Top Feature/ Leo Review: Vijay-Lokesh Kanagaraj film is all swag, little substance

Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo, which released ahead of Dussehra, has undoubtedly been one of the most awaited movies this year. After the commercial success of Kamal Haasan starrer Vikram (2022), director Lokesh Kanagaraj has become one of the most-sought after directors in India. With reports of Leo being a part of his cinematic universe, LCU, which have included titles like Vikram and Karthi starrer Kaithi (2019), the hype surrounding the Vijay starrer was immense. Does it deliver on the promise or ends up doing fan service?

Hot Take

Right at the beginning, Lokesh Kanagaraj makes his source of inspiration clear by penning a small note to A History of Violence (1997). Like the David Cronenberg film, there are a few moments in Leo which do a decent job of capturing Vijay’s heroism while examining the concept of violence. However, there are not enough of these scenes to make Leo a thoroughly engaging watch.

(A screengrab from Leo trailer | Image: X/Bloody_Expiry)

Does Leo live up to the hype?

Leo is a worthy addition to a promising cinematic universe where Vijay and Kamal Haasan's characters could possibly cross paths in another stylish action fest. However, it stumbles quite often on its way while doing so.

Lokesh Kanagaraj has a flair for action set-pieces

The director displays a great flair for stylish action sequences and some of them hold really well. Vijay’s intro sequence, in particular, has a rawness to it that fans will love. Another sequence in the first half shows the protagonist bashing four thugs while being equally petrified for his kin who witness a latent, violent side to him. However, these stylish sequences don’t add up together in a narrative that’s too long and uneven in its tonality.

Film focusses more on style than emotional depth

Lokesh Kanagaraj introduces too many characters who are the protagonists in his LCU. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja and Madonna Sebastian get their fair share of rousing intro moments. While some of them work, Leo doesn’t have enough depth for the characters to shine through.

This shortcoming becomes clear at a point when someone very close to Leo is under danger. We are supposed to feel sad for his loss, but then we realise that the director has spent more time in an elaborate song-and-dance sequence than focussing on a sub plot that could offer depth to the proceedings. Perhaps Lokesh was never going for an emotionally heavy story. Leo, in that case, has very little going for it besides a few moments of vigour and style.

(Leo poster | Image: X/Sonder_being)

Performances salvage a weak script

Thalapathy Vijay brings an effortless swag to the action sequences. He also lends depth and anguish to his character in scenes where we see him struggling to make peace with his new-found identity. Arjun, who plays Harold Das, brings a menacing quality that a film of this scale needs. George Maryan as Napoleon has a comparatively smaller role. He essays an underdog, a suspicious-looking cop. Given his less screen time, George delivers a few genuinely rousing moments of energy and emotion.

(Leo poster | Image: X/Ahimsafilms)

Sanjay Dutt, despite an unpleasant Tamil dubbing, is passable as Antony Das. Trisha Krishnan, who plays Vijay's wife Sathya, is wasted in a small and insignificant role.

Watch it or Skip it?

While Leo doesn’t deliver on the expectations it promised to its viewers, especially on the backdrop of a developing cinematic universe, it can be watched for some great action set pieces and a stellar performance from Vijay.

Bottomline

The viewers will look forward to the next film by Lokesh Kanagaraj where Leo’s universe will probably intersect with Vikram's. However, fans of both Vijay and LCU are advised to keep their expectations in check.

Rating - 2.5/5