Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan ventures into the world of revisionist history, bringing to life the often untold stories of the oppressed, all while tackling the exploitation surrounding the Kolar Gold Fields. This bold narrative is led by Vikram in a physically and emotionally charged performance, embodying the titular character in a story that explores identity, oppression, and the struggle for dignity.
Ranjith’s storytelling in Thangalaan delves into questions that resonate beyond its historical setting—Why do we study history? Whose stories get told? Through a neo-magical lens, the film focuses on the narrative of the invisibilized and oppressed, attempting to reclaim their lost identities. Ranjith’s vision challenges conventional perspectives, putting the stories of those who were left behind on a platform where their struggles and experiences are given meaning and purpose.
The film opens with Thangalaan (Vikram) waking from a dream that haunts him—a dream involving a sorceress, Aarathi (played brilliantly by Malavika Mohanan). This dream sets the tone for the film’s exploration of identity and the haunting past that shapes the lives of its characters. Thangalaan and his family, once the only land-owning family in the village of Veppur, are reduced to bonded laborers under the village zamindar’s manipulative control. When an opportunistic Britisher named Clement (Daniel Caltagirone) arrives, seeking to exploit the rumored gold mines of Veppur, Thangalaan volunteers to join the search—a decision that propels the film into its central narrative arc.
Ranjith allows multiple characters to evolve alongside Thangalaan, giving them space to voice their desires and dreams. Pasupathy’s character, a man who assumes a Brahmin identity in pursuit of salvation, and Parvathy’s Gangamma, a mother who longs for respect as both a wife and a woman, reflect the various dimensions of identity that drive the story forward. These complex characters make Thangalaan more than just a historical epic; it is a study of the human need for recognition and belonging.
Vikram’s performance is a standout, bringing raw intensity to Thangalaan’s journey of self-discovery. He conveys a sense of resilience, even in the face of supernatural apparitions, and emerges as a leader willing to risk everything to fight against the oppressive systems surrounding him. Parvathy and Pasupathy deliver grounded and nuanced performances, while Daniel Caltagirone’s portrayal of Clement provides a strong counterpoint, adding depth to the thematic exploration of colonial exploitation.
Despite its strengths, Thangalaan falters in certain areas. The film’s ambition is at times its undoing, with Ranjith’s efforts to blend magical realism, symbolism, and historical narrative resulting in a disjointed and uneven flow. Some characters and ideas feel underdeveloped, leaving a sense of missed opportunities. The film’s sound mixing issues and inconsistent visual effects also detract from the immersive experience that Ranjith aims to create, though these technical shortcomings are often compensated by the powerful performances and thematic richness of the story.
Thangalaan shines brightest in its moments of adventure and visceral imagery, drawing comparisons to Selvaraghavan’s Aayirathil Oruvan in its depiction of the harsh journey through treacherous landscapes. Ranjith’s use of symbolism underscores the cyclical nature of oppression, as the villagers bleed for the riches of a world that continues to take without giving back. This recurring motif is particularly striking as it captures the constant struggle for identity in the face of systemic injustice.
The final act of Thangalaan is where all of Ranjith’s elements—direction, performances, music, and cinematography—converge to create a compelling climax. GV Prakash’s thumping score, the stellar art direction, and the intense performances come together in a cathartic conclusion that highlights the universal desire for identity and ownership, both of land and self.
In the end, Thangalaan is more than just a tale about the search for gold. It is a story about reclaiming identity, about the oppressed taking back what is rightfully theirs. The film doesn’t offer an easy journey, as Ranjith pulls the audience through a grim and brutal landscape. While the film is flawed, it is also thought-provoking, compelling, and ultimately rewarding. It serves as a reminder that the fight for identity and justice is ongoing, and that history, in the hands of those often forgotten, can offer new and vital perspectives.
Rating: 3/5