Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Thalaivi’ has been the most talked-about movie project of the year – and also one of the high-points of the actress’s career.
And considering the fact that the 32 year old has already delivered a number of mega-releases in the recent years, that’s saying a lot.
Based on the life and rise to prominence of Tamilnadu Chief Minister, the late Jayalalitha – fondly referred to as ‘Amma’ by the people of her constituency and party, the film focuses on the celebrated public figure’s career as a Tollywood actress, her romantic relationship with cine-icon MGR and her unprecedented rise in the world of politics.
Kangana – who is a four-time National Award winner, had much of the weight of this 90-crores film on her shoulders, considering she is the highest billed star of the high-octane project and all eyes have been on her since the beginning. And boy, did she deliver.
The actress, who has carved a niche for herself based on her power-packed performances in films like ‘Queen’, ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ and ‘Simran’, stepped in the shoes of the iconic figure and brought out the emotional essence of Jayalalitha and her soul, without needing to imitate her detailed nuances.
Although after seeing performances like TWMR and Simran, we do expect her to pull some methods as an actor – but the actress had apparently decided to let go of it in this particular venture, as she concentrated more on the emotional aspect of her performance rather than the methods.
So no, you do not see her pulling a Tamli-accent in the dialogues, or imitate the physicality of the late leader to much detail – although that would have been fun, considering her huge capacity as an actor; but instead Ranaut relies more on her ability to deliver power-packed dialogues, bringing out the drama and intensity of the scenes on a more theatrical level.
The early cuts from the movie reenacting some iconic on-screen moments of Jayalalitha’s filmy career are beautifully put together by director A.L. Vijay, and actor Arvind Swami’s act as MGR is equally praise-worthy in the same.
As the romance and chemistry between the two blossoms, the bright and ambitious protagonist ventures into the world of public service and makes her advent into politics.
The scene in which an assault takes place in Tamlinadu parliament, which sees her being dragged and physically assaulted – is powerfully filmed and serves as the turning point in the lead character’s political career. It was after that she overthrows M. Karunanidhi, and returns to the house as the longest-running Chief Minister of the state in history.
We all know the eventual outcome of the story, as is with all popular public figure stories, but what goes on in-between – and how subtly, and seemingly it has been packed together is what makes this movie a thorough entertainer.
While this isn’t an artsy, realistic take, as you’d expect from some of the new-age filmmakers of Indian cinema – but it is more of an out-and-out celebration of the late CM’s life, and the up’s and down’s that constituted her story.
This may have only scratched the surface, not venturing into some of the deep and dark realms of the idolized figure’s journey in films and politics – it is made clear from the beginning, that it doesn’t even intend to be that kind of a film.
But Thalaivi still stands out, mostly as yet another testament to the talents of one of the biggest female stars that the Indian film industry has seen in recent years and her enduring will to constantly strive for something greater, grander and better, than before – Kangana Ranaut.
The film, in totality, becomes a celebration of both of these women, at the same time.
Rating – 3.5 Stars.