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Movie Name : Thangalaan
Release Date : August 15, 2024
Starring : Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy
Director : Pa. Ranjith
Producers : K.E. Gnanavelraja, Neha Gnanavelraja
Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer: Kishor Kumar
Editor: Selva Rk
Rating : 2.75/5
Story:
Set in the year 1850 CE, Thangalaan takes place in Veppur village, North Arcot. The story follows Thangalaan, the leader of a tribal group hired by the British to search for gold in his village. This task angers the local people, led by Aarathi (played by Malavika Mohanan), leading to a fierce conflict between Thangalaan’s tribe and Aarathi’s forces. The film explores how this tension unfolds against the backdrop of the British Empire.
Positives :
The film’s setting is one of its strongest points. Director Pa Ranjith has crafted a story that delves deep into themes like oppression, Buddhism, and the mistreatment of women within the tribe. These layers add depth and make Thangalaan intriguing.
Vikram’s performance is another highlight. He completely immerses himself in the role of Thangalaan, delivering a powerful performance with his look, body language, and unique dialect. Malavika Mohanan surprises with her intense portrayal, showing a side of her acting skills that hasn’t been seen before. Parvathy Thiruvothu, who plays Vikram’s wife, also shines in her role.
The production design is outstanding, capturing the historical era with great detail. The fight scenes, especially in the second half, are well-choreographed and add to the film’s realism.
Negatives :
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The Telugu dubbing doesn’t sync well, making it hard for some viewers to connect with the dialogue. The biggest issue is the subpar VFX, which can be distracting and take away from the film’s overall impact.
Pa Ranjith, known for his realistic approach and technical finesse, seems to have overlooked the importance of good VFX, which detracts from the viewing experience. Thangalaan feels like an art film presented in a commercial format, which might not appeal to all Telugu cinema audiences.
The theme of oppression, while central to the film, starts to feel repetitive and predictable as the story progresses. Additionally, Malavika Mohanan’s character and her tribe could have been better developed.
Technical Aspects:
The VFX is very disappointing, and the editing especially in the second part could be improved. But the cinematography is great and the grandmother’s house, the trees, the little streets and the whole atmosphere of the early 20th century is terrific.
The production design, costumes, and makeup are all top-notch and deserving of recognition.
Much like his other movies, Director Pa Ranjith does not disappoint with Thangalaan. He gives a compelling narrative with decent acting, nevertheless, the slower pacing and the dark theme means that viewers need to be patient.
Conclusion :
Overall, Thangalaan offers another intense performance from Vikram, with Malavika Mohanan standing out in a surprising role. However, the film’s slow pace and niche subject matter make it more suitable for viewers who appreciate artful storytelling within a commercial framework.
