Leo

Leo is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Seven Screen Studio. The film features Vijay in the lead role alongside Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, and Trisha. It is a part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe and draws partial inspiration from the film A History of Violence.

The story centers on Parthiban "Parthi", a café owner and animal rescuer who lives in Theog, Himachal Pradesh, with his family. Parthi finds himself in danger when gangsters mistake him for Leo, the estranged son of one of their leaders. The film explores themes of identity and familial ties as Parthi grapples with his violent past.

Filming began in January 2023, with major locations in Chennai and Kashmir. The movie was released worldwide on 19 October 2023, in both standard and IMAX formats, receiving mixed reviews. Critics praised Vijay’s performance and the film's technical elements, especially the action sequences. However, the writing faced criticism. Despite this, Leo broke multiple box office records, quickly becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023 and the second highest-grossing Tamil film of all time.

The budget for Leo was estimated between ₹250–300 crore, and the film grossed around ₹595–620 crore globally. It also became the highest-grossing Tamil film abroad and in Tamil Nadu.

The film's soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fourth collaboration with Vijay. It includes the hit song Naa Ready, which quickly became the most-streamed Tamil track of 2023.

Upcoming developments suggest a sequel to Leo, which would mark Vijay's first time in a sequel, potentially starting production in 2025 once Lokesh Kanagaraj finishes his current projects.

In summary, Leo stands out not only for its thrilling narrative and impressive performances but also for its commercial success, solidifying Vijay's status as a leading figure in Indian cinema.