Movie Name : Thangalaan
Release Date : August 15, 2024
Cast : Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy etc.
Director : Pa. Ranjith
Music Director : G.V. Prakash Kumar
Telugumopo.com Rating : 2.5/5
Story:
Thangalaan (Vikram) is a tribal farmer struggling under British rule during the pre-Independence era. Despite their tireless efforts, the villagers see no return, as their earnings are swallowed by taxes, plunging them into hardship. After his farm is destroyed by fire, Thangalaan loses everything due to unpaid taxes. At this desperate time, a British officer offers money in exchange for leading an expedition to discover gold mines in a dangerous territory. Although fully aware of the risks, Thangalaan, driven by the need to support his people, takes on the challenge. The rest of the story follows their perilous journey, the obstacles they encounter, whether they succeed in finding the gold, and who ultimately claims it.
Review :
Chiyaan Vikram delivers a mesmerizing and exceptional performance in Thangalaan. He immerses himself completely in the role, captivating the audience with his authentic portrayal. His body language, expressions, emotions, and mannerisms are striking, vividly conveying the struggles and the fight of his community in a genuine and realistic way.
Parvathy Thiruvothu matched Vikram’s stellar performance with her own powerful and impressive portrayal. Malavika Mohanan did justice to her role as the queen of the forest, and Daniel Caltagirone delivered a solid performance in his character.
Pa. Ranjith crafts an intriguing narrative foundation for Thangalaan. He kicks off the story in a captivating way, skillfully intertwining mystical aspects with the harsh realities of caste inequality and the exploitation of the underprivileged.
He piques interest with an engaging beginning, but the plot falters as he overindulges in mystical elements and frequently shifts between past and present. The sluggish pace makes the narrative challenging, leading viewers to anticipate a more engaging second half after the drawn out first half.
Unfortunately, the second half suffers from similar problems, with the impact waning due to repetitive sequences. Despite the creative concept, the storyline weakens, and the tangled screenplay ultimately detracts from the film’s overall potential.
G. V. Prakash Kumar’s music and songs fit well with the story, and the natural melodies add an authentic touch. His powerful and rhythmic background score enhances the scenes. The cinematography is commendable, though the VFX could have been better. The production values are solid.
In conclusion, Thangalaan presents a captivating idea and features compelling performances from Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Malavika Mohanan. Despite this, Pa. Ranjith’s creative vision sometimes overshadows the film’s authenticity, resulting in a narrative that loses its impact and coherence.
