Versatile Tamil Hero Chiyaan Vikram has returned stronger with his new role in a deeply folk-rooted expedition film on Netflix. The trailer looks awesome with good stars on board. Let’s get into a detailed review, see if the makers can give something more out of a common village narrative or if their inconsistent CGI effects affect the whole film.
Search for Lost Gold
The plot revolves around Vikram, as legendary tribe leader Thangalaan of Veppur village, set in a historic period of the mid-18th century, surrounding India’s hidden heart, the Kolar Gold Fields of Karnataka. Yes, the same as KGF but more ancient. He is a resilient village chief for oppressed laborers and families that struggle with Zamindarism. One day, the Thangalaan community gets hired by a British official, Clement, to find mines in return for land & freedom. But as they embark on a dangerous journey, they understand the real meaning of resource exploitation, struggle, survival, and the power of revolt. Curious? Watch the movie on Netflix right away!
Vibe: Power of True History
Initially, the villagers get tricked into innocence, and finding the gold mines is the only way to live in peace. But that is just the beginning, and Thangalaan leads a group on this hard expedition. The elements of slavery, oppression, survival, and greed slowly unveil the colours of British rule against our homeland.
This is a very unique take on India’s history of resource exploitation, especially Gold and Coal Ores, more like a story that we never knew until this film. Another interesting point is that in the climax, they fight with all their might to protect their dignity, brotherhood, and sense of belonging, which is a decent ending.
Crafting Characters
Chiyaan Vikram as the hero Tangalaan, the tribal leader, is a spectacular character and a heavy physical transformation that not many actors can do on screen. He always proves capable of portraying his versatility, and this one adds to that list. Next, we have ladies Parvathy Thiruvothu, his wife, and Malvika Mohanan in the main roles did good acting in their forte. Along with Daniel Caltagirone as the British General Clement, quite an underrated character who is a pillar point as he instigates the whole mining expedition.
Music and VFX
The backdrop and music by G.V. Prakash are particularly foolproof. It’s giving a grand reference, making viewers involved in the tribal history. However, the soundtrack isn’t appreciated, and doesn’t leave a trademark. Likewise, many critics mentioned the lapses in VFX and large pacing issues with scenes happening on big screens. Even pointed out that the lack of Freedom emotion and dialogues doesn’t leave a patriotic impact.
Also Read…
Final Verdict
The Kabali director, Pa. Ranjith’s new historical venture with Chiyaan Vikram, started with impressive segments but settles for less. They fight to create classic moments. On paper, it’s the story of a man finding his identity and protecting his people. But in film, they tell us this point at the very end, which doesn’t change the odds. So Thangalaan is an okayish one-time watch. If you love tribal documentaries, you might love it.
IMDb: 8/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 76% Newsslash Rating: 3.8/5
Written by: Meghana Pinninti