Thangalaan

A total fictional story that doesn't hold much relevance for current era. Story is basically a period drama wherein a man named Thangalan belonging to a labour class along with his community goes as a guiding help for Britishers in gold mining n then there happens super natural incidences n clashes between that community n British. Movie started very well but soon lost complete track. Lots of same repetitive story scenes plus movie is very slow paced. Whatsoever, movie made no much sense to me. Originally a Tamil movie dubbed in all South Indian languages. Available in Netflix, my ratings 5/10!

In Thangalaan, Vikram delivers a performance reminiscent of his iconic role in Sivaputhrudu showcasing once again why he's considered a self-made actor. His acting in this film feels incredibly natural, with a depth that reflects his legendary status. The movie's storyline revolves around a tribal community and their struggles. Initially, these tribespeople work tirelessly in agriculture, but eventually, they are drawn into gold mining, leading to devastating consequences, including the loss of family members and defeat by fate.

While Thangalaan presents a powerful narrative, it hasn't quite achieved commercial success. The film's focus on the hardships of an ancient tribe, which no longer exists, is brought to life through Vikram's performance, the script, and the director's vision. Despite the film's underperformance at the box office, Vikram's portrayal stands out, proving once again that he is a truly legendary actor.

Movie was so good, especially the climax ,, goosebumps at the end,,Vikram sir screen presence was so good,, first time to write a review because it's an wonderfull film, watched it in Telugu language,,Vikram sir should continue doing like this films.movie starts very silently but you should wait for the twists and better presence very very good,,, make time and watch this movie patiently you will feel good,,,,after watching complete movie then write review like me.if u don't like then I think I don't know movie knowledge,,,, even children can understand, no 18+ scenes and nothing a family watchable film which gives pure goosebumps.

As is the case with all Pa Ranjith's movies, he delves into politics of the caste system in this one as well. However, he deals with it in a much more poetic manner compared to his previous ones. The feels almost surreal thanks to its immersive cinematography and background music. It almost felt like GV Prakash saved all his best work for this movie.

Vikram and Parvathy Thiruvothu put up stellar performances as Thangalaan and Gengamma. The production design is top notch in showing the desert like conditions of the Kolar region. The make-up and costumes were raw and true to the world that Pa Ranjith had built. His movies are not for everyone. You either love them or hate them. I fall into the first category for this movie. I highly recommend watching it if you like Pa Ranjith's style.

CinephileIndia2023.

Set in the British era, Thangalaan lives with his wife and children, only person to own a land in his village and thus, is the village chief. His co-villagers are working as bonded labourers for the Zamindar and are looked down upon by the upper caste. Thangalaan likes to tell bedtime stories to his children and one such story is about there sorceress Aarathi, protector of the forests. Elsewhere, Lord Clement is looking for the gold, buried deep in the forest and nobody has been able to find it. Thangalaan, a direct descendant to Kaadaiyan who did find the gold. Clement seeks Thangalaan's help to find gold. Thangalaan wants to use this as an opportunity to break out of slavery and build a respectable life for all. What happens on this journey and will they succeed in finding the golds? How do they defeat Aarathi and what truth gets uncovered along the way, forms rest of the story.

Pa. Ranjith has come up with an intriguing story, merging both mythology and history together while lacing it with his social commentary. He has got a solid cast led by Chiyaan Vikram and Parvathy, to carry the film which they all do with aplomb. The conviction they put in portraying their characters deserves all the applause. Having said that, Pa. Ranjith's vision is far too ambitious than the end product he had to settle with. The vfx does come in the way, in the crucial scenes and I wished for the narrative to have been stronger here, in captivating the viewers than visually trying to. This led to the lack of wow factors whenever the Aarathi confronts them, tricks them and those segments needed to be bit more sharp. The film's pace does dip in the second half and the final reveal actually deserved a better build up for a better pay off. Overall, it can be still be watched for the Director's vision and the actors' dedication.