Leo is a gripping Tamil-language action-thriller that hit the screens on October 19, 2023. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the movie features a stellar cast, including Vijay, Trisha Krishnan, and Sanjay Dutt. From the first look, Leo promised a high-octane cinematic experience, and it largely delivers on its promises. This review explores various aspects of the movie to help you decide if it’s worth a watch.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Parthiban (played by Vijay), a seemingly ordinary man running a quaint coffee shop in the hills. His peaceful life turns upside down when he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous chain of events involving a ruthless crime syndicate. As layers peel back, Parthiban’s dark past comes to light, revealing unexpected twists and high-stakes confrontations. While the plot has familiar beats, its execution is what keeps the audience hooked.
What’s Good?
- Stellar Performances: Vijay’s portrayal of Parthiban is both intense and nuanced. He seamlessly transitions between the character’s calm demeanor and his ferocious alter ego. Sanjay Dutt’s menacing presence as the antagonist adds another layer of intrigue to the film. Trisha Krishnan, though underutilized, delivers a strong performance.
- Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj masterfully blends action and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is tight, and the narrative unfolds with a perfect mix of tension and relief.
- Cinematography: The visuals by Sathyan Sooryan are a treat. From the serene landscapes of the hill station to the dark, gritty action sequences, the film’s visual tone complements its storyline.
- Music and Background Score: Anirudh Ravichander’s background score amplifies the movie’s intensity, especially during the action scenes. The songs are catchy, though they’re more functional than memorable.
- Action Sequences: The action choreography deserves special mention. The sequences are well-crafted, with a blend of raw combat and stylized stunts that cater to the expectations of Vijay’s fans.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The storytelling is immersive, with a solid build-up to key plot revelations.
- Vijay’s performance stands out as the movie’s highlight.
- The action scenes are choreographed with finesse, offering a mix of realism and cinematic grandeur.
Weaknesses:
- The runtime feels a bit stretched, especially in the second half, where certain scenes could have been trimmed.
- Trisha’s character lacks depth, which is a missed opportunity for the film to offer more balanced representation.
- Some plot points feel predictable, which slightly dilutes the suspense.
Target Audience
Leo is a must-watch for action enthusiasts and Vijay’s die-hard fans. If you enjoy movies with strong leads, intense action, and a sprinkle of emotional drama, this film will resonate with you. Families may find it a bit intense, but it’s suitable for mature audiences.
Box Office Details
The production budget for Leo is estimated to be around INR 250 crores. The movie has been performing phenomenally at the box office, setting records both in India and overseas. Here’s a quick look at its earnings:
Worldwide Collection: Approximately INR 400 crores in the first five days.
Day-wise Earnings (India):
- Day 1: INR 70 crores
- Day 2: INR 50 crores
- Day 3: INR 45 crores
- Day 4: INR 40 crores
- Day 5: INR 35 crores
Day-wise Earnings (Overseas):
- Day 1: INR 30 crores
- Day 2: INR 25 crores
- Day 3: INR 20 crores
- Day 4: INR 18 crores
- Day 5: INR 15 crores
These figures showcase Leo as a blockbuster, reinforcing Vijay’s bankability as a star.
Recommendation
Leo is a thrilling ride packed with stellar performances, gripping action, and top-notch direction. Despite minor shortcomings, the movie’s strengths overshadow its weaknesses. If you’re looking for an engaging action-thriller, Leo should definitely be on your watchlist.
Genres:
Action, Crime, Thriller
Rating:
6.8/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vijay | Parthiban / Leo Das |
| Sanjay Dutt | Antony Das |
| Arjun Sarja | Harold Das |
| Trisha Krishnan | Sathya |
| Gautham Vasudev Menon | Joshy Andrews |
| Baby Iyal | Mathi “Chintu” |
| Mathew Thomas | Siddharth ‘Siddhu’ |
| George Mariyan | Napoleon |
| Priya Anand | Deepa Andrews |
| Mysskin | Shanmugan |
| Sandy | Shanmugam’s Son |
| Madonna Sebastian | Elisa Das |
| Mansoor Ali Khan | Hridhayaraj D’Souza |
| Babu Antony | Antony’s henchman |
| Janany Kunaseelan | Shruthi |
| Ramakrishnan | Gabbi |
| Denzil Smith | Judge |
| Vaiyapuri | Occult Priest |
| Sachin Mani | Shruthi’s Husband |
| Madhusudhan Rao | Shanmugan’s brother-in-law |
| Santhi Mayadevi | Parthiban’s Advocate |
| Leela Samson | Public Prosecutor |
| Dinesh | Das and Co. Member |
| Santhi Master | Shanmugam’s Wife |
| Jawahar | Veterinary Doctor |
| Anurag Kashyap | Daniel (Uncredited) |
| Maya S. Krishnan | Escort |
| Kamal Haasan | Vikram (voice) |
| Chinmayi Sripaada | Sathya (Voice) |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
