Thangalaan Review: Chiyaan Vikram Gives Performance Of A Lifetime In Riveting Tale Of Oppression And Liberation

Thangalaan movie review: Chiyaan Vikram delivers a performance of a lifetime in the film, making you wonder if such a powerful portrayal can be matched in the future.

Thangalaan movie review: In 'Thangalaan,' the British face repeated failures in their attempts to extract gold from the Kolar Gold Fields. Desperate for success, they seek the help of the villagers from Vepoor, a small community in the North Arcot region.

The people of Vepoor are content farming their lands, but this peace is shattered when the local zamindar, unhappy with their independence, sets their crops on fire. He offers to pay the taxes owed to the British, but only if the villagers surrender their lands and become labourers on his estate.

In a bid to free his people from the zamindar's tyranny, Thangalaan (Chiyaan Vikram) decides to assist the British in finding the gold. The story revolves around whether Thangalaan succeeds in finding the gold and if it brings freedom to his people.

How is Thangalaan

Director Pa. Ranjith masterfully intertwines the tragic history of the oppressed communities who sacrificed their lives in the quest for gold with the folklore of their connection to the land. The film is divided into two distinct parts: the first focuses on the villagers losing their land under the zamindar's oppression and assisting the British in hopes of liberation, while the second part sees them turning against the British, fighting for their land when they realize they are being enslaved.

Not a conventional commercial screenplay

Though 'Thangalaan' does not follow a conventional commercial screenplay, the depiction of the people and their way of life captivates the audience. The narrative, which shifts between the present and the past, may initially confuse viewers, but it culminates in a grand and immersive climax.

Music

G.V. Prakash's background score breathes life into the film, maintaining the tension and emotional depth throughout.

Performances

Chiyaan Vikram delivers a performance of a lifetime, making you wonder if such a powerful portrayal can be matched in the future. Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy, and Hari Krishnan all excel in their roles, bringing their best to the screen.