IN the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, a captivating story unfolds in the film Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The narrative follows Parthiban, an animal rescuer and cafe owner, played by the ever-talented Vijay, alongside his family, including his wife Sathya (portrayed by Trisha) and their two children.
As the plot unfolds, Parthiban finds himself entangled in a web of challenges that thrust him into the national spotlight. His journey takes a dangerous turn when ruthless criminals notice his uncanny resemblance to former gangster Leo Das, the long-presumed dead son of the notorious warlord and tobacco magnate Antony Das, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt. Vijay’s performance in Leo is nothing short of exceptional.
The first scene featuring Vijay’s introduction, a hyena rescue, is intense and sets the tone for his character’s complexity. While there is no grand introduction for his first look in the film, this scene serves as a remarkable starting point.
Additionally, it is a pleasure to see Vijay and Trisha sharing the screen again after many years. Their chemistry remains as strong as ever, adding depth and authenticity to their characters’ relationships.
I must say that actor Sandy’s portrayal of a side villain in the film is surprisingly creepy and compelling. His facial expressions and overall performance as the antagonist leave a lasting impression.
Gautam Menon’s supporting role is another standout, contributing to the film’s overall strength. One of the film’s most striking aspects is its exceptional cinematography, which beautifully captures the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
The visuals add depth to the storyline and provide a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama. The cinematography truly elevates the film, making it a visual treat for the audience. Anirudh Ravichander’s music serves as the backbone of the film, providing a powerful and immersive experience.
The soundtrack delivers goosebumps-inducing moments that heighten the emotional impact of the story. A touching aspect of the film is the heartwarming relationship between Vijay’s character and his daughter.
Their bond is beautifully portrayed and the daughter’s unwavering trust in her father adds emotional depth to the story. However, the film is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find that the hype during the first half of the film does not fully pay off in Leo’s flashback.
It may not be as solid as anticipated, leaving room for improvement in storytelling. Furthermore, the film could have made better use of the talents of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun as villains. Their characters, though compelling, could have been more prominently featured to add depth to the narrative.
The appearance of Leo’s sister, portrayed by Madonna Sebastian, did not have a significant impact on the overall storyline or its flow, which may leave some viewers wanting more. A notable revelation in Leo is its connection to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), with subtle references that have sparked excitement among the audience.
This connection hints at a promising future for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming projects, leaving viewers eager to see what he has in store. In conclusion, Leo stands as one of Vijay’s finest films, showcasing his remarkable acting prowess and the director’s command of action-packed storytelling.
The film’s breathtaking visuals, exceptional characters, and intense action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of the action genre. While it may have some minor drawbacks in terms of storytelling and character utilisation, Leo is an exhilarating cinematic experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
With the film now gracing theatres, it promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of Indian cinema.
DIRECTOR: Lokesh Kanagaraj
CAST: Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Gautham Menon, Arjun Sarja
E-VALUE: 7
ACTING: 9
PLOT: 7
