Leo (soundtrack) explained

Leo
Type:soundtrack
Artist:Anirudh Ravichander
Released:19 October 2023
Recorded:June–September 2023
Studio:Albuquerque Records, Chennai
AM Studios, Chennai
Studio DMI, Las Vegas
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:22:57
Language:Tamil, English
Label:Sony Music India
Producer:Anirudh Ravichander
Prev Title:Jawan
Prev Year:2023
Next Title:Indian 2
Next Year:2024

Leo is the soundtrack album composed by Anirudh Ravichander for the 2023 Tamil-language film Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj starring Vijay, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Arjun and Trisha. The film is produced by S. S. Lalit Kumar under Seven Screen Studio.

The album featured seven songs, with four of them being previously released as singles. It was planned to be released on 30 September 2023, which would have coincided with the audio launch event in Chennai, before its cancellation.[1] The album was released via Sony Music India on 19 October 2023, the same day as the film's release.[2]

Production

Leo's soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his fourth collaboration with Vijay after Kaththi (2014), Master (2021) and Beast (2022); third with Lokesh after Master and Vikram (2022).[3] The audio rights for the film were purchased by Sony Music India for .[4] Leo was intended to be a songless film, similar to Lokesh's Kaithi (2019) with Sam C. S. being in consideration to score the film which turned to be false.[5] The Times of India reported that the soundtrack will have two songs.[6] However, Lokesh, during an interview with Behindwoods in early October, stated that the film would have a total of six songs.[7]

All the songs in the film were written by Vishnu Edavan, Lokesh's assistant director, who also previously contributed for Master and Vikram. The English tracks in the film are penned by Heisenberg. The songs were recorded during June–September, and the background score in mid-September, with the re-recording for the film completed within 10 days.[8]

Release

Before the album's release, four of the songs—"Bloody Sweet", "Naa Ready", "Badass" and "Anbenum"—released as singles. Two other songs, which later revealed to be as "I Am Scared" and "Villain Yaaru", were released as part of the extended soundtrack.[9] [10]

The soundtrack was released on 19 October 2023, alongside the film's theatrical release date. The album, however, did not include the aforementioned tracks, but consisted of the earlier released three singles, along with "Glimpse of Antony Das" and "Glimpse of Harold Das", the tracks from the glimpse videos revealing Sanjay Dutt and Arjun's characters, and had separate releases,[11] [12] along with the track "Lokiverse 2.0"—a second version of the "Lokiverse" track that integrated the metal clanging sound of "The Hot Biriyani" from Kaithi, "Vikram Title Track" and "Rolex Theme" from Vikram, along with "Badass" and "Ratata".[13]

On 20 October 2023, Anirudh said that apart from the aforementioned tracks, two other songs "Ordinary Person" and "Ratata" would be released as part of the extended soundtrack.[14]

Singles

"Bloody Sweet", the first song composed for Leo, was also cited by Anirudh as the fastest track he composed to that point.[15] The track, which was featured in the two-minute promo video, was performed by Anirudh and Siddharth Basrur,[16] and was released on 3 February 2023, the same day as the film's promo release, albeit not being part of an official single on the album.[17] [18]

"Naa Ready" was the first single from the film, sung by Vijay, along with Anirudh and Asal Kolaar, the latter performing rap portions; it was the fourth time Vijay had sung for Anirudh's composition after previously doing so for "Selfie Pulla" from Kaththi, "Kutti Story" from Master and "Jolly O Gymkhana" from Beast.[19] The song released on 22 June 2023, coinciding with Vijay's 49th birthday.[20] Although it was positively received by the audiences, it garnered criticism from politicians and activists over the glorification of smoking and drugs.[21] [22] This resulted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) instructed the team to modify the visuals and lyrics, with immediate effect on 9 September 2023.[23] [24]

A song performed by Anirudh and Shakthisree Gopalan, was intended to be released as the second single from the album on 19 September 2023 (later deciphered to be "Villain Yaaru") but was not released on that date. Instead, "Badass" was released as the second single from the album on 28 September 2023.[25]

Lalit, through the X (formerly Twitter) Space, announced that a family song was composed for the film, set to be released as the third single from the album[26] titled "Anbenum", the song was sung by Anirudh with Lothika Jha performing the female vocals instead of Shakthisree, who would make her playback debut in Tamil,[27] and was earlier scheduled for release on 9 October 2023. However, it was officially released two days later on 11 October 2023.[28] [29]

Cancelled audio launch plans

At the CII-Dakshin Media and Entertainment Summit,[30] Lalit who had participated in the event, said that he initiated plans for an audio launch event in southern part of Tamil Nadu, instead of Chennai,[31] and had zeroed on Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy as the venues.[32] [33] In earlier August, it was reported that the film's audio launch will be instead held either in Malaysia or Dubai,[34] [35] and they tentatively planned for the event at Axiata Arena indoor stadium in Kuala Lumpur during late-September or early-October. However, plans for the event at Malaysia was being cancelled and the team instead planned to conduct the event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.[36] Lalit later explained the reason for the cancellation as the venue was not available for their planned schedule.[37]

It was reported that the event would be held on 30 September 2023 at the said venue. However, on 27 September 2023, three days before the event was to be held, the producers confirmed that the event would be cancelled citing safety constraints,[38] [39] while claiming that it was not due to political pressures.[40] Trade analysts claimed that the overflowing requests of passes for the event had led the producers to cancel it, as around 70,000 people had pre-booked their passes for the event, while the venue itself could accommodate an audience of 6,000–8,000 people, and that poor management could lead to an unprecedented mishap.[41] They cited the catastrophic incident that happened at A. R. Rahman's concert three weeks prior in Chennai as another reason for the cancellation.[42] [43]

Extended soundtrack

The track listing for the extended soundtrack was revealed on 20 October 2023, which included four unreleased songs. Along with the track list, the first song "Villain Yaaru" was released. It had lyrics written by Vishnu Edavan with Anirudh and Shakthisree performing. The second song "Ordinary Person" was released on 23 October 2023. It had lyrics written by Heisenberg and was performed by Nikhita Gandhi.[44] The third song "I Am Scared" was released on 28 October 2023.[45] The fourth song "Ratata" was released on 9 November 2023.

Video songs

The theme song for "Lokiverse 2.0" was released on 26 October 2023. The uncut video song for "Naa Ready" was released on 19 November 2023. The video song for "Anbenum" was released on 13 December 2023. The video song for "I'm Scared" was released on 14 December 2023. The video song for "Badass" was released on 15 December 2023.

Track listing

Hindi

Reception

Critical response

The Indian Express writing for the track "Naa Ready" called it a "typical Tamil ‘Kuthu’ number, which is sure to find lot of takers."[46] Priyanka Goud of Pinkvilla stated it as a "perfect mass anthem" with Vijay's vocals and dance performance "make for a perfect treat to fans".[47] Writing for the track "Badass", IndiaGlitz stated "Badass is Anirudh's super stylish tribute to Vijay's stardom. The track does complete justice to its title. It has powerful vocals by Anirudh and high octane lyrics penned by Vishnu Edavan."[48]

Reviewing for The Quint, Pratikshya Mishra found "Naa Ready" to be "brilliant" and "toe-tapping track" while for the rest of the album comes "comes across more juvenile than effective and this even more jarring".[49] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu summarised "The end credits soundtrack, the ‘I’m Scared’ surprise zinger, and the many callbacks to Vikram prove that composer Anirudh Ravichander remains the heartbeat of Lokesh’s Cinematic Universe."[50] Divya Nair of Rediff.com wrote Anirudh's "electrifying background music spices up the introduction and action sequences."[51] M. Suganth of The Times of India wrote Anirudh's music "peaks in the second half".[52] Janani K. of India Today summarised the music "amp up the masala moments quite well".[53]

Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express wrote "Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack and background score also contribute significantly to the movie’s momentum. Departing from his typical star-worship compositions, Anirudh infuses Leo with exceptional tracks, adding a distinctive touch to the film."[54] Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost wrote "Anirudh has yet again proved that his music can elevate a scene, add tension where required, hype wherever necessary and overall just keep the audiences hooked with sound."[55]

Audience response

The track "Naa Ready" garnered 20 million views in 24 hours, setting the second highest viewed Tamil song in 24 hours, behind Vijay's own song "Arabic Kuthu" from Beast.[56] It also garnered 1.6 million likes in 24 hours becoming also the second highest liked Tamil song in 24 hours, behind the same song.[57] The song was also streamed 1 million times in Spotify in 24 hours.[58] The second single "Badass" crossed 13 million views in 24 hours.[59] "Naa Ready" emerged as Spotify's most-streamed Tamil track of 2023, as per Spotify Wrapped 2023.[60]

Controversy

The track "Ordinary Person" which was released as the second song from the extended soundtrack, was heavily inspired from the Otnicka and Duke Luke single "Peaky Blinder" which served as an influence to the British period drama television series Peaky Blinders (2013–2022). Otnicka claimed he was unaware of the song being sampled for this track and took to Instagram to address the same while he said that the situation was unclear as of now.[61] [62]

Album credits

Credits adapted from Sony Music India.[63]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 28 September 2023 . Audio launch of Vijay-starrer Leo cancelled due to 'safety reasons' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231006184322/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/leo-audio-launch-vijay-cancelled-safety-reasons-8959948/ . 6 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . The Indian Express.
  2. Web site: 'Leo: Bloody Sweet' Soundtrack Album Released . 2023-10-21 . Film Music Reporter . en-US . 29 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231029212539/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/10/20/anirudh-ravichander-leo-bloody-sweet-soundtrack-album-released/ . live .
  3. Web site: 30 January 2023 . 'Thalapathy 67': The official announcement is here!; film shooting began on January 2 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230427111428/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalapathy-67-the-official-announcement-is-here-film-shooting-began-on-january-2/articleshow/97449536.cms . 27 April 2023 . 6 September 2023 . The Times of India.
  4. Web site: 1 February 2023 . Vijay, Lokesh Kanagaraj's Thalapathy 67 audio rights sold for a whopping Rs 16 crore . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230202213641/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/lokesh-kanagaraj-vijay-and-trishas-thalapathy-67-audio-rights-sold-for-a-whopping-rs-16-crore-2329123-2023-02-01 . 2 February 2023 . 6 September 2023 . India Today.
  5. News: 19 August 2022 . Buzz: Vijay's 'Thalapathy 67' will have no songs . . live . 6 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230306155428/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/buzz-vijays-thalapathy-67-will-have-no-songs/articleshow/93658817.cms . 6 March 2023.
  6. News: 5 September 2023 . 'Leo' to have only two songs, the last single by Anirudh Ravichander to be out on September 19 . . live . 7 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906121943/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/leo-to-have-only-two-songs-the-last-single-by-anirudh-ravichander-to-be-out-on-september-19/articleshow/103390496.cms?from=mdr . 6 September 2023.
  7. "Vijay sir ஓட அந்த கெட்ட வார்த்தை Scene..அண்ணா கூப்பிட்டு கேட்டாரு" Most Waited Loki LEO Interview . 7 October 2023 . ta . BehindwoodsTV . 7 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231008040643/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJWr1kWyPJI . 8 October 2023 . live . YouTube.
  8. News: Vijay's 'Leo': Check out the very interesting insights about the film . . live . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231007203316/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-leo-check-out-the-very-interesting-insights-about-the-film/photostory/104215239.cms?from=mdr . 7 October 2023.
  9. News: 10 October 2023 . Did you know 'Leo' has three more unreleased music tracks? read here . . live . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012043552/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/did-you-know-leo-has-three-more-unreleased-music-tracks-read-here/articleshow/104319712.cms?from=mdr . 12 October 2023.
  10. LEO BREAKING : " வில்லன் யாருடா " is my most Favourite Song – Rapid with Rathna Vijay Lokesh . 7 October 2023 . Tamil . SS Music . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015451/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzC-oMX1fZk . 13 October 2023 . live . YouTube.
  11. News: 29 July 2023 . Glimpse of Antony Das from 'Leo'; makers unveil Sanjay Dutt's character from film . . live . 6 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906132037/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/glimpse-of-antony-das-from-leo-makers-unveil-sanjay-dutts-character-from-film/articleshow/102224629.cms?from=mdr . 6 September 2023.
  12. News: 15 August 2023 . Lokesh Kanagraj unveils Arjun's first look as Harold Das from 'Leo' on the actor's birthday . . live . 6 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230815122950/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagraj-unveils-arjuns-first-look-as-harold-das-from-leo-on-the-actors-birthday/articleshow/102748312.cms?from=mdr . 15 August 2023.
  13. 1715024816514695522. sunnewstamil.
    1. CinemaUpdate Lokiverse 2.0 அடங்கிய ‘லியோ’ படத்தின் மியூசிக் ஆல்பம் வெளியானது!
    . Sun News. 2023-10-19. 2023-10-19.
  14. 1715367363049300463. anirudhofficial.
    1. VillainYaaru releasing at 8pm today #ImScared, #OrdinaryPerson and #Ratata will also be out back to back within a few days Thanks for all your wishes and love
    . Anirudh Ravichander. 2023-10-20. 2023-10-20.
  15. "Bloody Sweet From 'Leo' Is My Quickest Song..." 10 Questions With Anirudh Ravichander Vishal . 29 September 2023 . Film Companion . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015453/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soyzqBzELaA . 13 October 2023 . live . YouTube.
  16. News: 6 February 2023 . Watch . . live . 6 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230316084530/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/watch-making-video-of-vijays-leo-bloody-sweet-title-song/articleshow/97636858.cms?from=mdr . 16 March 2023.
  17. News: 3 February 2023 . 'Leo': Vijay-Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Thalapathy 67' title revealed with a 'bloody sweet' promo . . live . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203165804/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/leo-vijay-lokesh-kanagarajs-thalapathy-67-title-revealed-with-a-bloody-sweet-promo/article66466854.ece . 3 February 2023.
  18. Web site: 3 February 2023 . Vijay's 67th film titled Leo: First teaser is reminiscent of Kamal Haasan's Vikram . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203133441/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vijay-67th-film-titled-leo-8421843/ . 3 February 2023 . 12 October 2023 . The Indian Express.
  19. Web site: 22 June 2023 . Leo song Naa Ready lyric video out: Vijay brings his infectious energy and charisma to Anirudh Ravichander track . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230705172711/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/leo-song-naa-ready-lyric-video-vijay-brings-his-infectious-energy-charisma-to-anirudh-ravichander-song-8680500/ . 5 July 2023 . 7 September 2023 . The Indian Express.
  20. Web site: 22 June 2023 . Video: 'Naa Ready' full song out. Thalapathy Vijay's track from 'Leo' is this season's perfect dance number . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230622143137/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/naa-ready-full-song-out-thalapathy-vijay-birthday-lokesh-kanagaraj-2396465-2023-06-22 . 22 June 2023 . 6 September 2023 . India Today.
  21. Web site: 19 June 2023 . 'Vijay should keep his word and not smoke in films': MP Anbumani Ramadoss . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230619220659/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vijay-should-keep-his-word-and-not-smoke-in-films-mp-anumbmani-ramadoss-8672312/ . 19 June 2023 . 26 June 2023 . The Indian Express.
  22. Web site: 26 June 2023 . Police complaint against Vijay for allegedly glorifying drug use in Leo song Naa Ready, ban on film demanded . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230626073116/https://www.dnaindia.com//entertainment/report-police-complaint-thalapathy-vijay-for-allegedly-glorifying-drug-use-in-leo-song-naa-ready-lokesh-kanagaraj-3049187 . 26 June 2023 . 26 June 2023 . Daily News and Analysis.
  23. Web site: CBFC modifies some visuals and lyrics of Naa Ready song from Leo . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230910101819/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/sep/10/cbfc-modifies-some-visuals-and-lyrics-of-naa-ready-song-from-leo-47502.html . 10 September 2023 . 23 September 2023 . Cinema Express.
  24. Web site: 10 September 2023 . Remove lyrics on drinking & smoking in Vijay's Naan Ready song from Leo: CBFC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015440/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/controversy . 13 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . The News Minute.
  25. Web site: 28 September 2023 . Leo song Badass: Anirudh Ravichander delivers another banger for Vijay. Watch . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082322/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/leo-song-badass-anirudh-ravichander-delivers-another-banger-for-vijay-watch-101695907225528.html . 30 September 2023 . 30 September 2023 . Hindustan Times.
  26. Web site: 6 October 2023 . Leo: 15 exciting updates about the film from producer Lalit Kumar! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231011043143/https://www.onlykollywood.com/leo-15-exciting-updates-about-the-film-from-producer-lalit-kumar/ . 11 October 2023 . 7 October 2023 . Only Kollywood.
  27. Web site: 11 October 2023 . Leo Third Single Anbenum OUT: Makers drop soulful song from Thalapathy Vijay-Trisha starrer . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012080706/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/leo-third-single-anbenum-out-makers-drop-soulful-song-from-thalapathy-vijay-trisha-starrer-1250240 . 12 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . Pinkvilla.
  28. Web site: 11 October 2023 . Anbenum: Leo's third song is odd one out in Anirudh Ravichander's 'massy' album . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012045742/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/anbenum-leos-third-song-is-odd-one-out-in-anirudh-ravichanders-massy-album-8977946/ . 12 October 2023 . 11 October 2023 . The Indian Express.
  29. Web site: 11 October 2023 . 'Anbenum' from 'Leo': Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha's love ballad is too wholesome . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015440/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/anbenum-from-leo-out-thalapathy-vijay-trishas-love-ballad-is-wholesome-2447657-2023-10-11 . 13 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . India Today.
  30. Web site: Ramachandran . Naman . 22 April 2023 . Top Producers Break Down Idealized Concept of a Pan India Film at CII Dakshin Conference . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429045630/https://variety.com/2023/film/asia/pan-india-film-dhanush-suriya-rishab-shetty-1235590730/ . 29 April 2023 . 22 August 2023 . Variety.
  31. News: 21 April 2023 . Vijay starrer 'Leo' audio launch will not happen in Chennai . . 22 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230508115329/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-starrer-leo-audio-launch-will-not-happen-in-chennai/articleshow/99657337.cms?from=mdr . 8 May 2023.
  32. Web site: 20 April 2023 . Vijay didn't want Leo to be a pan-Indian film, he initially said 'I want to make films for our people' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230421024643/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/vijay-didnt-want-leo-to-be-a-pan-indian-film-8567291/ . 21 April 2023 . 20 April 2023 . The Indian Express.
  33. Web site: 20 April 2023 . Thalapathy Vijay's Leo audio launch to be held in Trichy? Producer drops a hint . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230422005703/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/leo-audio-launch-thalapathy-vijay-lokesh-kanagaraj-lalit-kumar-2362507-2023-04-20 . 22 April 2023 . 22 August 2023 . India Today.
  34. Web site: 7 August 2023 . Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' audio launch and trailer release plans out? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015445/https://www.indiaglitz.com/thalapathy-vijay-lokesh-kanagaraj-leo-lcu-anirudh-audio-launch-trailer-date-trisha-sanjay-dutt-latest-update-tamil-news-341122 . 13 October 2023 . 22 August 2023 . IndiaGlitz.com.
  35. Web site: ஜோன்ஸ் . 12 August 2023 . மலேசியாவில் லியோ இசை வெளியீட்டு விழாவா? சோகத்தில் மதுரை மக்கள்! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812081159/https://tamil.abplive.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/actor-vijay-leo-movie-audio-launch-may-be-held-at-malaysia-134534 . 12 August 2023 . 22 August 2023 . tamil.abplive.com . ta.
  36. News: 19 September 2023 . 'Leo' audio launch to happen in Chennai . . live . 20 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920135855/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/leo-audio-launch-to-happen-in-chennai/articleshow/103784778.cms?from=mdr . 20 September 2023.
  37. Web site: 14 September 2023 . Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' audio launch to happen on this date in Chennai? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230918081430/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thalapathy-vijays-leo-audio-launch-to-happen-on-this-date-in-chennai-2435658-2023-09-14 . 18 September 2023 . 12 October 2023 . India Today.
  38. Web site: 26 September 2023 . Leo makers to skip audio launch citing safety constraints . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230926175053/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/citing-safety-constraints-leo-makers-to-skip-audio-launch-738511 . 26 September 2023 . 26 September 2023 . DT Next.
  39. Web site: Subramanian . Lakshmi . 27 September 2023 . Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' audio launch on Sep 30 cancelled . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230927142809/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2023/09/27/thalapathy-vijays-leo-audio-launch-on-sep-30-cancelled.html . 27 September 2023 . 12 October 2023 . The Week.
  40. Web site: 27 September 2023 . Leo audio launch cancelled due to 'overflowing passes requests & safety constraints' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012003641/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/leo-audio-launch-cancelled-due-to-overflowing-passes-requests-safety-constraints-101695790257040.html . 12 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . Hindustan Times.
  41. Web site: 27 September 2023 . Why was Thalapathy Vijay's 'Leo' audio launch cancelled? Experts weigh in . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012065113/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/why-was-thalapathy-vijays-leo-audio-launch-cancelled-trade-experts-weigh-in-2441330-2023-09-27 . 12 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . India Today.
  42. News: 27 September 2023 . Is the AR Rahman concert mishap the reason for the 'Leo' audio launch cancellation? . . live . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231007001654/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/is-the-ar-rahman-concert-mishap-the-reason-for-the-leo-audio-launch-cancellation/articleshow/103980004.cms?from=mdr . 7 October 2023.
  43. Web site: Ganeshan . Balakrishna . 27 September 2023 . Jahnavi . The real reason Vijay's Leo audio launch was cancelled . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231013015524/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/the-real-reason-vijays-leo-audio-launch-was-cancelled . 13 October 2023 . 12 October 2023 . The News Minute.
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  48. Web site: 28 September 2023 . 'Leo' second single is truly a 'badass' song from Anirudh and co! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230929054151/https://www.indiaglitz.com/thalapathy-vijay-leo-second-single-badass-review-lokesh-kanagaraj-anirudh-vishnu-edavan-latest-update-tamil-news-343549 . 29 September 2023 . 10 October 2023 . IndiaGlitz.com.
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  58. 1672227467396775937 . SonyMusicSouth . Over a humongous 1️⃣ MILLION STREAMS on @spotifyindia just within 24 hours! ❤️‍ It’s #NaaReady from #Leo for y’all !✨ Hit play groove right away! . Sony Music South . Sony Music India . 24 June 2023.
  59. 1707734470130876866 . 7screenstudio . Badass sambavam 13M+ real time badass views in 24 hours . 30 September 2023.
  60. Web site: Top Tamil Tracks of 2023 . 2023-12-03 . Spotify . en . 3 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231203071649/https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX2jOO2ZBEzz2 . live .
  61. Web site: 26 October 2023 . 'Peaky Blinder' composer reacts after fans flag 'Leo' song, claim it's copied . 2023-10-24 . India Today . en . 24 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231024070121/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/anirudh-ravichander-releases-leo-track-fans-say-its-copied-from-peaky-blinders-2452924-2023-10-24 . live .
  62. Web site: 2023-10-24 . Anirudh Ravichander's 'Ordinary Person' Song From 'Leo' Copied From 'Peaky Blinders' ? Details Inside . 2023-10-24 . IndiaGlitz.com . 24 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231024070446/https://www.indiaglitz.com/anirudhs-ordinary-person-song-from-leo-copied-from-otnicka-s-where-are-you-in-peaky-blinders-tamil-news-344852 . live .
  63. LEO - Jukebox Thalapathy Vijay Anirudh Ravichander Lokesh Kanagaraj . 2023-10-20 . Tamil . Sony Music South . 2023-10-20 . YouTube . 24 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231024081258/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLtoSEqF8ag . live .