“Thangalaan” is a period action film starring Chiyaan Vikram as the lead. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film is produced by prominent producer KE Gnanavel Raja under the Studio Green Films banner, in association with Neelam Productions. Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan play the female leads. Set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields, “Thangalaan” is based on real events and is set for a grand worldwide theatrical release on the 15th of this month, coinciding with Independence Day. Mythri Movie Distribution will handle the Telugu release.
At the film’s press meet held today, Hero Vikram spoke:
“Pa Ranjith is my favorite director. I admire every film he has made and always wanted to work with him. I was thrilled when he presented the story of ‘Thangalaan’ to me. This story is relatable to everyone, not just in Telugu, Tamil, or Kannada, but globally. While the film highlights gold hunting, it also features a struggle for freedom. It transcends categorization. Life sometimes presents inconsistencies, and director Pa Ranjith expresses these through cinema. Just as we become immersed in the story of ‘Sarpatta Parambharai,’ this film will captivate you as well. There are no elements in the movie that would cause discomfort. Pa Ranjith has ensured that.
‘Thangalaan’ is named after a tribe. My initial expectations for the character’s look were high, wondering if it would resemble KGF. However, the tribal leader’s appearance is raw and rustic. The film incorporates all essential elements. Preparing for my role involved several hours for makeup application and removal. We shot in both cold and heat, but when you are passionate about your work, hunger and sleep become secondary. I focus on whether I fit the role, rather than on awards. While I value awards, the appreciation from the audience brings greater joy.
I researched various tribes, including African ones, to better understand their appearance and contribute to the film’s authenticity. We managed to capture scenes in a single shot, even if it took 30 takes to get it right. Despite the absence of subtitles, our film reaches audiences across all languages in India. I believe ‘Thangalaan’ will be a surprising experience in theaters.
I also admire Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s work. His decade of dedication to politics and his current position as Deputy CM is an impressive achievement. It offers hope to those of us who consider entering politics.”
Hollywood actor Daniel said: “Pa Ranjith approached me for the film ‘Thangalaan,’ and we had several discussions. I was impressed by his previous films and agreed to be part of this project without even reading the script. Pa Ranjith has a clear vision and his ideas are innovative. My character has some complex traits, and I’m thrilled to act alongside Vikram, who is like a brother to me. The energy and scope of Indian cinema have grown significantly. Indian cinema is on the verge of surpassing Hollywood. If we create stories that resonate globally, Indian cinema will exceed Hollywood in influence.”
Heroine Malavika Mohanan said: “I always aim to work on projects where I can showcase my acting skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so in ‘Thangalaan.’ I played the role of Aarti, a character that will surprise audiences. Working with Vikram was an incredible experience. Without his support, I wouldn’t have been able to portray Aarti so effectively. ‘Thangalaan’ is one of the most challenging films in the Indian film industry. There were moments when we questioned if we could handle the roles properly. It was a shared concern among us all. If it weren’t for Chiyaan Vikram, I wouldn’t have been able to perform as well. The Telugu film industry is vast, and I’ve been eager to make a significant entry into Tollywood. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity with Raja Saab. Working with Prabhas was a pleasure; he sent me the best food in Hyderabad, which was as delicious as my mother’s cooking. Maruti excels in designing female characters, and my role in ‘Thangalaan’ is quite different from my role in ‘The Raja Saab.’”
Heroine Parvathy Thiruvothu said: “We all played our respective roles in ‘Thangalaan,’ and as actors, we have completed our part. Now, we await the audience’s response. Director Pa Ranjith has created a unique world in this film, one that everyone can relate to. We are eager to see how well the audience accepts our performances.”