Thangalaan (Telugu) Review

In the village of Veppur in North Arcot around 1850 CE, a clan of tribals lives in misery under the greed of a wealthy landlord who has seized the lands of almost all of them through various ill means, even enslaving many. As the clan struggles to make ends meet, a British general, Clement (Daniel Caltagirone), arrives in the village to hunt for gold rumoured to be buried in the vicinity, and promised them hefty wages joining in his quest.

While the villagers are initially reluctant, some are persuaded by Thangalaan (Vikram) to leave their farm work and join Clement's pursuit. Thangalaan has also lost his land to the wily landlord, and wants to find the gold so that he can get the land back. The group ventures into a territory controlled by the mythical being Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan), who is the guardian angel of the gold and who is willing to spill blood to protect it. Now it's up to Thangalaan (literally, son of gold) to discover the gold and save his people.

On the surface, Thangalaan appears to be a straightforward story of a gold rush. But beneath it lies a tale of the protagonist discovering his true identity. Over time, Thangalaan realizes that he is more than just a labourer toiling for gold to elevate his family and clan's lives; he is a descendant of a warrior tribe and the rightful owner and protector of the land and its treasure.

Creating a captivating narrative from this simple story takes great effort, and Pa Ranjith achieves this without unnecessary drama, build-ups, random songs, or the occasional comedy that others often rely on. The movie doesn't spell everything out; it shows rather than tells. For instance, the joy of the clan's women when they receive blouses for the first time is so well-executed that the audience understands the women have been deprived of decent clothing. Another scene where the way the entire clan pounces on a wild buffalo vividly portrays their hunger. Similarly, many other conditions are shown by flashes of visuals non-verbally.

Thangalaan resembles Jaguar Paw from Apocalypto - he is as determined and focused on the goal as Paw was. The screenplay tries to authentically show how he is the master of his terrain, understanding its every nook and cranny, making it impossible to outmanoeuvre him in his domain. In bits and pieces it shows how he carries with him a treasure of traditional knowledge, and how his lineage is steeped in valour. However, it still misses the point a few times because of lazy and low quality work by the post-production crew.

The performances are the highlights of the movie, with Vikram and Malavika delivering some of their best work. Vikram, known for his versatility, plays five distinct roles within the tribe's lineage in the movie. Each character is unique, and though some appear on screen for only a minute or two, they all leave a lasting impression. As the clan leader, he endures immense trauma while maintaining a calm exterior, a challenge he meets with impeccable expressions.

After Vikram, the film's weight rests heavily on Malavika. Her role as the mythical guardian is physically demanding and requires a delicate balance. Any misstep could have rendered the character farcical, but she handles it with skill and intensity.

Parvathy, as Gangamma - Thangalaan's loving, daring, yet often sorrowful wife - portrays her role with depth and conviction. The rest of the cast, including the clan members and Daniel Caltagirone who plays the British general, execute their roles excellently. Overall, the lead and ensemble cast have all undoubtedly given their all to this ambitious and unapologetic project.

Technically, the movie excels in some areas but falls short in others. The cinematography, background score and editing are superb. Much of the film is shot in challenging terrains where deploying camera trolleys, lights and other equipment is difficult, yet the camera work is fantastic, making the movie a visual treat. The costume and makeup work is praiseworthy. The cast looks as rustic and weathered as they should while working on barren terrain day and night, and tormented by unknown forces.

However, the VFX is a major letdown, hampering the film's ability to create a believable effect in crucial scenes where Aarathi sends forces like cobras and black panthers to dissuade people from touching the treasure. The CGI for the cobras and the black panther is, at best, amateurish, resembling video game quality. It's baffling how the filmmakers overlooked this flaw - budgetary constraints, perhaps.

The writing is minimal wherever possible - as we mentioned earlier, the films shows more than it tells. While this approach works well for a discerning audience, it may not resonate with the masses.

Pa Ranjith delivers a project full of heart and soul, rich in metaphors and urban legends, with a touch of history and societal issues, and focusing on oppression, without resorting to the usual masala fare. This movie deserves a big-screen experience that is immersive and intense.