Thangalaan Story :-
Set in the Kolar Gold Fields of Karnataka, the film explores the hardships faced by mine workers and features prominent roles played by Vikram, Malavika Mohanan, and Parvathy Thiruvothu.
Thangalaan Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 15 August 2024 |
| Language | Tamil |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, History |
| Duration | 2h 36min |
| Cast | Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy, Daniel Caltagirone, Hari Krishnan, Preeti Karan, Vettai Muthukumar |
| Director | Pa. Ranjith |
| Writer | Pa. Ranjith |
| Cinematography | Kishor Kumar |
| Music | G.V. Prakash Kumar |
| Producer | K.E. Gnanavelraja |
| Production | Studio Green, Neelam Productions |
| Certificate | U/A |
Thangalaan Review :-
In Thangalaan, Pa Ranjith creates a breathtaking portrayal of human greed, societal oppression, and self-assertion. The film often feels like a psychedelic journey through historical epochs, with Ranjith guiding us through a sweeping narrative that spans from the 18th century to 5 BCE. Vikram delivers a powerhouse performance as Thangalaan, embodying both fury and vulnerability.
The story begins by depicting the simple 18th-century life of Thangalaan, who stands out as one of the few landowners in his community. Most others are bonded laborers exploited by a corrupt landlord who has deprived them of their land. Thangalaan soon becomes another victim of this deceitful oppression.
Thangalaan sees a glimmer of hope when Clement, a British explorer, arrives seeking the community’s help to extract gold from a region thought to be haunted. Having heard of his forefather’s failed attempt to retrieve gold from this treacherous area, Thangalaan decides to join Clement on the quest. He hopes that finding gold could provide the means to reclaim his land and empower his people. However, his mission is fraught with challenges, not only from the harsh landscape but also from other unforeseen obstacles.
The term “visionary” is often used casually, but with Thangalaan, Pa Ranjith earns a legitimate claim to it. The film offers a quintessential big-screen experience, immersing viewers with its striking visuals and intense drama. Not since Aayirathil Oruvan have we witnessed such bold filmmaking, where the visuals are so mesmerizing that they enchant us even if the narrative isn’t entirely coherent. Interestingly, GV Prakash Kumar, who composed the music for Aayirathil Oruvan, also provides the score for this film. His soundtrack is grand, though occasionally a bit overpowering. Additionally, some dialogues are unclear, making subtitles a necessary addition for a fuller viewing experience.
Thangalaan Trailor :-
The film features four to five standout set pieces, such as the flashback involving Thangalaan’s forefather, an intense sequence involving a dangerous river crossing, a battle with a black panther, and a chaotic guerrilla attack, all of which are conceived with world-class craftsmanship. However, the visual effects for the creatures are a notable weak point.
Much of the film unfolds with a horror movie feel, presenting various forms of terror—mythical, personal, and social. Amidst this, there are fleeting moments of tenderness that reflect the simple lives of Thangalaan and his community. Ranjith excels in depicting the intimacy between Thangalaan and his wife, Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu), whose performance adds depth to a role that could have been better written. Additionally, the psychic connection between Thangalaan and Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan), the fierce guardian angel of the gold-rich land, is compelling, with Mohanan embodying the role of a warrior woman.
Even without its social commentary, the film would stand out as a gripping adventure. However, it is this very aspect that transforms it into something truly exceptional. While some oppressor characters, particularly the Brahmin interpreter who works for the British, may come off as somewhat caricatured, Ranjith effectively illustrates how “varna sadhi” has historically denied certain communities their rights. Early in the film, Genguvan (Pasupathy), another actor who compensates for the script’s shortcomings with his powerful presence, encourages Thangalaan’s community to emulate Ramanujar and wear the poonal, believing it will end their discrimination. Later, he realizes that such symbolic gestures alone cannot truly uplift the oppressed.
The director doesn’t shy away from critiquing the British either. Despite Clement’s promises of better prospects for those who work in his mine, his greed ultimately transforms him into just another form of oppressor.
The magical realism in the final act leaves us questioning whether the events unfolding are a product of Thangalaan’s imagination. However, Ranjith’s decision to leave this ambiguous contributes to the film’s uniqueness. While history may have unfolded differently regarding the fate of the Kolar gold fields’ workers, the director’s revisionist approach comes across not as fanciful, but as a powerful act of self-assertion.
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