Leo Movie Review: A Thrilling Ride with Vijay and Sanjay Dutt

 Leo Movie Review: A Thrilling Ride with Vijay and Sanjay Dutt

Runtime:-2hr 44min

Rating:-1.5/3⭐️⭐️

**The introduction**

Leo is a 2023 Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja and Trisha. The film is inspired by A History of Violence and follows Parthi, a cafe owner and animal rescuer in Theog, who is pursued by gangsters who suspect him to be Leo, a former gangster and the son of Antony Das, a notorious crime lord.

**Story Summary**

The film begins with Parthi, a family-oriented man who runs a cafe and rescues animals in Theog, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh. He lives with his wife Anu, his son Siddhu, his daughter Chintu and his adopted hyena. One day, he saves his cafe from a robbery attempt by killing the robbers in self-defense. This act of heroism attracts the attention of the media and also of Harold Das, a racketeer who works for his brother Antony Das, a feared crime boss in Mumbai. Harold recognizes Parthi as Leo, Antony’s estranged son who ran away from home after witnessing his father’s brutality.

Harold informs Antony, who is eager to reunite with his son and take him under his wing. He sends Harold and his men to Theog to bring Leo back. Parthi denies being Leo and tries to protect his family from the attackers. He is aided by his friend Joshy, a forest ranger, and his former lover Nisha, a journalist. However, Parthi’s past catches up with him when he is confronted by Arjun, a police officer who has been tracking Leo for years. Arjun reveals that Parthi is indeed Leo, who was once a ruthless assassin and the heir apparent of Antony’s empire. Parthi had faked his death and changed his identity after falling in love with Anu and deciding to start a new life.

Parthi admits the truth to his family, who are shocked and hurt by his deception. He begs for their forgiveness and promises to end the threat from Antony once and for all. He travels to Mumbai with Joshy and Nisha to face his father. He confronts Antony in his mansion and engages in a fierce fight with him. He manages to overpower Antony and shoots him in the chest, but not before Antony stabs him in the stomach. Parthi collapses and is taken to the hospital by Nisha. He survives the wound and recovers. He returns to Theog and reunites with his family, who accept him for who he is. He resumes his peaceful life as Parthi, leaving behind his dark past as Leo.

**Cast and Crew**

The film features a star-studded cast, led by Vijay as Parthi/Leo, who delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist with a dual identity. He showcases his versatility as an actor, switching between the roles of a loving father and husband, and a cold-blooded killer. He also impresses with his action sequences and dance moves. Sanjay Dutt plays the role of Antony Das, the main antagonist and Parthi’s father. He portrays the character with menace and charisma, making him a formidable foe for Parthi. Arjun Sarja plays the role of Arjun, the cop who is obsessed with catching Leo. He brings a sense of intensity and determination to his role, as he chases Parthi across the country. Trisha plays the role of Anu, Parthi’s wife and the mother of his children. She gives a graceful and emotional performance as the woman who loves Parthi unconditionally, but is shattered by his lies. She also shares a good chemistry with Vijay.

The supporting cast includes Gautham Vasudev Menon as Joshy, Parthi’s friend and ally; Mysskin as Shanmugham, the leader of the robbers who attack Parthi’s cafe; Madonna Sebastian as Nisha, Parthi’s ex-girlfriend and a journalist; George Maryan as Harold Das, Antony’s brother and henchman; Mansoor Ali Khan as Ravi, Antony’s right-hand man; Priya Anand as Shruthi, Parthi’s employee and friend; Mathew Thomas as Siddhu, Parthi’s son; and Sunny Sandler as Chintu, Parthi’s daughter.

The film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is known for his previous films Maanagaram and Kaithi. He proves his mettle as a filmmaker, crafting a gripping and stylish thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. He also pays homage to A History of Violence, the film that inspired Leo, by incorporating some of its scenes and themes. The film is produced by Seven Screen Studio, with a budget of ₹250–350 crore, making it one of the most expensive Tamil films ever made. The film is written by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Rathna Kumar and Deeraj Vaidy, who create a tight and engaging screenplay that balances the action, drama and emotion. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who delivers a rocking and catchy soundtrack that suits the mood and tone of the film. The film has cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa, who captures the scenic beauty of Theog and the gritty atmosphere of Mumbai. The film has editing by Philomin Raj, who ensures a smooth and fast-paced narrative.

**The Review**

Leo is a film that offers a thrilling ride for the viewers, with its captivating story, stellar performances, stunning visuals and pulsating music. The film is a perfect blend of action and emotion, as it explores the themes of identity, family, loyalty and redemption. The film also has a strong message of choosing love over violence, and peace over power. The film is a must-watch for fans of Vijay, Sanjay Dutt and Lokesh Kanagaraj, as well as for anyone who enjoys a good action thriller. The film is rated U/A 16+ for its violent and suggestive content.