Thalapathy 67: A Glimpse into the Making and Release of ‘Leo’

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, ‘Leo’, also known as Thalapathy 67, marks the 67th film of Tamil cinema’s beloved actor Vijay. This action thriller has generated immense buzz since its announcement, not only because of its star-studded cast but also due to its intriguing plot and high production values. The film, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, and Trisha, is a part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, drawing inspiration from the film ‘A History of Violence’.

Production Insights

The journey of ‘Leo’ began with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s visit to Vijay’s residence in early 2021, where he pitched the script. Initially intended to be Vijay’s 66th film, it was later designated as his 67th, following the release of ‘Varisu’. The project, backed by Seven Screen Studio and co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy, officially kicked off with a grand announcement on January 30, 2023. The title ‘Leo’ was unveiled shortly after, on February 3, 2023.

With a lavish budget estimated between ₹250–350 crore, the film’s production set high expectations. Vijay, opting for a revenue-sharing model, was reported to have a significant stake in the film’s financial success. The production team aimed to cater to a pan-Indian audience, tweaking the original script to broaden its appeal beyond the Tamil-speaking populace.

Principal Photography and Challenges

Principal photography for ‘Leo’ commenced in January 2023 in Chennai, with subsequent schedules in Kashmir and other locations. The film’s shoot was a logistical challenge, involving high-security measures to prevent leaks and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew in diverse shooting environments. The team managed to wrap up the shoot by mid-July 2023, after extensive filming that spanned over several months and locations.

The cinematography, led by Manoj Paramahamsa, included the use of advanced technology like the IMAX-certified RED V-Raptor 8K camera, marking a first for Tamil cinema. The action sequences, choreographed by the duo Anbariv, were among the highlights, with one particular scene involving a hyena costing around ₹10 crore.

Star-Studded Cast

‘Leo’ features an ensemble cast that includes Vijay in a dual role as Parthiban and Leo Das, Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist Antony Das, and Arjun Sarja as Harold Das. Trisha plays the female lead, Sathya, marking her return alongside Vijay after several years. The film also marks the Tamil debut of Sanjay Dutt and features a host of other prominent actors like Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mysskin, and Madonna Sebastian in pivotal roles.

Music and Soundtrack

The musical score of ‘Leo’ is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, continuing his successful collaboration with both Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj. The soundtrack, which includes the hit song ‘Naa Ready’, became a chartbuster, reflecting the film’s energetic and intense narrative. Despite the cancellation of a grand audio launch due to overwhelming demand and safety concerns, the music has been well-received, adding to the pre-release excitement.

Release and Reception

‘Leo’ was released worldwide on October 19, 2023, in both standard and IMAX formats, and in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The film opened to mixed reviews with critics praising Vijay’s performance and the high-octane action sequences but critiquing some aspects of the writing. Despite this, ‘Leo’ succeeded at the box office, setting records and emerging as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.

Conclusion

‘Leo’ not only adds a significant chapter to Vijay’s illustrious career but also pushes the boundaries of Tamil cinema with its ambitious scope and scale. As the film continues to draw audiences worldwide, it stands as a testament to the robust appeal of well-crafted action thrillers in Indian cinema.

FAQs

What is the plot of ‘Leo’?
‘Leo’ follows the story of Parthiban, a café owner and animal rescuer, who is mistaken for a gangster’s estranged son and gets embroiled in a deadly conflict.

Who are the main stars in ‘Leo’?
The film stars Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, and Trisha among others.

What are the box office collections of ‘Leo’?
‘Leo’ has grossed approximately ₹595–620 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2023.

Who directed ‘Leo’?
‘Leo’ was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

What are the unique aspects of ‘Leo’s’ production?
‘Leo’ utilized advanced filming technologies and was part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, featuring high-budget action sequences and a multi-star cast.