Chiyaan Vikram, known for his brilliant acting and National Award-winning performances, has once again delivered a powerful film with Thangalaan, directed by Pa Ranjith. This movie, which has already created waves in Tamil and Telugu, has now reached the Hindi audience. Fans of Vikram will remember his unforgettable roles in films like Aparichit and I. Now, Thangalaan adds to his long list of impressive performances in a film that takes us back to the 18th century.
Story Set in the Kolar Gold Fields
The story of Thangalaan is set around the famous Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), but this isn’t a continuation of the well-known KGF movie franchise. This is a completely different story, taking place during a time when rulers like Raja Chola and Tipu Sultan tried to extract gold from the KGF area. By the time the story unfolds, the British have taken control, and their officer, Clement, recruits Thangalaan (played by Vikram) to help him dig for gold.
Thangalaan comes from a poor and oppressed community in the Arcot region of Karnataka. The landlords have taken their land, and their people are forced to work as bonded laborers. Thangalaan, along with his wife Gangamma (played by Parvathy Thiruvothu) and their children, agrees to help the British find gold. He hopes that with the gold, they can buy back their land and live freely.
But the journey to find the gold is dangerous. The area is controlled by mysterious and dark powers, with Aarti (played by Malavika Mohanan) as their queen. Aarti haunts Thangalaan’s dreams, and he soon discovers that his connection to her goes back to his ancestors. Will Thangalaan and his group survive the wrath of Aarti? Will they be able to find the gold and save their people? The answers to these questions are revealed as the story unfolds.
Pa Ranjith’s Unique Style and Direction
Director Pa Ranjith is known for his unique storytelling, and Thangalaan is no exception. The way he brings the 18th century to life is incredible. From the clothing and the way people speak to the atmosphere of that time, Ranjith has paid great attention to detail. The scenes showing the guerilla warfare are thrilling and packed with tension, while the horror elements add an extra layer of excitement.
However, the movie isn’t perfect. While the first half is strong and engaging, the second half feels slower due to some confusing flashback sequences. The film is also over two and a half hours long, and at times it feels like the story is dragging. Still, the climax is powerful, and the music by GV Prakash enhances the emotional impact of the film.
Performances: Chiyaan Vikram Steals the Show
The movie revolves around Chiyaan Vikram’s character, and he delivers a stellar performance. Vikram portrays multiple sides of Thangalaan— as a husband, a warrior, and a leader fighting for his people. He does justice to every part of the character and brings depth to each role he plays.
Malavika Mohanan as Aarti is equally impressive, especially in the guerilla war scenes where she stands out. The connection between her character and Thangalaan adds a layer of mystery and emotional tension to the story. Parvathy Thiruvothu, playing Thangalaan’s wife Gangamma, brings a touch of lightness and humor to the film. The supporting cast, including Daniel Caltagirone, Arjun Ambudan, and Pasupathi, also give memorable performances that add to the richness of the film.
Chiyaan Vikram’s ‘Thangalaan’ Hindi Version to Release on August 30
Why Watch Thangalaan?
If you love mystery-thriller stories and enjoy powerful performances, especially by Chiyaan Vikram, then Thangalaan is worth watching. With its stunning visuals, a strong storyline, and a mix of horror, action, and emotion, this film offers an immersive experience. Though it has its flaws in pacing, the overall impact of the movie, along with its thrilling climax, makes it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and action-packed tales.
