Leo Review: A Nod to ‘A History of Violence’ Yet Struggles to Forge Its Own Identity
In cinema, where narrative and artistry weave together, ‘Leo,’ a Tamil film directed by Lokesh, stands as a dance of contrasts. The film, rich in layers, swings between deep meaning and surface-level storytelling, delivering an enigmatic and straightforward cinematic journey.
We meet a café owner, a silent man of simplicity with a past as hidden as a moonless night. A single act of haunting heroism thrusts him into the spotlight, revealing a life weaved with dark, forgotten corridors. In this mix of the mundane and the magical, ‘Leo’ pulses with life.
The first half of the film masterfully builds suspense and revelation. Each frame, look, and silence brims with meaning. Viewers navigate a maze of emotions, where the past and present of the protagonist blur, and the lines between right and wrong fade.
Yet, the narrative falters as it unfolds. The second half, echoing an Indian John Wick, suffers from its length and mediocrity. Although ‘A History of Violence’ resonates in the background, ‘Leo’ grapples to establish its identity.
Lokesh’s direction shines in the hyena scene, but Vijay’s portrayal of Parthiban feels like an unsung symphony of potential. The film’s commendable use of POV and FPV long shots cannot mask the almost comical tone of Vijay’s voice in the Hindu dubbed version.
The film doesn’t fully harness Sanjay Dutt’s talent, reminiscent of a river held back by dams. In its pursuit of depth, ‘Leo’ often veers into the overly dramatic, echoing the old saying of much cry and little wool.
Marked as an unofficial remake of ‘A History of Violence,’ ‘Leo’ reveals its weakness. The LCU trace, though included, seems more an afterthought than a core element. The stretched, serial-like second half doubts the film’s cohesion.
Although Vijay’s portrayal of Old Leo is a dance of contrasts, the film’s inconsistencies are amplified by the tribute to Rajani, and the necessity of Anurag Kashyap’s presence in a scene remains questionable.
It is worth noting that Anirudh Ravichander’s background score saves the day. He manages to turn average scenes into something delightful. He jumps into situational songs like ‘I’m Scared,’ and Anirudh’s BGM brings out Vijay’s swag for what it is.
To sum up, ‘Leo’ is a thought-provoking movie exploring the human psyche’s intricacies. It blends moments of brilliance and mediocrity, leaving the audience pondering over the enigmatic shadows. The film raises many questions that are as elusive as the whispering winds.
Author : Hawrry Bhattarai
