The Indian adaptation of "A History of Violence," "Leo," is formulaic but satisfying in that it isn't exactly what it looks like. If you're expecting a loud, violent, and bass-heavy action musical about a coffee shop owner who has to defend his family from a crazy drug dealer who thinks our family man is actually a vicious ex-gangster, you won't be let down. Everything else about "Leo" is business as usual, particularly if you see it for Tamil-speaking star Vijay, as many ticket holders did on opening day.
The last several action films directed by Vijay have also functioned as oversized showcases for the chipmunk-cheeked lead actor. Former child actor Vijay ("Beast," "Varisu") still lacks range, but he isn't really in need of it. He is an action star who looks good using his feet, fists, and various mallets and blades to take down large groups of tough guys. (Arivumani and Abumani, better known by their stage name "Anbariv," are credited with organizing the movie's "Action" as action choreographers and stunt coordinators.) Every time Vijay attempts to develop Parthiban, the cafe owner and animal rescuer, into a complex character, he appears less at ease, but this just heightens the tension surrounding his character's identity crisis. Reuniting with "Master" writer/director Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vijay reiterates his credentials as an all-around talent: He is able to subdue an artificially created hyena.
Vijay is a well-known and captivating marquee star, so it's not surprising that he has the ability to adopt any mood, style, or pose. Even so, it is remarkable to watch Vijay, who manages to look perpetually young despite the skunk streaks in his meticulously styled beard, portray a man who objects to the fact that he is a killer whenever he is reminded of it. Even a catchy song implies that "Mr. Leo Das is a badass" in a few different scenes. Who then does Vijay believe he is deceiving? Fortunately, Parthiban doesn't have to be credible to be anything more than a setting for grandiose special effects. In the role, Vijay comes across as a loving but strict father to meek preteen Mathi (Iyal) and courteous teenage Siddharth (Mathew Thomas), as well as a devoted but fatherly husband to Sathya.
The fact that "Leo" is already so well-known, with its broad appeal and campy storyline, contributes significantly to its endearing quality. This lacks the satirical edge found in the film adaptation of "A History of Violence." However, that is to be expected in a vehicle for a star who, in 1995's romantic drama "Pasumpon," dances to the tunes of "Thanmani Pookkun" as his character tries to win over his young daughter. Prabhu is a Tamil icon. Another scene features music from the 2005 Vijay crime drama "Thirupaachi," which is comparatively contemporary and further suggests the cinematic heritage of "Leo."
