'Thalapathy' Vijay's Leo is set to begin its next stage in filming later this week as per early reports and production has been progressing at Chennai over the past few days. Being directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj under S. S. Lalit Kumar's 7 Screen Studio banner, the upcoming film includes a big star cast among whom is also young Malayalam actor Mathew Thomas, who will be appearing in a crucial role. Mathew, who is currently on a press tour promoting his next Malayalam film, Neymar, opened up on Tuesday about coming on board Leo, while also revealing details about his look and his working experience alongside Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Explaining how he felt joining the cast of Leo, Mathew Thomas said, "I was afraid. When I first went and spoke to Lokesh Kanagaraj sir, I expressed my difficulties and made him understand my concerns. I would constantly tell him that I don't know Tamil. But, Lokesh sir gave me plenty of time and it got easy. He provided a lot of comfort on the sets and it became quite easy." When a reporter asked him how he felt being a part of the Lokesh Universe, the young actor stated with a big smile, "Adipoli (excellent)". Upon being queried about his look in Leo, Mathew said that he would be clean-shaven in the film and asserted that it was a splendid experience working alongside Vijay. The young actor also went on to reveal that he will be playing elder brother to Iyal, the daughter of popular Tamil comedy actor Arjunan (Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Eppadi, Tik Tik Tik, and Vaaiyai Moodi Pesavum), in the film.
Mathew Thomas' joining Leo came as a big surprise to fans as the film's team had released a poster announcing his casting back in January. Although details about his role in the film are unknown at this point, the actor had been a part of the Kashmir schedule. Leo is one of the biggest and most-awaited Tamil films of 2023 and will be launched into cinemas on October 19 ahead of the Ayudha pooja holidays. Featuring music being composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the film also marks the big screen reunion of Vijay and Trisha after 15 years, and includes Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist, 'Action King' Arjun, Mysskin, Gautham Menon, Mansoor Ali Khan, Priya Anand, choreographer Sandy master among others in pivotal roles.
