What happens when a visionary filmmaker like Pa. Ranjith tackles a tale of oppression, mythology, and an adventurous quest for gold? You get “Thangalaan” – meaning “son of gold” – a blend of history and fantasy that hit theatres last week, three years after its announcement.
This is the latest release featuring popular actor Vikram, fondly known as Chiyaan – the Christian Bale of Indian cinema, owing to his chameleon-like ability to effortlessly transform into any character. At 58 years old, he mesmerises audiences once again.
Set in the late 1800s during the height of British colonial rule in India, “Thangalaan” transports viewers to the Kolar gold fields in Karnataka, where the lives of an oppressed community are intertwined with a mysterious legend.
“Thangalaan” takes its name from Vikram’s protagonist. Living in North Arcot with his wife Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and their five children, this tribal man’s life takes a turn when their land is stolen by an upper-caste landlord.
The plot thickens when a British general, Lord Clement, expresses his desire to explore the gold-rich lands near their village – territory believed to be protected by the mythical sorceress Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan).
Thangalaan and his people fight to reclaim their rights, believing gold is the answer, all while uncovering the truth behind the legend.
So, does “Thangalaan” strike gold? Ranjith, known for his poignant narratives of oppression, delivers a film rooted in history that is entertaining enough to avoid feeling like a documentary.
The movie’s strength lies in its authenticity: from lead Vikram to supporting player Pasupathy, the performers shed all vanity, often donning only a loincloth.
As the title character, Vikram is the film’s beating heart, seamlessly shifting from a common man to someone haunted by eerie hallucinations. Parvathy, too, shines as a feisty wife longing for her family’s safety.
But it’s Mohanan’s transformation into Aarathi that truly stands out – arguably her best role in Tamil cinema to date.
The music by G V Prakash Kumar is another highlight, offering a refreshing departure from the lacklustre tracks we’ve seen in recent Tamil outings like “Indian 2“.
A unique aspect of “Thangalaan” is its use of animals, all brought to life through CGI. Whether it’s facing off with a panther, following a peacock to the gold, or encountering serpents guarding the treasure, these creatures amplify the sense of danger and mystery that permeates Thangalaan’s journey, making the film visually engaging even when the story lags.
Indeed, “Thangalaan” is not without its flaws. The film’s convoluted narrative, which oscillates between past and present, can be confusing.
At one point, Thangalaan recounts the legend of his forefathers to his children, detailing their battle against Aarathi and the discovery of gold for the king. This goes on for a while – then, when present-day Thangalaan sets out to find gold for the British, similar events occur.
As a result, it might feel like you’re watching the same events unfold twice. And the final twist, while intriguing, feels short-lived, leaving the audience with more of an “ohhh” than an “OMG” moment.
Adding to the setbacks is the use of sync sound – audio recorded while filming – which, while striving for authenticity, often results in mumbled dialogue. Coupled with a dialect that is not easy to follow, this may leave viewers struggling to stay engaged.
Yet, the film shines in moments of emotional resonance. Scenes where Thangalaan dons British attire for the first time or when the village women finally receive their own blouses are particularly poignant.
Ranjith’s attempt to blend a politically charged narrative with elements of fantasy is commendable, but the movie’s abstract nature might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
It walks a fine line between art and entertainment, leaning more towards the former, which could alienate mainstream audiences accustomed to the director’s previous works like “Madras” or “Kaala”.
In the end, despite its shortcomings, “Thangalaan” offers a unique cinematic experience – and with a sequel already announced, it’s worth catching this one now.
As of press time, ‘Thangalaan’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.