Cinema

Unpaid Dancers of 'Leo' protest over pending payments... Video sparks outrage! Here's what happening

By TNSCorrespondent, 10 October, 2023
Leo, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vijay

(This article is authored by Alar)

In a whirlwind of controversy surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's much-anticipated movie, Leo, a recent incident has cast a shadow over the film's otherwise anticipated release. A group of disgruntled dancers, who were part of the movie's elaborate song sequence titled 'Naa Ready,' recently besieged the offices of the Leo producers. To claim their unpaid dues, lingering in limbo for a staggering four months after their work concluded.

A viral video captured the intensity of the moment as the dancers engaged in a heated exchange, presumably with a member of the Leo production team. The dancers, numbering around 1,500, voiced their frustrations, stating that despite their significant contribution to the film's grandeur, their payments remained elusive.

Among the dissenting voices was Riyaz Ahamed, a freelance dancer, who in a heartfelt video, revealed the plight faced by his fellow artists. Despite brandishing an identity card distributed during the shoot, Ahamed lamented the lack of response from the Leo team to their concerns. 

In a video shared by the dancer,  "I was one among the 1300 people. Even after four months, I have not yet received the payment. We are not getting any proper response to the concerns that we have raised. I request the Leo team clear our payments soon," he said. 

The song "Naa Ready", a part of the film's music album, required a week-long shoot and featured a colossal ensemble of dancers. However, the failure to compensate these contributors has now marred the otherwise promising narrative of Leo.

In an attempt to address the growing dissent, a representative from the Leo production team suggested that the dancers approach their union for resolution. However, this response failed to pacify the irate artists, leaving the matter unresolved and the official statement conspicuously absent.

As the controversy surrounding the unpaid dancers continues to mar the film's pre-release fervor, it raises pertinent questions about the industry's treatment of its unsung heroes. While fans eagerly await Thalapathy Vijay's on-screen magic, it is hoped that the concerns of the protesting dancers find a swift and fair resolution, ensuring that the spotlight doesn't only fall on the stars but also on those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

It's worth noting that the makers of Leo had previously released a special video honoring their dedicated crew, working in Kashmir. This heartfelt tribute highlighted the unsung heroes behind the scenes - technicians, assistants, and supporting non-technical staff, who persevered through challenging conditions. They spoke of staying away from their homes, navigating rough terrains, shooting in unpredictable weather, and collaborating with local communities.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, in a gesture of immense respect, shared the video on Twitter, commended their unwavering dedication, he wrote, "Massive respect to the cast and crew of LEO who worked really hard no matter what, in the process of entertaining people. This tribute is for you all."

Adding to the anticipation surrounding the film is the directorial prowess of Lokesh Kanagaraj, celebrated for his exceptional works in movies like Vikram, Kaithi, and Master. The star-studded cast, featuring luminaries like Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, and Trisha, only heightened the film's appeal. Amidst this excitement, the cloud of controversy raises pertinent questions about the treatment of auxiliary staff within the film industry.

The film has received its certification with a U/A rating and boasts a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. The film's music, composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander, has already become a chart-topping sensation. The trailer, released on October 5th, showcased the brilliance of Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography, the gripping action sequences by Anbariv, and the seamless editing by Philomin Raj, promising audiences a visual and narrative spectacle.

 

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