Film was shot in 2023 at multiple locations across south Kashmir
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 13: With actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, tourists from south India are increasingly visiting a café in south Kashmir’s Anantnag that gained fame after featuring prominently in the blockbuster film Leo.
The popular Sifar Cafe, which appeared in the film as “Cafe Wild Beans,” has witnessed a steady rise in visitors, particularly fans arriving from Tamil Nadu and Chennai eager to relive scenes from the movie.
A staff member at the café said the footfall from southern states has noticeably increased.
“We were already receiving many visitors because of the film, but after Vijay became Chief Minister, the rush has increased a bit. Fans from Tamil Nadu and Chennai are especially excited to visit the café where Leo was shot,” the staff member told Rising Kashmir over phone.
He said the café has preserved memories from the shoot to give visitors a cinematic experience. “We continuously play videos and images from the shooting days on screens inside the café. Tourists enjoy watching them and feel connected to the film,” he said.
Recalling the shoot, the employee described the experience of hosting the film crew as memorable. “It was an amazing experience shooting with Vijay Sir here. The entire team was very warm and friendly,” he added.
The café served as one of the central locations in the film, where Vijay portrayed a café owner leading a hidden double life as a gangster. Several notable scenes featuring actors Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt and Sandy Master were filmed there against Kashmir’s snowy backdrop.
Tourists visiting the café are often seen recreating iconic moments from the movie, filming Instagram reels and dancing to songs from Leo. Recently, a group of visitors from Chennai performed hook steps from the song “Naa Ready” soon after entering the café premises, drawing cheers from fellow tourists.
“We came all the way from Chennai mainly to see this café,” said a tourist from Tamil Nadu. “Watching Leo in theatres and then visiting the actual shooting spot feels surreal. Kashmir looks even more beautiful in real life.”
Another visitor said the café had become a major attraction for Vijay’s fans. “The moment we entered, it felt like stepping inside the movie. The posters, the videos and even the coffee remind us of Leo,” she said.
According to café staff, one particular menu item has become inseparable from the Leo experience – the now-famous “Chocolate Coffee,” inspired by the beverage featured in the film. Prepared using espresso, chocolate syrup, milk and foam, the drink has emerged as a favourite among visiting fans.
The film was shot in 2023 at multiple locations across south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. During the shoot, Vijay had praised the hospitality and support extended by locals, with many residents still fondly recalling the actor’s visit to the valley.