Leo Movie Review: Weak Climax & Trivial Flashback Ruins An Otherwise Remarkable Thalapathy Vijay's Showdown

Cast:

Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Priya Anand, Mysskin, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mansoor Ali Khan, Sandy Master

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Producers: SS Lalit Kumar, Jagadish Palanisamy

Cinematography: Manoj Paramahamsa

Editor: Philomin Raj

Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Introduction:
One of the epic combinations of Thalapathy Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj happened again for an eccentric action entertainer titled Leo (Leo: Bloody Sweet). The movie has been continuing to create earth-shattering records ever since it was announced until the day it finally hit the screens. With its theatrical release, Leo is poised to conquer new horizons globally. The film buffs believe Leo is Vijay's career's best to date and another epic from Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Leo is a special film for Kollywood and the fans of the benevolent actor who are about to witness the coming together of Kollywood's most favourite on-screen couple Thalapathy Vijay and Trisha after 14 years. Leo has become the country's most celebrated film with its epic advance bookings and sky-high hype.

Story:

Parthiban aka Parthi is a chocolatier who is attacked by ruthless gangsters Antony Das, and Harold Das, who assume Parthiban as their estranged son, Leo Das. What happens next? How did Parthi handle the mayhem? What is the connection between Parthiban and Leo Das? forms the crux of the film.

Performances:

Thalapathy Vijay looked convincing for the role of Parthiban, who runs a cafe; and is a doting father to a teenage son and young daughter. He and Trisha's character Satya brings mature performances to the table as wife and husband.

But Vijay's performance in Leo Das' character is significantly brilliant. Fans are happy with the 'Naa Ready' song which showcased the actor's charming dancing movements in the second half. But Lokesh Kanagaraj disappointed the fans big time with a rather loose narration and superficial ending.

Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Sarja's Antony Das and Harold Das characters have little to do. However, their screen presence and image added value to the characters they played. Sandy Master's menacing character at the beginning of the film is terrifying.

Analysis:

Leo is one of the most satisfying action-thrillers of recent times. The aspects of filmmaking like writing, screenplay, direction, action sequences, and performances in Leo were aligned beautifully with the elevation from Anirudh's background score.

The first ten minutes and the entire runtime before the interval block are 'vere level,' with a better second half with a surprise character's introduction in the climax twenty minutes. The first part of the film relied on emotions and the second part was fully loaded with high-octane action sequences and fiery performances. Every single aspect of Leo is getting heaps of praise for the cinematic brilliance showcased by Lokesh once again.

However, the drag in the second half was extremely difficult to put up with, especially when the point was obvious to the viewers. The entire second half was only about why Leo Das became Parthiban, the reason behind it, and why his father and uncle are against him. But, to the viewer, the proceedings that led to the film's regular climax didn't give the hype that Leo's first half delivered.

Technical Aspects:
Anirudh Ravichander's background score and music are adequate and complement the narration. But, it is not like Vikram or Jailer where his sound entirely took the front seat. Manoj Paramahamsa's visuals are like a breeze, easy on the eyes, and impactful. Lokesh's writing and screenplay, along with his direction deliver the point but due to a tad bit dragged second half, it loses impact.

What's Good:

Performances
Story
Narration
First-half
Action Sequences
Background Score & Music

What's Not So Good:
Lengthy second-half
Not-so-Lokesh Kanagaraj's style
Weak Flashback
Stretched action sequences
Forced LCU connection

Verdict: Leo makes for a good watch no doubt. But it has very few epic moments that Lokesh Kanagaraj's film usually has and some don't leave an impact.

Verdict: Stay tuned to this page for a full movie review.