Leo Review: Where Brilliance Meets Imperfection!
The juxtaposition of the typical with the exceptional marks Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo: Bloody Sweet starring Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles. While its narrative could easily tread into the realm of the mundane due to its predictability, it’s the brilliant editing by Philomin Raj that keeps the storyline afloat, giving it the pulse it deserves.
However, if there’s one undeniable reason to watch this movie, it is ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay. Whether embracing the stoic demeanor of Parthiban or the dynamism of Leo Das, Vijay showcases his range with a finesse that’s rare. Unlike his portrayal in Kaththi, where I felt a distance between Vijay and Jeevanantham, here, the immersion is deep. The lines blur between actor and character, and we see a dedication that could arguably be termed as one of his career’s best.
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In the midst of this expansive canvas, there’s a poignant scene between Vijay and Trisha that stands out. Their chemistry, raw and palpable, paints a brilliant portrait of marital bonds. The effectiveness of this scene might vary for viewers depending on their investment in the lead character’s journey, but for those who are, it’s a powerful moment. The pair, with their impeccable performance, effortlessly sell the depth and nuances of a husband and wife relationship.
Technical aspects like Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography, Anirudh Ravichander’s background score, and the choreographed action sequences by Anbariv add layers to Leo. They amalgamate seamlessly, enhancing the movie-watching experience. Yet, as mentioned, the film’s plot tends to forecast its own next moves.
The film’s drawbacks, however, is its portrayal of antagonists. When the protagonist towers with an immense presence, the antagonists need to be at a matchable level. Here, considering the caliber of Arjun and Sanjay Dutt, they seem more like narrative tools rather than organic inclusions.
Perhaps this was done on purpose as they are overshadowed by the compromising situations that Vijay’s character finds himself stuck in. Additionally, the flashback sequence, meant to be a pivot, unfortunately, skims the surface, rushing through moments that required more for the audience to digest. This, paired with an ambiguous animal/human sacrifice angle, momentarily derails the narrative into the lanes of horror, albeit briefly.
That said, Leo manages to be a captivating watch, primarily riding on ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay’s unmatched charisma. His screen presence is immense, ensuring your gaze remains unswervingly on the screen, eagerly consuming every frame. With that said, this movie isn’t perfect, but it has moments of brilliance, largely thanks to its star. And sometimes, that’s enough.
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