Pa Ranjith, a director known for his ability to transport audiences into vivid worlds, has once again showcased his talent with “Thangalaan.” From the very first frame, you are immersed in the world of Thangalaan, a world that feels real and lived-in, thanks to Ranjith’s meticulous attention to detail. The authenticity of the period setting, from the costumes to the language, behavior, and landscape, never once feels out of place. Thangalaan (played by Vikram), Gangamma (played by Parvathy), their children, and their community come to life on screen, making you feel like a part of their world.
The World of Thangalaan: A Masterpiece of Authenticity
Ranjith’s dedication to creating an authentic world is evident throughout the film. The way he portrays the villagers’ lives, their struggles, and their simple joys reflects a deep understanding of the time period. The film’s setting, with its raw and unfiltered depiction of life, brings out the reality of the era. The characters are not just figures on a screen; they are living, breathing individuals with their own stories, struggles, and aspirations. The attention to detail in their clothing, language, and interactions adds layers of realism that pull the audience deeper into the story.
The Inevitable Descent into Darkness
However, as with many stories set in such idyllic settings, there is an underlying sense of impending doom. Drawing from the influence of Bala’s cinema, Ranjith hints at the inevitable tragedy that befalls peaceful communities. The villagers, who live a simple and self-sufficient life, soon find themselves facing unimaginable horrors. But unlike Bala, who often delves deep into the dark aspects of such tales, Ranjith approaches the story from a different angle. While Bala might be seen as a fatalist, Ranjith is a revolutionary. He doesn’t dwell on the specifics of the villagers’ exploitation but instead uses a montage to show their suffering. Through quick snapshots, he establishes the passage of time, highlighting the gradual erosion of their way of life.
The Journey of Thangalaan: A Blend of Adventure and Myth
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that “Thangalaan” is not just a tale of exploitation. The first half of the film transitions into an adventure as Thangalaan and his team embark on a journey with their British masters. The film takes on the feel of an epic adventure, with man pitted against nature. There are moments where the characters are almost swept away by a river, and scenes where a black panther threatens their progress. These elements of adventure are interwoven with magical realism, as Thangalaan is haunted by visions, including that of a warrior-goddess. This mystical element adds another layer to the story, blurring the lines between reality and myth.
The Folktale: A Haunting Legacy
Ranjith toys with the idea of a folktale coming to life in Thangalaan’s world. It’s a story that seems to have haunted Thangalaan’s ancestors, and now, it begins to play out in his life as well. The tale speaks of sacrificing pride, identity, and property for someone else’s gain, only to be rewarded with scraps. It’s a narrative that echoes the history of many communities who were exploited and oppressed. The story also touches upon the idea of a dying deity, whose blood turns land into gold—a metaphor for the plundering of resources by those in power.
The Emotional Disconnect
Despite the rich symbolism and deep meaning behind the folktale, there’s something emotionally distant about its portrayal in the film. While the story is powerful, it doesn’t resonate as strongly as it should. Perhaps the issue lies in the way the folktale is integrated into Thangalaan’s life. The audience may not have enough insight into how deeply this tale affects Thangalaan. There’s a sense that more could have been done to explore his connection to the story and how it shapes his journey. The film, in its quest to be an epic adventure, may have sacrificed some of the intimate moments that Ranjith is usually so adept at creating.
The Performances: A Double-Edged Sword
The performances in “Thangalaan” are nothing short of incredible. Vikram and Parvathy, in particular, deliver standout performances that bring their characters to life. Vikram, in his role as Thangalaan, navigates the complexities of his character with ease. Whether he’s dressed in traditional attire or Western clothing, Vikram’s portrayal is nuanced and powerful. Parvathy, too, shines in her role, bringing a rare innocence to her character. However, the strength of these performances sometimes overshadows the story itself, making it difficult for the audience to fully connect with the narrative.
A Story Stretched Thin
“Thangalaan” feels like a potent short story that has been stretched to fit the length of a feature film. It’s a tale about a man haunted by a story, seeing it come true in his own life with transformative effects. Ranjith seems to be exploring the origins of the great, sad gold story—questioning how plunderers gained access to wealth so easily and what it took for them to succeed. Yet, he also challenges the notion of material wealth, suggesting that true wealth lies in one’s identity and harmonious existence with the environment. This philosophical angle adds depth to the film, making it more than just a critique of material greed.
The Symbolism of Gold: What Is True Wealth?
At its core, “Thangalaan” is a film about a search for gold, both literally and metaphorically. The characters are on a quest for material wealth, but Ranjith uses this journey to critique the obsession with gold and what it represents. He suggests that true wealth isn’t found in material possessions but in one’s connection to their identity and environment. This isn’t just a political statement; it’s a profound reflection on what truly matters in life.
The Symbolic Death of Buddhism and the Critique of Brahminism
During the course of the film, Ranjith touches upon several significant themes, including the symbolic death of Buddhism and the ills of Brahminism. These are not just passing references but are woven into the fabric of the story. There’s a line about Ramanujam and the conversion of other castes into Brahmins, highlighting the socio-political commentary that Ranjith is known for. Pasupathy’s character strikes a balance between comic relief and seriousness, adding layers to the film’s narrative. His aspiration of reaching vaikuntam (heaven) contrasts sharply with the film’s message that heaven can be found on earth, and that religion often serves to distance people from reality.
The Takedown of Leader Figures and the Pitfalls of Blind Faith
Through Thangalaan, Ranjith also critiques the reliance on leader figures for salvation. The villagers in the film are shown the dangers of chasing someone else’s version of happiness, a theme that resonates with the film’s broader message about identity and self-worth. The film challenges the idea of blind faith and the consequences of following leaders without questioning their motives.
Thangalaan’s Hero: A Flawed Protagonist
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how Thangalaan, the protagonist, takes a long time to behave like a hero. He’s portrayed as loving and naive, but his thinking is flawed. He’s referred to as ‘satan’ for a while, a reflection of his misguided actions. His lack of remorse for the animal life he’s taken—decapitating a buffalo, killing snakes, and fighting a black panther—seems at odds with the compassion typically seen in Ranjith’s protagonists. This portrayal adds complexity to Thangalaan’s character, making him a more nuanced and relatable figure.
The Villains: Traditional and Unexpected
The film features both traditional villains, like the Brahmin supervisor, and unexpected ones, like the British leader of the expedition. Ranjith keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of these characters, adding an element of suspense to the narrative. One of the film’s best moments comes when the British leader expresses a desire to help the villagers, only for the Brahmin supervisor to mistranslate his words. Thangalaan sees through the deception, leading to a memorable scene that highlights Ranjith’s skill in crafting complex, layered narratives.
A Film That Deserves Recognition
Even though “Thangalaan” may not resonate as strongly as some of Ranjith’s other films, it’s still a work of art that deserves recognition. The thought and craft that have gone into its making are evident in every frame. The final fight scene, which seems to stretch across time, is a testament to the film’s exploration of the ongoing battle between oppressor and oppressed—a struggle that has persisted throughout history.
Conclusion: A Filmmaker Still Experimenting
While “Thangalaan” may not shine as brightly as some of Ranjith’s previous works, it’s clear that he’s still experimenting with form and content. The film is a bold attempt to tell a different kind of story in mainstream cinema, one that challenges traditional narratives and explores deeper philosophical questions. In doing so, Ranjith continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in Indian cinema, making “Thangalaan” a film worth watching and discussing.
Director: Pa Ranjith
Cast: Vikram, Parvathy, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathy
Rating: 3/5