The review of the film 'Thangalaan' indicates that while the ambitious director Pa. Ranjith and the esteemed actor Vikram strive for excellence, they ultimately achieve a result that falls short of their lofty aspirations.
The remarkable performances and unforgettable scenes shine distinctly like gold nuggets in a chaotic sieve within Vikram and Pa. Ranjith’s captivating yet disjointed film ‘Thangalaan’.
In one of the most striking sequences of Thangalaan, the protagonist, previously depicted only in a loincloth, makes a dramatic entrance on horseback, armed and dressed in a shirt, trousers, and suspenders. He returns the debt owed to a covetous landlord, thereby rescuing his family from the clutches of slavery. This scene stands out as arguably the film's finest moment and may serve as a nod to Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Director Pa. Ranjith effectively encapsulates the film’s central theme within this single sequence. Thangalaan features several such impactful moments, driven by Ranjith’s unapologetically relevant political commentary and outstanding performances. However, the question remains whether these elements coalesce seamlessly, as the film's brilliance occasionally falters.
What distinguishes filmmakers like Ranjith, particularly in contrast to those who employ the same medium to advocate opposing political views, is his mastery of the craft and his adept use of tropes and metaphors to articulate his frustrations regarding societal issues. Whether addressing a wall in Madras, identity in Kabali, land in Kaala, pride in Sarpatta Parambarai, a plot of land in Dhammam (Victim), or a subject of discussion in Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, Ranjith confronts the struggle against oppression directly in Thangalaan.
Set in the village of Veppur in North Arcot around 1850 CE, a group of tribals, unable to withstand the greed of a wealthy landlord, urgently dispatch Thangalaan (Vikram) and several others alongside British General Clement (Daniel Caltagirone) in search of gold. Their ancestors had once panned for gold during the reign of kings, and despite the dangers posed by Aarathi the sorceress (Malavika Mohanan), who is prepared to shed blood to protect her territory, the men advance with hopes of a brighter future. As anticipated, the situation is more complex than it appears, and it falls to Thangalaan to safeguard his people and fulfill his destiny as the son of gold.
Thangalaan (Tamil)
Director: Pa. Ranjith
Cast: Vikram, Malavika Mohanan, Daniel Caltagirone, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Pasupathy
Storyline: A tribal leader, in the hope of finding greener pastures, leads his clan to an unexplored territory controlled by a white man to dig for gold only to be hindered by a sorceress
Runtime: 134 minutes
Thangalaan may initially present itself as a heartwarming narrative of a man and his community rising against adversity, alongside those who have inhabited the same land for generations. However, at its core, it is fundamentally a tale about the quest for one's authentic identity. While the clan discovers their answer only in the film's concluding moments, Ranjith and his co-writers enrich the narrative with a variety of compelling characters, each on their own journey of self-discovery.
Thangalaan grapples with his dreams and aspires to secure a better future for his family; his wife, Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu), serves as the family's foundation. Pasupathy, a self-proclaimed Brahmin, believes that a mere thread and adherence to "dietary restrictions" will grant him passage to Vaikuntam. Additionally, there is the British general, whose fate hinges on what he uncovers while excavating the Indian earth. The resolution of their identity quests coincides with the conclusion of their search for gold, a task that proves to be more challenging than anticipated.
The primary source of support for Thangalaan is Vikram and his capable associates. The seasoned actor consistently delivers outstanding performances, and this instance is no exception; portraying a leader who grapples with internal conflict while maintaining a composed exterior, he excels with his nuanced mannerisms and expressions. In contrast, the remaining cast members have relatively limited roles, yet seasoned actors like Parvathy and Daniel execute their parts with great skill. A notable highlight in the acting realm is Malavika's portrayal of Aarathi, which stands out as her finest performance in Tamil cinema. The lead and supporting cast have undeniably committed themselves fully to this ambitious project, shedding any semblance of vanity in the process.
Behind the camera, Ranjith distinctly stands out, a fact that can be interpreted as both praise and criticism. A particularly remarkable scene, which could only be crafted by a filmmaker of his caliber, occurs when the women of the village finally receive their own blouses. This moment serves as an extension of the clothing politics he previously explored with Puyal in Kaala and the main character in Kabali, resulting in a heartwarming sequence enhanced by compelling performances.
Conversely, aside from GV Prakash’s musical score, the film, which merits a technically proficient crew, appears to suffer from what seems to be budget limitations. The visual effects are subpar, and the use of sync sound is particularly problematic. This choice not only complicates the clarity of the dialogue but also detracts from the immersive experience that is essential for a film of this genre and ambition. Furthermore, the writing lacks substance, providing minimal opportunity for the audience to forge an emotional connection. The fleeting triumphs, significant losses, and the challenges faced by the protagonist and his community fail to resonate with the necessary impact for viewers to fully support them.
The comparison of Thangalaan to several films, many of which are of higher quality, does not serve it well in terms of genre. The premise of a village confined to labor in a foreign land evokes memories of Paradesi, while the elements of magical realism are reminiscent of the once-criticized but now-cult classic Aayirathil Oruvan. The film's central theme, which suggests that the oppressed individuals of that era preferred the relative respect and improved living conditions offered by the British over the exploitation by upper-caste landlords and local rulers, feels repetitive, especially given the similar narrative presented in Captain Miller earlier this year.
Thangalaan, akin to Ranjith’s earlier films, may provide substantial content for viewers willing to adjust their perspectives and analyze the various references and ideologies depicted on screen. In what is arguably the filmmaker’s most ambitious endeavor to date, all the elements that define his work are present: rich symbolism, statues, animals, the struggle of the common people against their oppressors, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances. However, for those anticipating a compelling narrative led by Vikram, who has recently enjoyed success with the Ponniyin Selvan films, Thangalaan ultimately proves to be disappointing.
In a manner reminiscent of the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, it is Vikram and Ranjith who nearly manage to piece together this fragmented narrative that hints at a treasure at the end of the journey, yet it is marred by too many flaws to redeem itself.
Thangalaan is currently running Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video
🎬 Movie: Thangalaan
📅 Year: 2024
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 7.3
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