Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan, starring Chiyaan Vikram, was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it’s clear that the buzz was well-deserved. Now that the film has finally arrived in theatres, it can be said with confidence that it lives up to the hype. Thangalaan is a breathtaking visual spectacle, elevated by powerful performances from its cast.
The film is set against the backdrop of a British-led expedition to unearth the gold mines of Kolar. Coloniser Clement strikes a deal with the tribe, led by Thangalaan (Vikram), offering them a share of the gold in exchange for their participation in the excavation. Thangalaan is not just a mythical action drama; it’s a powerful narrative that tackles a significant social issue—the relentless struggle for power and the oppression of society’s marginalised.
The film vividly portrays how the oppressed rise against their oppressors. Thangalaan, the central character, is a figure of immense physical strength and unyielding ambition. His deep-rooted desire to uplift his tribe drives him to make difficult choices, even if it means aligning with the very forces that seek to dominate them, all in pursuit of a better future for his people.
It is great how when a movie talks about something so serious, director Pa Ranjith weaves a mythical narrative into it making the movie more tantalising. Vikram is the undeniable heart and soul of Thangalaan, delivering a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary. As Thangalaan, he commands the screen with a potent mix of intensity and depth, fully embodying a character who is as conflicted within as he is challenged by the external dangers of his quest.
Vikram doesn’t just play the role—he lives it, capturing the internal battle of a man torn between his ambitions and the harsh realities he faces. Parvathy, as Gangamma, Thangalaan’s wife, delivers a performance that is both impactful and memorable. Gangamma is far from a mere follower of her husband; she stands as a strong, independent character with her own perspective and influence within the story.
.
