Thalaivii Review: This political drama is embellished with excellent performances and powerful 2nd half
Thalaivii Movie Rating: 3.5 Stars
Just watched Thalaivii movie on Netflix. So let’s focus on the cast, release date story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this movie.
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Arvind Swamy, Nassar, Bhagyashree, Raj Arjun and Madhoo Shah
Director: Vijay
Release Date: 26th September 2021 on Netflix
Story: Movie is the story of late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa and based on Ajayan Bala’s book Thalaivi. The story traces the life of Jayalalithaa from the time she became a film star, covers her affair with the then reigning superstar of Tamil cinema, MGR and finally describes her foray into politics.
Jayalalithaa aka Jaya (Kangana Ranaut) is an upcoming actress in Tamil cinema. She has been coaxed into joining the profession by her mother (Bhagyashree) so that they can have a steady means of income. In no time she gets lucky when she is signed for a film opposite MJR (Arvind Swamy). Soon, the married MJR and Jaya become very fond of each other and before long they are in love.
MJR’s secretary and also a producer in his own right, RNV (Raj Arjun) resents Jaya’s closeness to MJR for fear that it may adversely affect the latter’s image. A few years later, MJR enters politics and joins DMK, headed by Karunanidhi (Nassar). Karunanidhi wins the state elections by a record margin and one of the reasons is that MJR campaigned for him. Soon after fall out with CM creates his own party and after the suggestion of his secretary MJR stay away from Jaya due to his political career.
The story then moves 10 years ahead. MJR has become the Chief Minister for the second time. Jaya is not getting many films due to her age. She starts accepting dance shows. One such show offered to her is a government sponsored one in Madurai. At this event, she meets MJR once again. This time, MJR invites her to join his party. Jaya declines but while going back to Chennai, an incident leaves a deep influence on her. In no time, she enters politics. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
Positives
1. Screenplay
2. Climax
3. 2nd Half
4. Excellent Performances
5. Story
6. Direction
Negatives
1. 1st Half
2. Length
3. Music
Durgesh Tiwary’s View : When I watched the trailer of this film planned to watch this movie when released on OTT as movie is based on true story of late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa.
Story of this film is excellent as it is not possible to show all major episodes and hence the writer has handpicked and chosen the best aspects of her life. The screenplay keeps the audience’s interest alive because the writers have written a humane drama which also has melodrama, emotions, rivalry, jealousy, romance, and much more. The names of the various political parties and characters as well as actors are mostly South Indian, which is a drawback for the non-South Indian audience. The drama becomes more serious after interval but it moves at a good pace and, therefore, never loses its grip on the viewers.
Thalaivii begins with a dramatic scene in the Assembly and sets the mood. One expects fireworks from here on. But the film then focuses on Jaya’s film career. There are a number of scenes which are beautifully conceived and exceptionally written and narrated. Overall movie is an entertaining human drama which will be loved by the classes and the families. My view on this movie Highly Recommended.
For more Bollywood and Cricket updates visit my page on Facebook Durgesh Tiwary’s View and website Cricket Movie Website