Thangalaan (2024) – Muddled Struggles, Unconvincing Climax

Thangalaan (2024) is a film that presents a complex subject matter, making it challenging to review without risking misinterpretation. Any critique might be seen as a reflection of the ideologies expressed by the director, Pa. Ranjith. While he has every right to voice his political views, in his earlier films, these were subtly woven into the narrative. However, in Thangalaan, they take center stage, overshadowing the story. The screenplay is confused, unsure whether it wants to be a tale of oppression, a historical fiction, a fantasy, or a mythological dream. This lack of clarity is why Mangoidiots gives it a Rotten rating. The rating is purely for the artistic execution and not a comment on the ideologies or the director himself. I hold great admiration for Pa. Ranjith’s earlier works, such as Sarpatta Parambarai (2021), which earned a Ripe rating on this blog.

The story revolves around an oppressed tribe of bonded laborers and farmers who try to escape the clutches of the local zamindar by taking on the risky job of mining gold from a barren land. This land is protected by immortal warriors and snakes, adding a layer of fantasy to the narrative. The struggle to mine gold and the battles that ensue are repeated every few generations, further complicating the plot. Thangalaan tries to portray these struggles, particularly in the harsh environment of the mines, but the focus remains too heavily on the protagonist, leaving little room to empathize with the tribe as a whole. The film had the opportunity to delve into the centuries-long oppression faced by these communities, struggles that have been passed down over multiple generations.

Vikram, a world-class actor, delivers his usual intense performance, but the repetitive nature of the sequences prevents him from showcasing his full potential. In the few scenes where he plays a family man—a loving husband and a caring father—his brilliance shines through, but these moments are too brief. Malavika Mohanan as Aarathi brings her character, an immortal warrior, to life (pun intended). Her action sequences are breathtaking. It was also wonderful to see Parvathy Thiruvothu in a significant Tamil role after her unforgettable performance in Maryan (2013). Pasupathy handles his role well, and the background score by G.V. Prakash Kumar adds a different dimension to the film.

However, the twist in the climax was unconvincing and leaves us questioning why these struggles were forced upon the innocent by divine forces. It adds to the confusion and dilutes the impact of the story.

Overall, Thangalaan (2024) had the potential to be a powerful depiction of the struggles faced by the oppressed under the upper caste, ruling class, and British authorities, spanning across centuries and generations. However, its muddled narrative and repetitive scenes make it fall short of this goal.