20 October 2023, Mumbai: On its first day at the box office, the Vijay-starrer “Leo” achieved a remarkable feat by delivering the biggest global opening among all Indian film industries in 2023. This impressive debut outperformed other major releases like Rajinikanth’s “Jailer,” Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” and Prabhas’ “Adipurush.”
Leo’s Worldwide Success
Released in theaters on Thursday, “Leo” earned a staggering Rs 140 crore in worldwide gross on its opening day. Reports estimates an even higher figure at Rs 145 crore for its global debut. This places “Leo” on par with Prabhas’ “Adipurush,” which also commenced with a similar figure but saw a significant drop in earnings after its first weekend. The third spot is occupied by Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” which garnered Rs 129.1 crore on its opening day and currently stands as the highest-grossing film of the year across all languages in India. Overall, “Jawan,” directed by Atlee, has amassed an impressive Rs 1140.5 crore in worldwide gross.
Controversies and Performance
Despite its remarkable performance, “Leo” faced several controversies surrounding its release, particularly in the Hindi and Telugu markets. The film secured Rs 63 crore nett in the domestic market and Rs 74 crore gross in India, both of which fall slightly below “Jawan.” Tamil Nadu, typically a primary market for Vijay, refrained from early morning shows, resulting in a gross of Rs 30 crore. Meanwhile, in the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana region, it grossed Rs 15 crore. Karnataka contributed Rs 14 crore to its opening day earnings, and in Kerala, “Leo” set a record with Rs 11 crore in gross revenue.
The Filmy Charcha Movie Review Of Leo:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
In the backdrop of Himachal Pradesh, “Leo” introduces us to Parthiban (Thalapathy Vijay), a peaceful coffee shop owner. However, a daring act of heroism unexpectedly plunges him into a web of peril. He unwittingly grabs the attention of two enigmatic figures, Antony Das (Sanjay Dutt) and Harold Das (Arjun). As the story unfolds, it raises questions about Parthiban’s connection to their past and the enigmatic Leo Das. From the very beginning, director Lokesh Kanagaraj keeps the audience engaged. The seamless transformation of Parthiban from a humble shop owner to a resolute protector of his family is both convincing and engaging. The action sequences in the café and marketplace, along with a nail-biting first-half climax, are indisputable highlights.
“Leo” excels in depicting familial bonds, particularly the dynamics between Thalapathy Vijay and Gautam Menon, adding emotional depth. It underscores that friendships can be as robust as blood ties. The snowy chase and an unexpected twist towards the end provide an exhilarating rush. The film breaks new ground with its Lokesh Cinematic Universe, an interconnected cast that generates excitement and adds an extra layer of intrigue, even if it occasionally feels disjointed. Thalapathy Vijay’s performance is the film’s undeniable cornerstone, resonating with every viewer as the ordinary man willing to risk it all for his loved ones. The “Naa Reddy” song and Anirudh’s background score enhance the viewing experience.
What Doesn’t Work:
Despite a strong start, the film falters with a somewhat predictable storyline, particularly in the latter half. The absence of unexpected twists makes the narrative somewhat linear. The backstory involving Leo, Antony, and Harold lacks depth and fails to evoke the expected emotions. Sanjay Dutt, despite his strong presence, is hindered by underdeveloped character arcs. While action sequences are a forte, their repetitiveness, especially in the second half, becomes somewhat tedious. The climax, in particular, falls short of the anticipated impact. Certain emotional scenes, like Vijay’s outburst at Trisha, lack depth, diminishing their intended impact.
Leo Occupancy Rates and Momentum
The film enjoyed an impressive 86.92% occupancy rate for Tamil screenings on its opening day. Morning shows recorded nearly 86.35% occupancy, while night shows achieved over a 90% occupancy rate. With 1282 showings in Chennai, the film’s ability to maintain the momentum generated on its debut day remains to be seen. It’s worth noting that Tamil-language films tend to exhibit frontloaded box office performance, as distributors often include pre-release revenue in opening day collections.
Vijay’s Streak of Hits
Vijay, who has been on a streak of successful films including “Master,” “Beast,” and “Varisu,” has further solidified his standing with “Leo.” This film is part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s shared cinematic universe, which also includes “Kaithi” and “Vikram.” “Leo” has already overtaken “Jailer,” which was previously the biggest Tamil film of the year, reaffirming Vijay’s status as a box office powerhouse.
By Yashika Desai