‘Thangalaan’ Movie Review: A Thought-Provoking Experience, Even Without the Sparkle

While ‘Thangalaan’ might not hit all the emotional notes it aims for, it remains a film filled with intriguing concepts and strong performances.

Pa Ranjith has a remarkable ability to build an immersive world. Throughout ‘Thangalaan,’ the authenticity of its historical setting—encompassing the clothing, language, behaviors, and the lives of Thangalaan (Vikram), Gangamma (Parvathy), their children, and their community—is never in question.

However, having grown up watching Bala’s films, we understand that when we see villagers living in harmony and self-sufficiency, trouble is usually lurking around the corner. True to this pattern, much like in a Bala film, we witness these innocent and trusting individuals being led into a nightmare. Yet, there’s a significant distinction between the two directors: while Bala often embraces a fatalistic view, Ranjith embodies a revolutionary spirit. This difference is evident as Ranjith doesn’t dwell too deeply on the mechanisms of the villagers’ exploitation. Instead, he skillfully uses a rapid montage to convey the passage of time and the suffering they endure.

But where is this journey leading us? For quite some time, I struggled to pinpoint the essence of ‘Thangalaan.’ Initially, it seems to unfold as a tale of exploitation. As the first half progresses, Thangalaan and his companions embark on an expedition with their British overlords, transforming the film into an adventure narrative. There’s a struggle against nature as they narrowly escape drowning in a river.

The conflict with nature continues when a black panther threatens their mission. Amidst these challenges, elements of magical realism emerge, with Thangalaan experiencing haunting visions and a warrior-goddess appearing to various family members. It becomes clear that there’s a story—or perhaps a history that has evolved into myth—that has haunted Thangalaan and his lineage for generations.

Ranjith explores the captivating notion of a folk tale coming to life through Thangalaan’s experiences. This narrative might have echoed in the lives of his ancestors as well. It’s a well-known tale of sacrificing one’s pride, identity, and possessions, working tirelessly for the benefit of others, only to receive mere scraps in return. It tells of blood flowing from a dying deity, turning the land into gold. The underlying message is clear.

However, despite this rich meaning, I found myself questioning why the unfolding folktale in Thangalaan’s life didn’t resonate emotionally as deeply as it could have. Is there an issue with how the folktale is conveyed? Did we need a deeper understanding of how this story impacted Thangalaan before it was imposed on his life? Perhaps we simply needed to know more about him from the start. In striving to deliver an adventurous journey, it seems there wasn’t enough room for the intimate moments that Ranjith typically excels at.

This might explain why Thangalaan feels oddly lacking in emotional impact, even though it is filled with compelling ideas and remarkable performances, particularly from Vikram and Parvathy, whose portrayals are almost captivating to the point of distraction. Vikram’s Western attire is presented as a significant moment, yet he carefully avoids fully embodying it. Similarly, when Parvathy receives a new outfit, her reaction is infused with a rare, unguarded innocence that stands out on screen.

Ultimately, Thangalaan resembles a powerful short story stretched to fit the length of a feature film—one that centers on a man haunted by a tale, grappling with the extraordinary experience of watching it unfold in his reality.

Ranjith’s thoughtful approach and craftsmanship shine through in his films. Even though I didn’t connect with Thangalaan as strongly as I have with some of his other works, it would be unfair to overlook this film. Doing so would mean ignoring some truly remarkable moments—like the climactic fight scene that unfolds from day to night, symbolizing the timeless struggle between oppressor and oppressed.

Nearly everything this director has created has turned to gold; while this installment might not shine as brightly, that’s perfectly okay. It’s clear that Ranjith is still pushing boundaries, experimenting with narrative forms, and boldly exploring the types of stories that can find a place in mainstream cinema, especially with a star-studded cast. That in itself is a significant achievement.

Director: Pa Ranjith

Cast: Vikram, Parvathy, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy

Rating: 3/5