Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally responded to veteran actor Sanjay Dutt’s recent comments about his role being “wasted” in the 2023 Tamil blockbuster Leo. While Dutt had earlier expressed disappointment about not having a substantial role in the film, Lokesh has now acknowledged the critique and said, “It’s all part of the learning process.”
Sanjay Dutt Felt Underused in Leo
During a recent interview, Sanjay Dutt revealed that he had high expectations from his character Antony Das in Leo, especially because it marked his big entry into Tamil cinema. However, he candidly shared that he felt his potential was not fully explored in the final script. “My role in Leo was wasted,” he had said, sparking a flurry of responses from fans and critics alike.
Lokesh’s Response: “I Understand His Frustration”
At a film event in Chennai, Lokesh addressed the criticism for the first time. “I understand where Sanjay sir is coming from. He’s a massive star and we were thrilled to have him on board. Looking back, I can say that the character could’ve been developed better. It’s all a learning process,” he said.
He further added, “As filmmakers, we sometimes get carried away by multiple elements. Balancing mass appeal, narrative structure, and fan expectations is tricky. I’ll make sure to improve on that in the future.”
The Film That Divided Audiences
Leo, starring Vijay in the lead, was part of Lokesh’s larger cinematic universe (LCU). While it performed well at the box office, the film also received mixed reviews — especially for how some characters, including Dutt’s, were underdeveloped or sidelined. Many viewers expected more depth and screen presence for the Bollywood legend in his Tamil debut.
No Bad Blood
Despite the public remark, both Lokesh and Sanjay Dutt seem to hold mutual respect for each other. Insiders suggest there’s no real fallout, and both parties are open to collaborating again — provided the right script comes along. Lokesh even hinted, “I would love to work with him again and do justice to the powerhouse that he is.”
A Lesson for Directors
This episode reflects the larger challenge in ensemble films: doing justice to all the characters, especially when dealing with pan-Indian stars. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s honest and humble response shows his commitment to evolving as a filmmaker. As he builds his cinematic universe, the industry and fans will be watching how he handles such dynamics going forward.
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