“Leo” Movie Review: Vijay’s Fiery Performance Anchors Lokesh’s Ambitious Venture

In Lokesh Kanagaraj We Trust: A Test of Faith in Leo

A Filmmaker’s Vision and the Trust of Audiences

As the buzz grows around Lokesh Kanagaraj’s latest film, Leo, fans and critics alike find themselves immersed in the pre-release fanfare, drama, and speculation. Having witnessed Kanagaraj’s inspiring evolution as a filmmaker over the course of four films, there is a natural inclination to trust his vision and believe in his ability to deliver a captivating cinematic experience.

Leo, starring Vijay, tests that trust and goodwill by attempting an ingenious re-telling of David Cronenberg’s 2005 drama, A History of Violence. The story revolves around Parthiban (Vijay), a small-town bakery owner and part-time animal rescuer who is forced into a fervent fight against despicable men seeking his blood. While this premise may seem familiar, especially for fans of Vijay‘s previous film Theri directed by Atlee, Kanagaraj’s unique narrative style breathes new life into the genre.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Genre

Kanagaraj loads Leo with several genre treats, using Vijay as the ammunition and shooting it with a lot of filmmaking fury. However, despite its potential, Leo falls short of expectations. The film’s weaknesses become apparent as Kanagaraj focuses on setting up Parthiban’s world, a quiet small town in Theog, Himachal Pradesh. The initial scenes, including a hyena rescue and a chaotic encounter at the bakery, showcase Kanagaraj’s distinct style but fail to fully engage the audience.

The film’s plot revolves around Parthiban’s identity and his connection to the Das family, led by Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and his brother Harold Das (Arjun). They suspect that Parthiban may be the presumed dead Leo Das, and the film hinges on unraveling this mystery. Unfortunately, Leo falters in exploring this central question, leaving the viewers detached and uninvested in the Das gangster squadron.

Missed Opportunities and Lackluster Writing

While Vijay delivers what the scenes demand and showcases his fiery performance, the scene-writing falls flat, leaving much to be desired. The emotional beats and character arc of Sathya (played by Trisha) diminish prematurely, losing the romance angle that initially promised depth and intrigue. Rathna Kumar and Deeraj Vaidy share writing credits with Kanagaraj in Leo, but the film falls short of the fascinating character study it could have been.

The film also struggles to build on the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) that Kanagaraj has established with his previous films. The inclusion of Kamal Haasan and Vijay, two prominent stars, adds excitement, but the integration of Parthiban into the world of Vikram feels forced and lacking in cohesion. The end credits soundtrack, surprise zingers, and callbacks to Vikram highlight the strength of composer Anirudh Ravichander, who remains the heartbeat of Lokesh‘s cinematic universe.

The Impact of Previous Films and Future Prospects

Despite its shortcomings, Leo does not diminish the impact of Kanagaraj’s previous films, which have garnered a loyal fan base. The audiences’ continued support for Kanagaraj as a filmmaker is a testament to his talent and potential. However, Leo begs the question of whether Kanagaraj’s knack for world-building can extend to universe-building, particularly with the addition of multiple leading stars in future projects.

Final Thoughts

While Leo may be considered Kanagaraj’s weakest film to date, it should not deter viewers from supporting him. As fans and critics, we can acknowledge the missteps in Leo while still recognizing Kanagaraj’s previous accomplishments and the promise he holds as a filmmaker. The trust and goodwill he has earned through his past works deserve our continued support, and we eagerly await his future endeavors.

Leo is currently running in theaters.