“Thangalaan” is a Tamil movie on ibomma directed by the noted director Pa. Ranjith. He is well known for his cross-genre films with social relevance. Based in the late 19th century during the British era in India, the film revisits the Kolar Gold Fields with the argument of a tribal community’s struggle for existence from colonial abhorrence. A visual treat filled with superb performance and a good storyline makes “Thangalaan” an enjoyable film to watch.
Storyline
In “Thangalaan”, the Kolar Gold Fields under British Rule are depicted along with the narrative of the tribal people fighting to save their land and riches in all the attempts made. The central story stresses on salvation, revolt and reclamation where these tribal people unite against their colonial rulers. The movie explores the history and plight of the tribals who upon invasion did not surrender but resisted while retaining their essence.
This period drama brings to the fore relevant though under-researched aspects of India’s history by provoking the audience through an unmistakably engaging narrative of revolt.
Putting it mildly, Vikram is terrific as the tribal chief stood his ground, at one instance displaying his physical prowess and then exhibiting emotional control. He does exude a semblance of a brave and a ‘newer’ type of leader and it’s just beautiful, it’s emotive. Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Pasupathy, the support actors are also impressive adding certain positive and fascinating traits to the characters of the film. All the actors play their parts in such a way that the audience feels the same emotions in the characters’ tales of grief and triumph.
This film should be included in the list of “best of the best” One of the reasons for this is the ensemble cast that makes “Thangalaan” the east round film as each’s contribution in each character’s development adds to the story development of the film.
Direction and Cinematography
Masterful is the word that best describes Pa. Ranjith’s directing as the Kolar Gold Fields appear so vividly that one believes they are there. The period details are very well done, as in other things, in such cases, it may be tribal sites or the sinister background gold mines. Thanks to Cinematographer A. Kishore Kumar, who has captured the true feel of the period through earth colours and dark shades. In every scene, the visuals are beautiful, thoroughly engrossing the audience in “Thangalaan”.
Music
In “Thangalaan,” G. V. Prakash Kumar’s music adds a great extension to the emotions and even the action parts of the film. If the album doesn’t have too many songs, every piece would probably integrate into the film sharpening its mood. The only unusual thing in the film is the melody that enhances the film, that is appropriate to the theme.
The score adds to the drama and emotional weight at critical points so that the music is not merely complimentary and the audience does not sit through music but rather actively engages with the story.
Themes
“Thangalaan” does not settle as just a period film as its history has strong politically driven concepts. It raises issues related to colonization and natural resources and how the native people fought back against it. The film attempts to depict the abnormal advantages of colonialism in a positive light while at the same time encompassing both pain and defiance of the growing refusal to bear the yoke of subjugation.
The movie serves as a reminder of the lesser-known issues confronted by tribal people under British rule and allows the audience to some extent to introspect over the dark history and fight for existence.
To summarize, “Thangalaan” is an exemplary period film that excels in story, visuals, and acting. The film does a great job of recreating the fight of the oppressed people for freedom against the oppressive forces. There is a good blend of action, drama, and history which makes sure that the audience’s attention is captured throughout the film.
This film on ibomma would be worth the watch for people who love To reiterate, dramatisation or are interested in stories of fight and endurance. Thangalaan makes for an extended regime of resistance. It is simply a fight for justice depicted on screen that has the beautiful human aspect of never-ending courage, the film is a worthy addition to Tamil cinema.
