Not a Thalaivi

I am a big fan of non-fictional films that are based on real-life incidents and real-life people. Thalaivi was one such film I was looking forward to watching. I had previously watched Queen, an MX player original based on the life story of a brilliant actress and an exceptionally good Ex-CM, Late Ms. Jayalalitha played by Ramya Krishan. Thalaivi also falls on the same grouping. The pre-buzz of the films was very hyped where Kangana Ranaut, her dear sister Rangoli and her entire PR talk about her transformation, physically and mentally. But was the film worth the hype?

To start with, the film just didn’t hold me to the seat and watch it attentively. I appreciate the efforts of the artists but it just didn’t project on-screen. Jayalalitha was a great dancer but Kangana ruined it completely with her wrong posture, incorrect mudras, and zero Bharatanatyam dancing knowledge.

Of course, years of training is different than learning in just a month. Ms. Ranaut lacked the grace and elegance of this beautiful dance form.

Entering the film industry at a very young age with her innocence and pure heart was what Jayalalitha carried with her. But the Panga actress couldn’t carry the legacy of the legendary CM on her shoulders. The film showcases a series of events & tragedies that had happened in the life of CM Jayalalitha, but with no proper scripting. It could have been much crisper and tighter. Lacks good editing with unnecessary and prolonged scenes which murders the viewers’ interest.

Entering the film industry at a very young age with her innocence and pure heart was what Jayalalitha carried with her. But the Panga actress couldn’t carry the legacy of the legendary CM on her shoulders. The film showcases a series of events & tragedies that had happened in the life of CM Jayalalitha, but with no proper scripting. It could have been much crisper and tighter. Lacks good editing with unnecessary and prolonged scenes which murders the viewers’ interest.

What I did like about the film is the researched set. It did give me the feel of the era when we had leaders like Jayalalitha and MGR.

In a nutshell. Just a physical transformation doesn’t make anyone a good actor. One should get into the skin of the character, which Kangana deeply lacked in portraying the role of the legendary actor turned politician Late Ms. Jayalalitha. 

In fact, Queen, the web series directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon was much better than Thalaivi. The web series is streaming on MX Player, go and watch it.