Thalaivii Movie Review

Thalaivii, a biographical political drama starring Kangana Ranaut and Aravind Swamy in the lead roles released in theatres today. Here’s our review of the film.

Story: The core plot of Thalaivii revolves around the life story of Jayalalithaa (Kangana). It starts off with her debut as an actress and ends with her taking charge as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

What about on-screen performances?

Kangana is one of the finest performers in Indian cinema and she is in her elements as she plays a legendary politician Jayalalithaa on screen. But Aravind Swamy outperforms every other actor in the film with his towering act. He is a gem of an actor and he exhibits his prowess in Thalaivii. Other supporting actors including Samuthirakani, Madhubala, and others do justice to their roles.

What about off-screen talents?

The director AL Vijay is clear about what he wants. He only narrates the major incidents in Jayalalithaa’s life after she debuted into films and later entered politics and became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He excelled in handling the political journey of the titular character. But the opening half, which deals with the acting career of Jayalalithaa is sub-par. GV Prakash’s background score is of elite quality. Cinematograhpy is spending and so the production designing.

What’s Hot?

• Aravind Swamy and Kangana Ranaut’s performance
• Second Half
• Emotional connect

What’s Not?

• Sub-par first half
• Covers only the known side of Jayalalithaa
• Patchy screenplay

Verdict: Thalaivii almost entirely revolves around the major incidents in Jayalalithaa’s life that are known to everyone. The director should have conceived the lesser-known side of the firebrand politician. The film is powered by the emotionally engaging second half. It makes for a decent one-time watch.