LEO Telugu Film Review

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Starring: Thalapathy Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Trisha, Arjun, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priya Anand, Mysskin, Mansoor Ali Khan, and others

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Producer: Lalit Kumar

Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander

Cinematographers: Manoj Paramahamsa

Editor: Philomin Raj

Box office powerhouse Thalapathy Vijay has teamed up with the sensational filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj for the action drama “Leo.” From the moment of its announcement, the film has been creating a buzz, and the hype has now reached unprecedented levels. Advance bookings suggest that “Leo” is poised to create pandemonium at the box office. Let’s see if this much-anticipated film lives up to the expectations.

Synopsis:

Parthiban (Thalapathy Vijay) runs a cafe in Theog, Himachal Pradesh, living a normal life with his wife Satya (Trisha) and two children. His world turns upside down when a group of thugs threatens his daughter and an employee. With no alternative, Parthiban takes matters into his own hands, leading to trouble for his family. As the turmoil unfolds, gangsters Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun) enter his life, believing Parthiban is their long-lost family member, Leo Das (Thalapathy Vijay). Who is Leo Das, and how will Parthiban extricate himself from this web of chaos? This sets the stage for the remainder of the film.

Pros:

– The first half of the film is engaging, deliberately paced to establish characters and the world of the protagonist, Parthiban. Notably, the cafe fight scene and family drama provide insight into Parthiban’s life.

– Thalapathy Vijay’s portrayal of vulnerability is a highlight. His acting prowess shines, particularly in the well-executed action sequences of the first hour. Vijay proves himself as both a star and a talented actor.

– The interval block is decent and sets the stage for the second half. “Leo” features strong action sequences and impressive cinematography.

– Trisha’s performance is commendable, and the film gains momentum in the pre-climax and climax sections.

– Fans of the LCU (Leo Cinematic Universe) will find moments to celebrate, and there’s a small surprise in store for the audience.

Cons:

– The second half of the film, as often seen in many recent movies, suffers from a lackluster narrative. The flashbacks are particularly disappointing and unexpected from director Lokesh Kanagaraj.

– Post-intermission, the pacing slows down, and the story loses its momentum. Poorly written characters portrayed by Sanjay Dutt and Arjun contribute to the film’s decline.

– Supporting actors like Priya Anand are underutilized, and a significant character in the second half lacks depth and emotional impact.

– The Telugu version features a letdown in the song “Naa Ready,” and small details such as paper cuttings and inscriptions on photo frames are not localized for the Telugu audience.

Technical Aspects:

– Anirudh’s background score, while good in parts, doesn’t reach the heights of his previous works like “Master” and “Vikram.” The songs, too, fail to leave a mark due to subpar translation.

– Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography is outstanding, especially in the action sequences during the flashback.

– Editing quality is inconsistent, with the second half suffering from subpar editing. VFX effects vary in quality throughout the film.

– Director Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a reasonably engaging first half but struggles to maintain the momentum in the second half, falling short of expectations set by his previous work.

Verdict:

In summary, “Leo” is an action-packed entertainer heavily reliant on Thalapathy Vijay’s performance. While the first half engages the audience, the film encounters difficulties in the second half, primarily due to uninspiring flashbacks and poorly developed characters. The film, part of the LCU, has moments that will please franchise fans, but it falls short of the director’s usual standards. The box office success of “Leo” will largely depend on Vijay’s star power and the appeal of the LCU concept.

Article By: Sai Kiran

Published On: 19th, October 2023