'He wasted me in Leo': 'The Bhootnii' fame Sanjay Dutt’s blunt take on Thalapathy Vijay film

Sanjay Dutt grabbed attention earlier with his blunt take on his role in Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Leo.’ At a film event in Chennai during the promotions of 'Leo' after the movie’s release, he told the audience the script shortchanged his character, and he said so from the stage without softening his words. While he kept his praise for South Indian cinema and the stars he respects, including Vijay, he also expressed how upset he is with Lokesh, as he didn't give him a bigger role.

Sanjay praised Vijay, whose upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ is now at the center of a legal battle over CBFC certification, with the producer moving the Supreme Court after a division bench of the Madras High Court stayed an earlier single bench order.

Sanjay Dutt on his role in ‘Leo’

Sanjay, talking at the event, did not hold back about director Lokesh Kanagaraj and his experience on ‘Leo.’ He said, “I am angry at Lokesh because he did not give me a big role. He wasted me,” Dutt expressed at the Chennai event. He played Antony Das, the father of Vijay’s character and one of the film’s main antagonists.

Dutt also praised South Indian cinema and the stars he respects. “I respect Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan; they are my seniors. I look up to them and learn from them,” he said. Dutt then spoke warmly about Vijay and his time on set, adding, “I also loved working with Thalapathy Vijay.” As quoted by TOI, Dutt further said, “I love Ajith, sir. I am a close friend of his. I have watched several of Rajini Sir’s films. I am looking forward to watching ‘Coolie.’ I will also watch ‘Thug Life’ for Kamal sir.” His remarks reflected disappointment with one role while showing admiration for the larger film community.

Vijay questioned by CBI and ‘Jana Nayagan’ update

Vijay has also faced legal attention outside his film work. PTI reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation questioned the actor-turned-politician on January 12 in connection with the Karur stampede case. The questioning lasted nearly six hours. The investigation focuses on a rally held on September 27 by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, where 41 people lost their lives, and more than 60 others were injured.

Vijay reached the CBI headquarters at 11:29 AM and left around 6:15 PM after officials completed formalities and questioned him in the anti-corruption division. Investigators said they will call him back for more clarification. Vijay asked for another date because of Pongal celebrations. A crowd of supporters gathered outside the office while he was inside.

Meanwhile, LiveLaw reported that the producer of Vijay’s upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ has approached the Supreme Court after a division bench of the Madras High Court stayed an earlier single bench direction related to CBFC certification. The Times of India noted that the film was originally scheduled for release on January 9, 2026, and that the makers have engaged senior Supreme Court lawyers ahead of a widely reported January 21 hearing to resolve the issue.

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