"Leo" might tread on familiar territory as an Indian adaptation of "A History of Violence," but it holds its own charm, notably with the effervescent Tamil actor Vijay at its helm. Delivering a blend of action and musical drama, it revolves around a café proprietor safeguarding his family from a drug dealer, convinced he's concealing a dark past as a ruthless ex-gangster. Fans eager for Vijay's latest would not be left wanting.
Vijay, already a staple in action movies like "Beast" and "Varisu," brings his trademark energetic flair. Despite limited acting breadth, he doesn't need it. With an action-packed portfolio, highlighted by the choreographic genius of Abumani and Arivumani (under the pseudonym “Anbariv”), Vijay's proficiency in combat scenes is undeniable.
However, portraying Parthiban, the café owner with a love for animals, sees Vijay venturing out of his comfort zone. This stretch, in collaboration with "Master" director Lokesh Kanagaraj, has him challenging hyenas, showcasing dance moves, and even delivering a solid punch to antagonist Antony Das, played by Sanjay Dutt.
Although Vijay's versatility is commendable, his portrayal of Parthiban, constantly denying his alleged violent past, is somewhat exaggerated. But then, isn't that the charm of such larger-than-life movies? Parthiban's role as a protective father to Mathi (Iyal) and Siddharth (Mathew Thomas) and a caring husband to Sathya (Trisha) paints a tender image. Yet, it's Vijay's familiar combative stance against adversaries mistakenly identifying him as the notorious Leo Das, which resonates with fans.
Part of "Leo's" allure lies in its predictable plot and mood oscillations. Unlike "A History of Violence," it lacks the satirical nuance but compensates by paying homage to classics. Vijay’s dance to “Thanmani Pookkun” from Prabhu's 1995 hit "Pasumpon" or the music from the 2005 movie "Thirupaachi" underlines this film's rich cinematic heritage.
For those familiar with Vijay's capabilities, "Leo" provides a showcase of his strengths. His fight scenes, intricately designed and executed, leave an impression. And while he constantly defends Parthiban's innocence, who can resist believing the charismatic lead?
It's intriguing how Vijay's on-screen presence redefines the boundaries of believability in action films. An underlying message of self-belief threads through the narrative. Given the extravagant scope of the movie, one wouldn't bat an eyelid seeing Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) performing rituals before a vast avian statue at his eerie altar.
Occasionally, Vijay's intense portrayal of Parthiban/Leo feels overdone, especially during emotional climaxes. But Vijay's intense investment in his roles is his trademark. "Leo" offers an experience brimming with animal encounters, high-octane action, and star-studded appearances. Even for those with modest expectations, "Leo" promises to deliver just the right amount of cinematic satisfaction.
