Film: Thangalaan
Director: Pa. Ranjith

Cast: Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy and others

Producers: K.E. Gnanavelraja, Neha Gnanavelraja

Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer: Kishor Kumar
Editor: Selva Rk

Banner: Studio Green & Neelam Productions
Release Date: August 15, 2024

iQlik Movies Rating: 2.25/5

Chiyaan Vikram teamed up with director Pa Ranjith for an exciting film titled Thangalan. Malavika Mohanan is the heroine of the movie. The film was released today. Check out the review here.

Story:
Set against the backdrop of the British Raj, the story revolves around Thangalan (Vikram), who leads a peaceful life with his wife Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and their children. However, their lives take a tragic turn when they are displaced from their land by the British, forcing Thangalan and his family into slavery. Amidst this turmoil, Thangalan is drawn into a dramatic conflict when a British noble enlists him to search for gold in the Kolar Gold Fields. The narrative unfolds as Thangalan navigates these challenges, revealing secrets about his true identity and his connection to Aarathi.

Performances:
Chiyaan Vikram delivers a powerhouse performance, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the role. His portrayal of Thangalan is intense and compelling, particularly in the action sequences and emotionally charged scenes. Malavika surprises with her strong performance as Aarathi. The rest of the cast made their presence felt.

Technical Aspects:
The film is a visual treat, with high production values that transport the audience to the 19th century. The period setting is meticulously recreated, and the cinematography beautifully captures the rugged landscapes. G.V. Prakash's music is serviceable, but it doesn?t stand out as a major highlight. The sound design is adequate, supporting the film's atmosphere without overshadowing the visuals. The film's cinematography is one of its strongest technical aspects. The visuals are stunning, capturing the essence of the period and enhancing the overall storytelling. The editing is decent, though some scenes could have been trimmed to improve pacing, particularly in the second half.

Review:
The film successfully blends emotional drama with action, particularly in the first half. Thangalan strays far from typical commercial cinema, which may limit its appeal to Telugu audiences who prefer more mainstream elements. The film's slow pacing and lack of traditional entertainment factors could alienate viewers looking for a more conventional experience. While the film starts strong, the screenplay becomes predictable and loses momentum in the second half. Thangalan is a period drama that offers a new and visually captivating experience for audiences, particularly those who appreciate experimental and art-house cinema. Vikram's stellar performance, coupled with strong production values and an intriguing story background, makes it a film worth watching for certain viewers. However, its slow pacing, predictable screenplay, and lack of commercial elements may not appeal to everyone. Overall, Thangalan is likely to resonate more with fans of period dramas.

Plus Points:
Performances
Plot
Vikram

Minus Points:
Uneven Screenplay
No Commercial elements
Story Pace

Final Verdict: A period drama with less emotion