The conversation around Sanjay Dutt’s role in Leo gained traction primarily due to the disparity between the expectations set and the final on-screen presence. Dutt, who played the antagonist Antony Das, was expected to have a pivotal and menacing role in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. However, fans were quick to point out that his character lacked depth and screen time, especially for someone of his stature in Indian cinema.
During a promotional event in Chennai yesterday, the actor himself echoed these sentiments. With a mix of humour and honesty, Dutt stated, “I am angry at Lokesh because he did not give me a big role. He wasted me.” Though said with a smile, his remark struck a chord with many who felt the same disappointment. Social media reactions and discussions soon followed, supporting Dutt’s view and questioning the underutilisation of such a prominent actor.
His statement also sheds light on a larger issue in multi-starrer films — the challenge of balancing screen time and character weight, especially when big names are involved. While Lokesh Kanagaraj has been praised for his strong characters and tight narratives, Leo appears to have missed the mark in making full use of Dutt’s presence.
Despite the critique, Dutt maintained a respectful tone, also praising South cinema, Kamal Haasan, and expressing eagerness for future projects like Rajinikanth’s Coolie. His upcoming releases include KD – The Devil, Dhurandar and The Raja Saab, where fans hope to see the actor in roles that do justice to his legacy.
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