Thalaivi, a biopic on yesteryear heroine and former CM of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa is carrying decent buzz among the audience. Starring Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in the titular role, the film had its theatrical release on September 10th in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages simultaneously. Let’s see how it fares.
Story: As the film is a biopic on actress turned politician J Jayalalithaa, it prominently focuses on how Jaya’s( Kangana Ranaut) career started as an actress and how she became close to legendary actor MG Ramachandran (Arvind Swami). Being an apolitical person, what kind of circumstances lead Jaya to enter politics? Later, how will she emerge as a superpower in Tamil Nadu state politics, forms the crucial crux of the film.
Performances: Undoubtedly, Kangana Ranaut gave an outstanding performance in the titular role. She literally lived in the given most powerful character and elevates the script with her magnificent screen presence.
When Kangana Ranaut was announced as the lead actress in J Jayalalithaa’s biopic, the team has faced huge criticism as no one is aware hoe Kangana can pull off Jaya’s role but Kangana surprise everyone with her impeccable acting in the given fearless and stubborn character.
Noted actor Arvind Swami is the perfect pick of the role of MGR as he portrayed the role quite effortlessly. Though Arvind Swami tried to present MGR’s character in his own style, most of his facial expressions will remain us of the legendary actor.
Actor Samuthirakani, who played the close aide role of MGR is convincing in his character. Bollywood actress Bhagyashree, who played Jaya’s mother role gave a decent performance. Other actors such as Nassar, Thambi Ramaiah, Madhoo Bala and Poorna are good in their supporting roles.
Technicalities: Cinematography by Vishal Vittal is captivating as he brought the 80s and early 90s feel to the proceedings through his lens. Editing work by Anthony and Ballu Saluja is adequate.
Costume design and makeup for all the characters in the film is done perfectly. Especially, the makeup, hair and dressing of Kangana Ranaut for Jaya’s character were done by taking good care.
GV Prakash’s background score is one of the major plus points for the film as it elevates the mood of the film nicely at regular intervals. His soundtracks are decent and perfectly incorporated in the narrative part.
The product design and the entire setup created for the film is amazing as the film literally takes us back to those days.
Analysis: Director AL Vijay, who is stamped as the off-beat filmmaker has changed his way of taking and treatment with Thalaivi. Though the film is a biopic on J Jayalalithaa, Vijay took good care in writing a formulaic script with enough emotions and drama in it.
The opening scene in Tamil Nadu state secretariat where Jaya will face humiliation from the ruling party and later takes oath to return back to the same assembly by becoming the state Chief Minister gives a clear picture that the film is going to showcase the rise of an actress to the powerful politician and Vijay lives up to the expectations in executing the same with enough high moments in the narration. Along with the lead actors performance and good technical support, the emotional journey of Jaya has been showcased in a gripping manner.
Overall, Thalaivi is a must-watch film for Kangana Ranaut’s commendable performance and engaging storytelling by director Vijay.
Verdict: The rise of a powerful politician!
Rating: 3/5
