Leo: everything you need to know about the Tamil-language movie that broke the internet

Have you heard about the new Tamil-language thriller Leo? It recently broke the internet and is on its way toward Cineworld screens this month. Here's what you need to know.

What is the story of Leo?

Leo is the third instalment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (a name co-opted by fans that has now become official). The series started with Kathi in 2019 and continued with Vikram, released in 2022. The franchise was initiated by filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj who has co-written and directed the first two instalments, and who also directs Leo.

According to a synopsis from The Film Companion: "Parthiban 'Parthi' is a chocolatier targeted by gangsters Antony and Harold Das, who suspect him to be their estranged younger brother Leo Das."

Who stars in Leo?

The movie is anchored by Vijay in the titular role of Leo Das. Vijay (full name Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar) is a Madras-born actor and singer who has been distinguished by his long-running success in Tamil cinema. He is one of the highest-paid actors in India and has commanded a loyal following who refer to him by the word Thalapathy (translated as 'commander').

Vijay was born into the noted Chandrasekar family of Tamil filmmakers. His record-breaking box office hits include the celebrated romantic drama Thulladha Manamum Thullum from 1999, the terrorism thriller Thuppakki (2012) and the mistaken identity action movie Kaththi (2014).

Supporting Vijay is Ponniyin Selvan star Trisha, a noted performer in the realm of Tamil and Telugu cinema. Playing the gangster Das brothers are the super-star duo of Sanjay Dhutt and Arjun Sarja. The former is the veteran Hindi film star of more than 200 films including Son of Sardaar (2012). The latter is a multifaceted actor and director who has appeared in more than 160 films, many of them popular action movies including Mudhalvan (1999).

Who directs Leo?

Lokesh Kanagaraj is the director of Leo. Kanagaraj made his directorial debut with Maanagaram (2017), a thriller starring Sri and Sundeep Kishan that enjoyed box office success and positive word of mouth from noted Tamil celebrities including Rajinikanth and Suriya.

In addition to his Lokesh Cinematic Universe, of which Leo is a part, Kanagaraj has enjoyed award-winning success with his film Master (2021). It was the first collaboration between the director and Vijay, presenting the story of the battle between an alcoholic professor and a violent gangster (played by Vijay Sethupathi).

The hard-hitting movie won several accolades including Best Director for Kanagaraj at the South Indian International Movie Awards. On the subject of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Kanagaraj has expressed enthusiasm for inter-linked stories as they offer relatively endless possibilities to extend narratives and themes.

What languages is Leo screening in at Cineworld?

Leo is screening in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages at Cineworld.

Is Leo playing in premium formats at Cineworld?

Yes, you can enjoy Leo in IMAX and Superscreen at Cineworld.

IMAX utilises a larger-than-usual aspect ratio combined with a unique remastering process and perfectly tuned, integrated sound. This ensures that every visually arresting frame of Leo gleams and glistens with added sharpness.

Superscreen makes movies like Leo feel like masterpieces. State-of-the-art projection, huge screens and breathtaking multidimensional sound powered by epic Dolby Atmos speakers put you right there alongside Vijay as Leo's journey unfolds.

How has Leo broken the internet?

The Leo trailer was recently seen trending on X. The Times of India reported that the Leo trailer shattered records. They reveal: "Leo Tamil trailer has clocked one million likes in 21 minutes and 2 million likes within 7 hours... to become the fastest Indian film trailer to achieve that feat."

Additionally, "The trailer has earned over 26 million views, and is set to become the most-viewed Indian trailer within the first 24 hours of its release."