Big Buzz/ Ahead of Leo release, here are 5 controversies courted by Vijay-Lokesh Kanagaraj's film

Thalapthy Vijay starrer Leo will finally debut in theatres on October 19. Through the promotional period of the movie, the film has landed in several controversies. From being accused of promoting drug abuse through their song to a fight over trademark rights, Leo, the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial, has braved various obstacles. 

2 things you need to know

• Leo is directed by Kaithi famed Lokesh Kanagaraj. It is said to be part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).  
• In addition to Vijay, the film stars Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja and Sanjay Dutt in prominent roles. 

Dancers accuse Leo makers of non-payment

Some dancers who were part of a song in Leo claimed that the filmmakers only paid them a partial amount despite their repeated demands. The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) President RK Selvamani, however, issued a statement stating that the producers of Leo transferred the entire fee of all dancers to their respective bank accounts.

Vijay accused of ‘promoting drug use’ in Leo song

While an MP called out Vijay and the song Naa Ready for promoting smoking, a social activist from Chennai complained that the actor was encouraging drug use in the song. Given their concerns, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered the film's producers to remove some of the lyrics and scenes from the track that refer to smoking and alcohol use.

A poster of the film in which Vijay was seen smoking was also altered before the film's release. 

Objection over swear words in Leo trailer

Leo trailer was released on October 5 amid a lot of enthusiasm. While it trended on YouTube for days, the trailer also drew criticism for a part where Vijay used an expletive. However, responding to the intense public criticism, the makers muted the cuss words in the trailer. 

HC denies permission for 4 am shows

The plea submitted by the makers of Leo, requesting permission for the film to have early morning shows, was rejected by the Madras High Court on Tuesday. While in other states, films can be screened as early as 4 am, this will not  be the case in Tamil Nadu. 

Fight over trademark rights

Leo recently had to postpone its release in Telugu speaking states after a City Civil Court in Hyderabad put a temporary hold on the regional distribution of the movie till October 20. The court made this ruling in response to a complaint submitted by Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainment production company regarding the reuse of the name "Leo" in Telugu.