Every actor in the film, from Vijay and Trisha to the son character, Psycho, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Sarja, delivered performances that were characterized by overacting, making it a challenging viewing experience. The family bonding portrayed in the film felt superficial and overly sentimental. The inclusion of action scenes appeared forced, and the attempt to create a deliberate fusion of different universes seemed nonsensical. The leader character lacked the purpose seen in the original film, shifting the focus from saving family members to a self-indulgent display of fighting prowess.
Vijay, known for his recent action movies like "Beast" and "Varisu," showcased a limited range as an actor. Despite lacking versatility, he excelled in his role as an action star, dispatching numerous adversaries convincingly with a combination of kicks, punches, and various weapons. The movie's action sequences were planned by the credited duo Abumani and Arivumani under their stage name "Anbariv."
Parthiban, another actor in the film, played a character that primarily served as a pretext for melodramatic elements, and believability was not a priority. In contrast, Vijay managed to portray a convincing stern yet loving father to Mathi and Siddharth, and a doting husband to Sathya, played by Trisha. The film, set in the town of Theog, hinted at Parthiban's reputation as an ordinary peace-loving individual, emphasizing the contrast with his on-screen persona.
Vijay's character was more persuasive when engaged in intense action, dispatching adversaries efficiently, often mistaken for Leo Das, Antony's estranged son. The film, like many in the action genre, created its own reality-defying standards of normalcy, with Vijay's presence overshadowing any sense of realism. A voiceover in the film suggested that believing in oneself was essential for convincing others—a reflection of the nature of such action-packed movies.
The pacing of the film was described as baggy, potentially testing the patience of viewers who were primarily interested in watching Vijay in action or witnessing striking scenes, such as the sacrifice of a goat at a Satanic-looking shrine by Sanjay Dutt's character, Antony Das. Vijay's performance occasionally appeared strained, especially during emotional outbursts, where the attempt to elevate the scene's emotional intensity seemed forced. Nevertheless, Vijay's inherent dedication to his roles shone through, even in seemingly casual moments of dispatching adversaries.
Ultimately, the recommendation for watching "Leo" was tied to the desire to witness Vijay's on-screen charisma, showcased amid animal attacks, car flips, and celebrity cameos. Despite potentially low expectations, the film promised to deliver precisely what viewers might seek from a Vijay-led action spectacle.
