Cinema

Storm of Theories: Is 'Leo' a standalone remake or a hidden gem in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Cinematic Universe

By TNSCorrespondent, 06 October, 2023
Leo, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Trisha, Hollywood, Vijay

(This article is authored by Alar)

In the heart of the cinematic storm, Lokesh Kanagaraj's much-awaited directorial venture, 'Leo,' starring  Vijay, is gearing up for a grand theatrical spectacle on October 19. The buzz surrounding the film reached a crescendo with the recent unveiling of its trailer, setting the internet ablaze with excitement.

Amidst the awe-inspiring trailer, eagle-eyed netizens couldn't help but draw intriguing parallels between 'Leo' and the 2005 Hollywood masterpiece 'A History of Violence.' A tantalizing hint at what might await the audience in this cinematic odyssey.

'A History of Violence,' directed by David Cronenberg, is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the complexities of identity, violence, and redemption. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris, the film revolves around a seemingly ordinary man, Tom Stall, whose life takes a dark turn when his heroic actions during a violent robbery attract national attention. As his past resurfaces, questions about his true identity and the depths of human violence come to the fore.

Interestingly, 'A History of Violence' is an adaptation of a graphic novel of the same name written by John Wagner and illustrated by Vince Locke. In the context of 'Leo,' the parallels between the two films raise intriguing questions about the thematic elements that might be explored in Vijay's upcoming venture.

Could 'Leo' delve into similar themes of identity, violence, and the darker facets of human existence, and it somewhere connect the dots with other of his films, which explore the same theme of darker villains on a drug society?

However, the mystery doesn't stop there. Fans, well-versed in the art of Lokesh Kanagaraj's surprises, are fervently speculating if 'Leo' is yet another puzzle piece in the elaborate universe he's been crafting. The whispered speculations echo through fan forums, suggesting possible connections with the upcoming 'Kaithi 2' and 'Vikram 2.' 

Yet, amidst the fervor, fans were left both thrilled and slightly puzzled. The absence of familiar faces like Mysskin, Priya Anand, and others in the trailer raised eyebrows. However, the speculation among fans is rife; perhaps Lokesh Kanagaraj, the master of surprises, intentionally kept these roles under wraps, saving them as delightful surprises for the audience.

Adding to the intrigue is the stellar ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Trisha, Gautham Menon, Mansoor Ali Khan, Mysskin, and Priya Anand, promising a cinematic feast for the senses. Produced by SS Lalit Kumar and Jagadish Palanisamy, 'Leo' also boasts the musical prowess of Anirudh Ravichander, coupled with the visual brilliance of cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa and the expert editing skills of Philomin Raj.

It's worth noting that Lokesh Kanagaraj has already revealed his plans to make sequels and spin-offs for his films, which will keep him busy for the next 10 years. Vikram 2 is the sequel to Vikram, which starred Kamal Haasan as a vigilante who takes on a group of corrupt ones in drug world. The film also introduced Suriya as Rolex, a powerful antagonist who only appears for five minutes at the end of the film.

Rolex is a character who can be seen in other films of Lokesh’s universe, such as Kaithi 2. Vikram 2 may continue the story of Kamal Haasan’s character and his confrontation with Rolex. Kaithi 2 is the sequel to Kaithi, which starred Karthi as Dilli, a prisoner who helps a police officer and his team escape from a gang of drug dealers.

Some fans are speculating about George Maryan's character, Napoleon, in Kaithi playing a key role in the upcoming movie, Leo. Apparently, during a Pooja Launch event, Napoleon made an appearance, leading some fans to believe that he might play a pivotal role in Leo as well. Interestingly enough, some fans are even pointing out a scene where Karthi mentions that he worked in a bakery before, which may tie into the events of Leo somehow. 

The film also featured Arjun Das as Anbu, a ruthless gang leader who works for Rolex. Anbu is another character who can be seen in other films of Lokesh’s universe, such as Vikram 2. Kaithi 2 will follow the journey of Dilli and his daughter after he escapes from prison.

Another intriguing surprising project is Thalaivar 171 starring Rajinikanth in the lead role. The plot of the film is not yet revealed, but some reports suggest that it might be a part of Lokesh’s cinematic universe, where the characters from his other films are connected.

As the countdown to the grand screening on October 19 intensifies, the air is thick with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. The chaos that was witnessed after the trailer celebrations is just a precursor to the storm that 'Leo' is bound to unleash in theatres. 

 

 

You may also like

Comments