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When you step into a Pa Ranjith film, you anticipate something distinctive and thought-provoking. "Thangalaan," starring Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Pasupathy, and Malavika Mohanan, is no exception. This historical drama is set during the British colonial era and centers on the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in the late 1800s.
The narrative kicks off with British officer Clement, who is driven by a relentless hunger for gold. Having heard about the ancient gold mines of Tipu Sultan in Kolar, Karnataka, he sets his sights on exploiting these riches. However, to do so, he needs a workforce willing to dig into the mines. He learns that the tribal people (pariahs) of Veppur village in North Arcot have traditionally been involved in mining and are the ones he needs to convince. Clement promises the villagers a share of the gold to lift them out of poverty, tempting them with the prospect of a better life.
The story focuses on Thangalaan (played by Vikram), his wife (Parvathy), and the other villagers of Veppur. Despite their hard work on the land, they reap no benefits as the local mirazdar takes all the rewards. Oppressed and treated as nothing more than slaves, Thangalaan and his fellow villagers are motivated by the need for self-respect and a chance at a better life, leading them to accept Clement’s offer. However, the tribals are also wary of a strong, mystical power named Aarthi (played by Malavika Mohanan), who resides in the forests and hills, guarding the gold. Thangalaan had previously encountered Aarthi’s fierce power during an earlier attempt to mine the gold, but he remains hopeful that things will turn out differently this time.
With Thangalaan at the helm, the group embarks on their journey to Kolar, accompanied by Clement, to discover if they can indeed find gold. The narrative then unfolds to reveal whether Thangalaan strikes gold, if Aarthi’s story is mere folklore, and whether Clement truly helps the tribals achieve a better life or not.
Pa Ranjith, known for his unique storytelling, has once again ventured into a new genre with "Thangalaan." This period film is intricately woven with elements of fantasy and mystical realism. The raw and rustic portrayal of the characters and setting enhances the film’s allure, as it brings to life the Kolar Gold Fields and the laborers who toiled there. "Thangalaan" is undoubtedly a visual treat, with every detail, from the costumes to the makeup, contributing to the stark and impactful portrayal of the dry, arid land and the poverty-stricken villagers. The suffering and desperation of the tribals are palpable, and Ranjith, along with his team, deserves praise for this immersive depiction.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The first half takes its time to set the stage, which results in a sluggish pace that might test the audience’s patience. The second half, unfortunately, lacks the gripping intensity that one would expect, leading to a sense of disappointment. The hallucinations experienced by the characters, while intriguing at first, can become overwhelming and slightly off-putting as the story progresses. Additionally, the period-specific Tamil spoken by the characters might be challenging for some viewers to follow, which could be considered a drawback.
Despite these issues, "Thangalaan" stands out due to its innovative concept and stellar performances. Vikram, in particular, delivers an outstanding performance, embodying the character of Thangalaan with a deep commitment that shines through in both the emotional and action-packed scenes. Parvathy and Pasupathy also excel in their roles, delivering their period dialogues with remarkable finesse. Malavika Mohanan impresses in her role as Aarthi, adding depth to the film’s mystical elements.
The film’s music, composed by GV Prakash, complements the narrative perfectly, with the background score adding to the overall atmosphere. Cinematographer A. Kishor Kumar’s work is a major asset to the film, capturing the rugged landscape and the intense emotions of the characters effectively. However, the editing could have been more concise, particularly in the second half.
Pa Ranjith, who is often regarded as a voice for marginalized communities, infuses "Thangalaan" with themes of social reform, justice, and caste oppression, which are common threads in his body of work. While "Thangalaan" may not be flawless, it is a film that leaves a lasting impression, largely due to its powerful performances, especially Vikram’s, and its thought-provoking narrative.
Also read: Raayan Review: Dhanush's Powerful Direction, AR Rahman's Magic
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