The predictable yet enjoyable Indian adaptation of "A History of Violence," "Leo," is both and neither exactly what it appears to be. If you're anticipating a loud, gory, and bass-heavy action musical about a coffee shop owner who has to defend his family from a psychotic drug dealer who thinks our family man is actually a vicious ex-gangster, you won't be let down. Other than that, "Leo" is business as usual, especially if you watch it for Tamil-speaking star Vijay, as many people who purchased opening day tickets have already done.
The chipmunk-cheeked leading man has had an overflowing spotlight in Vijay's most recent action films. Former kid actor Vijay ("Beast," "Varisu") still lacks considerable range, although he isn't required to. A famous action figure,He looks good when he uses his feet, fists, numerous mallets, and swords to take out tons of heavy opponents. (Under their "Anbariv" stage name, the action choreographer/stunt coordinator team Abumani and Arivumani are credited with organizing the "Action" of the film.)
When Vijay tries to create a multidimensional character out of café owner and animal rescuer Parthiban, he appears less at ease, but his discomfort just heightens the conflict in his character's identity crisis. Reuniting with "Master" writer/director Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vijay once more demonstrates his all-purpose abilities. He can subdue a computer-generated hyena, choreograph a dance number with a warehouse full of extras, and even punch drug dealer Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) into a Land Rover.
Vijay's desire to influence any feeling, look, or For such a well-known and charismatic marquee star, posing is not unusual. Even yet, it is startling to witness Vijay, who seems to never age despite the skunk-like streaks in his meticulously styled beard, portray a character who protests this much everytime he is reminded of his reputation as a murderer. In a few moments, there is even an anthem that declares, "Mr. Leo Das is a badass." Who does Vijay believe he is fooling, then?
Thankfully, Parthiban doesn't have to be convincing as anything other than a cover for dramatic explosions. In the role, Vijay comes across as a convincingly strict yet loving father to sour-puss preteen Mathi (Iyal) and polite teenage Siddharth (Mathew Thomas), as well as a devoted yet paternal spouse to Sathya (Trisha). Incidental information indicates that, in the The fact that "Leo" is already so well-known, both for its universal mood swings and its pulpy stock storyline, is a big part of what makes it so endearing. There isn't any sarcastic edge to this, unlike in the film adaptation of "A History of Violence." However, it is to be anticipated in a film starring a celebrity who, in an attempt to win over his daughter, dances to the tune of "Thanmani Pookkun" from Tamil hero Prabhu's 1995 romance drama "Pasumpon." Another scene features relatively recent movie music from the 2005 Vijay crime drama "Thirupaachi," which further hints at "Leo"'s cinematic heritage.
