Leo is one of the most awaited films as Vijay has teamed up with Lokesh Kanagaraj for the first time. The film also has a terrific buzz in Telugu and was released today. Let’s review it here.
Story: Set in Theog, Himachal Pradesh, the story revolves around Parthiban(Vijay), who leads a peaceful life with his wife Satya(Trisha) and their two children. However, their serenity is disrupted when a gang of thugs targets Parthiban’s cafe, putting the lives of his daughter and a co-worker in peril. If this was not enough, menacing gangsters, Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun)enter their lives saying Parthiban belongs to their family. Who are these gangsters and what is their backstory with Leo? That forms the story of the film.
Performances: Vijay proves his mettle not just as a charismatic star but also as a talented actor, a facet that shines through in his portrayal of Leo. His performance blends seamlessly with the well-executed action sequences, ensuring an engaging cinematic experience. Trisha delivers a commendable performance in her role, while Sanjay Dutt’s Tamil debut is a standout, with his imposing presence and convincing dubbing. Arjun’s portrayal in a pivotal role is notable, although the writing in the second half weakens the impact of their characters.
Technical Aspects: Anirudh Ravichander’s music composition for the film, though ordinary in terms of songs, shines in the form of a compelling background score. His work elevates crucial scenes and breathes life into the narrative. The cinematography is exceptional, enhancing the portrayal of action sequences. The dialogues exude mass appeal, and the production design is commendable. The scenic visuals of Kashmir and the expertly choreographed fight sequences stand out. However, the second half does feel a bit lengthy.
Analysis: In the Lokesh Kanagaraj Universe, “Leo” is a well-structured addition. The character connections and backstories add depth to a simple plot, making the film intriguing. The interval block sets the stage for an engaging second half. The film offers remarkable action sequences and stunning cinematography that enhance the visual appeal.
The movie gains momentum in the pre-climax and climax sections, delivering excitement, especially for fans invested in the larger cinematic universe (LCU). The film concludes with a surprising twist that leaves an impact. Nonetheless, the film’s pacing slows down significantly post-intermission, with minimal story progression. It is only saved by sporadic moments until the commencement of the flashback, which somewhat hampers the overall experience.
The emotional scenes, meant to evoke strong feelings, are handled so well in the film. Additionally, certain details, like newspaper clippings and inscriptions add to the intrigue factor of the film. The action sequences are amazing in Leo and give so many whistle-worthy moments. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s films are slow poison and Leo might not be his best work but still makes up for a decent watch.
Verdict: On the whole, Leo is an action-packed film that showcases Vijay in a solid avatar. The second half goes down a bit but the star cast and unique narration make for a decent watch. Just lower the expectations and enjoy the film.
Bottom Line – Star-studded action drama
Rating: 2.5/5
