Studio Green and Neelam Productions’ Thangalaan (dubbed from Tamil Thangalaan; UA) is a story about several generations. Thangalaan (Vikram) resides in Veppur village in North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. The period is 1850 CE. One night, he narrates a chilling tale of Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan) to his children. Aarathi is a woman from the Nagar tribe, who is believed to be a sorceress and protector of the land in the deep forests. The story then goes into flashback and talks about Thangalaan’s great-grandfather, Kaadaiyan (Vikram again), and his fight with Aarathi.
In his current birth, Thangalaan goes with his son, Asokan (Arjun Anbudan), and fellow-villagers Varadhan (Hari Krishnan), Gengupattar (Pasupathy) and some others to search for gold which British officer Lord Clement (Daniel Caltagirone) wants to lay his hands on. They have to surmount a number of obstacles but Thangalaan remains resolute. What happens finally? Does Aarathi permit Thangalaan to reach the gold?
Tamil Prabha and Pa. Ranjith have penned a story which is confusing because of the several generations it talks about. The screenplay, written by Azhagiya Periyavan and Pa. Ranjith, is engaging in some parts but boring in others. There are so many characters and because they are played by faces which are unrecognisable for the Hindi film-going audience, it gets a bit too much for them. Dialogues are so-so.
Vikram does very well in five roles — Thangalaan, Kaadaiyan, Arasan ‘Aaran’, Adhi Muni and Naga Muni. Parvathy Thiruvothu is excellent in the role of Gangamma, wife of Thangalaan. Malavika Mohanan does a truly fine job as Aarathi. Daniel Caltagirone is effective as Lord Clement. Pasupathy lends able support as Gengupattar. Hari Krishnan has his moments in the role of Varadhan. Arjun Anbudan makes his mark as Asokan. Vettai Muthukumar (as the zamindar), Preeti Karan (as Arasani), Krish Hassan (as Gengupattar’s son), Sampath Ram (as Kaadaiyan’s aide) and the others lend decent support.
Pa. Ranjith’s direction is good but having said that, it must be added that the period drama does get confusing at several places. Besides, it has its limitations for the Hindi film audience. G.V. Prakash Kumar’s music is average. Lyrics pass muster. Song picturisations are eye-filling. The background music is impactful. A. Kishor Kumar’s cinematography is excellent. Action and stunt scenes afford thrill. Sets are grand. Selva R.K.’s editing leaves something to be desired. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, Thangalaan stands bleak chances in Hindi.
Released on 6-9-’24 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: dull. Opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.