Thangalaan REVIEW: Vikram shines like gold as Pa Ranjith captivates all with a spellbinding narrative

Film:
Thangalaan

Director: Pa Ranjith

Writer: Azhagiya Periyavan, Tamil Prabha, Pa Ranjith

Cast: Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Daniel Caltagirone, Pasupathy, Hari Krishnan

Runtime: 156 minutes (2 hours 36 minutes)

Platform: In theatres

Thangalaan Review

Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan – starring Chiyaan Vikram in several roles, is a historical drama set during the British rule of India. The action adventure – which revolves around the Kolar Gold Fields in the late 1800s, is a masterful historical drama backed by powerful storytelling that is sure to transport you to the bygone era.

Set against the backdrop of colonial India, Thangalaan is a film inspired by real events that took place during the tumultuous era of British rule. The film centres around the life of Thangalaan and his community who are no more than bonded labourers working on the Zamindar’s land in their quest to find KGF gold and improve their lives. The plot follows the group’s struggle to fight for their rights and freedom amidst harsh conditions, formidable challenges and a strong supernatural force that will do all in her power to keep them away from the gold.

What’s Works

The highlights of the film are its nuanced script, compelling narrative, strong performances and evocative cinematography. The film’s meticulous attention to historical detail – such as the setting, costumes, and dialogue, transports the audience back in time and creates a palpable sense of immersion.

Technical Analytics

Story

Thangalaan is the story of the titular character – a courageous and defiant leader of a rebellion who fights the oppressive colonial forces for the betterment of his people. When British ‘dorai’ Clement hears of the ancient gold mines of Tipu Sultan in Kolar, Karnataka, he gets adamant to processes as much of it as he can. He embarks on a journey to meet the tribals (pariahs) at Veppur village (North Arcot) and hire them as labourers to mine the gold in the nearby jungle. the mining. He convince the people to work for him – despite the rumours of the place being haunted by the strong, supernatural mystical Aarthi, by promising to share the spoils with the them and get them out of poverty. But not every thing as it seems.

The film – written by Azhagiya Periyavan, Tamil Prabha, and Pa Ranjith, is both powerful and poignant as it skillfully navigates the complex landscape of colonial resistance. It offers a narrative that is compelling and thought-provoking and doesn’t shy away from exploring the harsh realities of colonial exploitation and the emotional toll it takes on the people.

Direction

Thangalaan is definitely a visual extravaganza and its all thanks to the vision of director Pa RanjitH. Right from the costumes and make-up to the stark settings of the dry, arid land, the director successfully manages to capture the poverty-stricken look of the people and create an impact. You feel the suffering and desperation of the tribals just by looking at them.

Thangalaan Star Cast

Vikram is the star of the film and has outdone himself on again. Whether it’s an emotional scenes or the action ones, he manages to steal the show in each frame by portraying the emotions to perfection. Malavika Mohanan Malavika Mohanan as the rage-filled Aarthi is good in her role too.

Parvathy Thiruvothu and Pasupathy also pull off their parts well. Daniel Caltagirone as Lord Clement in impressive as you can clearly see his confusion, deperation and rage.

Conclusion

Thangalaan is a masterful historical drama that offers an insightful look into a significant yet often overlooked chapter of Indian history through a compelling narrative, strong performances and evocative cinematography. This film not only entertains but is also a must-watch for cinema lovers who love historical films.

Watch the trailer of Thangalaan here:

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