Director: Pa Ranjith
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Thangalan weaves together themes of casteism, the haunting presence of past demons, and a greed for land and gold, showcasing Pa Ranjith’s distinctive storytelling. Despite the potential of its richly colored threads—represented by Ranjith’s direction, Kishore’s cinematography, Selva’s editing, and Vikram’s performance—the film ultimately struggles to form a cohesive artistic tapestry.
The technical crew, reminiscent of their work on Sarpatta Parambarai, demonstrates exceptional skill, yet the film fails to evoke deep emotional engagement. Musical echoes of Quincy Jones’ “Turkey Buzzard,” with its repetitive refrain of “gold, gold, gold,” alongside Joseph MacDonald’s evocative portrayal of insatiable greed in Mackenna’s Gold, create a constant backdrop as one watches Thangalan.
The film appears influenced by various sources, drawing parallels to Mackenna’s Gold from 1969, Clive Cussler’s Shock Wave, and sporadic elements from Scott Smith’s Ruins. For those with a limited exposure to English cinema, the allusions may resonate differently, but one cannot help but feel reminded of Selvaraghavan’s Ayirathil Oruvan.
Ranjith’s preoccupation with caste issues occasionally overshadows the central narrative focused on the gold diggers. Vikram’s performance commands every frame, reaching remarkable heights, while supporting characters seem to fade into the background. This disparity in focus results in a sense of incoherence that detracts from the overall impact of the film. Despite this, the film’s visual splendor makes it a worthy viewing experience. However, one might question whether the suburban audience will fully grasp the nuances of the narrative in Thangalan.
GV Prakash’s contributions deserve special mention, as his work enhances the film’s ambiance. While it feels almost unjust to critique a film that is undeniably a visual feast and a laudable effort, it prompts reflections on whether it truly resonates.
Yet what comes to my mind are the lines neenga nalavara illa ketttavara.???
Idu nalla padama illaya???
Verdict:
Thangalan is worth watching for the commendable efforts of the team, although its commercial success remains uncertain.
