Big Comment/ Leo producer reveals why Vijay starrer won't touch ₹1000 crore mark despite biggest opening of 2023

Thalapathy Vijay starrer Leo released to a good response on Thursday, October 19. It opened to full houses and positive reviews across South regions and abroad, especially in the UK and US. By the end of its day 1 at the box office, the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial emerged as the highest opening day grosser in 2023 for any Indian film, beating the likes of other big successes this year like Adipurush, Jawan and Gadar 2.

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(Thalapathy Vijay in Leo poster | Image: X/Vijay Fanpage)

North multiplexes came up with a new order at the nth hour, says Leo producer

However, Leo had a very limited release in North India. This might make it difficult for it to sustain in the long run. Leo producer has finally opened up about the film’s box office prospects being limited because of its restrained release in the Northern markets and non-release in big multiplex chains outside of South India. 

(Thalapathy Vijay in Leo poster | Image: X/Vijay FC)

Producer Lalit Kumar said, “It’s only after we signed the terms with Netflix that the North multiplexes came up with a new order of keeping a gap of 8 weeks between theatrical release and OTT premiere. So unfortunately, we couldn’t release in multiplex, and had to stick to only releasing in single screens. So a Rs 1000 crore now looks difficult."

Leo record-breaking collection on Day 1

Leo has nonetheless been smashing box-office records all over. In two days, the Lokesh Kanagaraj film touched the Rs 100 crore nett mark at the domestic box office. While the collection was considerably lower than its opening day figures, the film managed to hold well in most centres. According to the latest reports in Sacnilk, Leo is estimated to earn Rs 40 crore on day 3 in India.

(Thalapathy Vijay in Leo poster | Image: X/Vijay FC)

Besides Thalapathy Vijay, Leo also features Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt, Gautham Vasudev Menon and Arjun Sarja. Leo has also created a lot of curiosity because of rumours of it being part of Lokesh Kanagaraj's cinematic universe LCU, which comprises of films like Kaithi and Kamal Haasan starrer Vikram.