THANGALAAN (2024)

Critic 325

Director: Pa. Ranjith

Written by: Pa. Ranjith
Produced by: K.E. Gnanavel Raja
Casts: Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy, Hari Krishnan Anbudurai
Music: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Language: Tamil
Genre: Historical Action Drama

SYNOPSIS:
Set in the pre-independence era, Thangalaan tells the story of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and the lives of the oppressed laborers who worked in the mines. The film explores the struggles and resistance of these workers against the British colonial rulers and local elites, led by the fierce and determined Thangalaan (played by Vikram), who rises to become their leader.

REVIEW:
Pa. Ranjith has come a long way from his debut film Attakathi (2012), where he explored the coming-of-age narrative in North Madras, to creating socio-political star vehicles like Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018), and reaching his recent best with the exploration of deep-seated caste issues in sports in Sarpatta Parambarai (2021).

Thangalaan, Ranjith's dream project, has been in production for almost two years, and he finally delivers this intense period drama infused with a touch of magic realism, now with one of India's finest actors, Vikram, in the lead. How did they fare?

The central premise of Thangalaan is straightforward: When a landlord deceitfully seizes his land, a tribesman named Thangalaan decides to join a British explorer on a quest for gold in the Kolar region, a place believed to be guarded by a spirit warrior. However, Ranjith delves much deeper, addressing various aspects of caste oppression and behavioral psychology in the 1800s. Much of the film unfolds like a horror movie, with the horror emerging in multiple forms—mythical, personal, and social. Amidst these, we witness brief moments of tenderness that depict the simple lives of Thangalaan and his people. Ranjith excels at capturing the intimacy between Thangalaan and his wife, Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu), who elevates the role with her performance, even if the writing falls short. The psychic connection between Thangalaan and Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan), a fierce guardian angel of the land of gold, is another highlight, with Mohanan embodying the warrior woman role with conviction. The magic realism in these scenes, connecting generations of the oppressed, visually evokes the style of Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1990).

Ranjith also examines how different characters respond to caste oppression. One character advocates following Ramanujar’s path and wearing the poonal to avoid discrimination, another submits to the system, while a third questions the legitimacy of taking what is rightfully theirs. Ranjith boldly portrays how "varna sadhi" has systematically deprived certain communities of their rightful inheritance.

On the technical front, Thangalaan is a solid achievement. G.V. Prakash Kumar's layered musical score aligns perfectly with the film's shifting tones, Kishor Kumar's arresting visuals are nothing short of spectacular, and S.S. Moorthy's meticulous production design transports the audience back in time.

Vikram leads the cast with a physically demanding performance that fully immerses us in Thangalaan’s character, making us forget the actor behind the role. Parvathy and Pasupathy also shine, bringing realism to their portrayals. The supporting cast, while limited in scope, delivers commendable performances.

The film’s only notable flaw lies in its one-sided narrative, which might come across as overly biased and driven by anger against oppression. Additionally, a bit of trimming could have improved the pacing. While Thangalaan will likely resonate with audiences familiar with festival films and magic realism, it might garner polarized reactions from general viewers who prefer a more conventional narrative.

Despite some shortcomings, Ranjith once again delivers a compelling film that challenges viewers' cinematic literacy while presenting an important historical context on the big screen.

VERDICT:
With an eye for detail, Pa. Ranjith once again raises his voice for the oppressed community in India by delving intensely into the socio-political dynamics between the gold miners and slaves in the 1800s, lifted by Vikram's award-worthy performance.

CELLULOID METER: 3.75/5