Despite its stellar start, the film suffers from a predictable storyline, especially in the latter half. The lack of twists makes the narrative somewhat linear. The backstory involving Leo, Antony, and Harold lacked depth and failed to evoke the anticipated emotions. Sanjay Dutt, despite his strong presence, was let down by inadequate character development. While action sequences are a forte of “Leo”, their repetitiveness, especially post-interval, becomes a tad tedious. The climax, in particular, failed to pack the punch it promised. Certain emotional scenes, like Vijay’s outburst at Trisha, lacked depth, rendering them less impactful than intended.
Performances
Thalapathy Vijay shines throughout, balancing vulnerability with fierceness. Sanjay Dutt and Arjun, despite their strong screen presence, are unfortunately tied down by their underdeveloped roles. Trisha and Gautam Menon deliver commendable performances, with the latter surprisingly stealing the show.
“Leo”, with its exhilarating first half and powerful performances, especially by Thalapathy Vijay, is sure to be a treat for fans. However, the film’s potential is slightly marred by its predictable plot and repetitive action sequences. It’s a must-watch for fans, but with a caveat – manage your expectations. As for the box office, “Leo” is poised to be a winner, leveraging the anticipation and hype built around it.