Vijay lags behind Rajinikanth; here's why

In Kollywood heroes, Rajinikanth remains a beloved figure among movie enthusiasts across the nation, and his style remains timeless even in his 70s. The current generation of heroes has struggled to surpass his iconic status and some of his records.

Marking the same, Vijay's film, Leo, attempted to outshine Rajinikanth's Kabali in its opening performance in the USA. Despite high expectations from trade circles and fans, Leo failed to surpass the sensational opening that "Kabali" achieved.

"Kabali" had a remarkable USA opening record, which remained unbeaten. It was anticipated that "Leo" might break this record, considering the strong bookings and the combination of director Lokesh Kanagaraj and Vijay. However, "Leo" fell short of this milestone.

"Kabali" collected 1.9 million dollars in premieres, whereas "Leo" managed 1.57 million dollars. This means that Rajinikanth's "Kabali" will hold its record for some more time. Lokesh Kanagaraj's film with Rajinikanth may have a better chance to break this record in the future.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, "Leo" has had a strong opening thanks to Thalapathy Vijay's massive fan base and Lokesh's strong reputation. The film had terrific advance bookings, and it started on a strong note, attracting full houses. The combined appeal of Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vijay, and the hype surrounding "LCU" is drawing audiences from all regions.

The movie was complemented by Anirudh's background score and Lokesh's action sequences. Vijay's unique character portrayal, different from his usual mass-hero image, was a refreshing change for the audience.

-by Vishnupriya