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
Andhrawatch.com Rating : 2.75/5
Story:
Thangalaan (Vikram) and his wife (Parvathy), along with their fellow villagers in Veppur, work diligently on their land, but the benefits are enjoyed by the local mirazdar. The constant oppression and slave-like treatment drive Thangalaan to accept an offer from Clement in search of a better future. However, the tribals are also wary of a powerful, mystical force named Aarthi (Malavika Mohanan), who is said to protect the gold hidden in the forests and hills. Thangalaan, who has previously encountered Aarthi’s fierce power while mining for gold, hopes for a different outcome this time. Leading the group to Kolar with Clement, Thangalaan sets out to discover whether they will find gold, if Aarthi’s legend holds true, and whether Clement will assist the tribals in improving their circumstances.
Review :
Pa Ranjith’s groundwork in Thangalaan is exceptional. The engaging narrative, the well-chosen cast, and the detailed setting all highlight his profound storytelling abilities. The film tackles various themes, including oppression, Buddhism, and the mistreatment of women in the tribe. This layered approach makes Thangalaan particularly compelling.
Thangalaan becomes all the more captivating with Vikram taking center stage. His portrayal in the lead role is exceptional, showcasing his impressive look, distinctive body language, and authentic accent. Vikram anchors the film with a performance that is both striking and memorable.
Malavika Mohanan emerges as a revelation in the film, impressing with her compelling and intense performance. Under Pa Ranjith’s direction, she shines brightly, particularly in the intense confrontations with Vikram, highlighting her remarkable acting talent.
Parvathy Thiruvothu delivers a graceful performance as Vikram’s wife. The film’s production design stands out as a major strength, contributing significantly to its visual appeal. Additionally, the fight sequences, especially in the second half, are skillfully choreographed and offer a realistic touch.
The film’s Telugu dubbing feels awkward due to its original synced sound design, which may require viewers to acclimate to the dialogue’s rhythm. Furthermore, the VFX is a major drawback; the visuals are poorly crafted and can be quite off-putting.
However, the film’s VFX is a significant letdown, failing to meet expectations. The film offers an art-house sensibility wrapped in a commercial package. Nonetheless, hardcore Telugu cinema enthusiasts might find it challenging to adapt to the film’s unique tone and style.
Pa Ranjith’s films frequently delve into themes of oppression, and Thangalaan continues this trend. However, the depiction of these themes eventually feels predictable and tedious. Furthermore, Malavika Mohanan’s character and her tribe could have been given more depth and better development to strengthen their roles in the narrative.
As noted earlier, the VFX is disappointing and negatively impacts the film. The second half suffers from dull editing, and the screenplay could have been handled more carefully to enhance the viewing experience. However, the cinematography that depicts the historical period is impressive. The film excels in production design, costume design, and makeup, all of which are of outstanding quality.
Overall, Thangalaan presents Vikram in a strikingly different role, while Malavika Mohanan emerges as a standout, delivering an unexpected and impressive performance. The film’s pace is leisurely, and its themes are geared toward viewers who appreciate artful storytelling within a commercial framework.