Thalaivi

Note: This is NOT a dubbed film. This is a bilingual shot in 2 languages, Hindi and Tamil & dubbed in Telugu.

What does that mean? It means the talkie portions are show twice in each language. Thalaivii however has portions retained in Tamil (mostly the recreation of MGR/Jayalalitha scenes), but if you've seen Nadigaiyaar Thilagam (Tamil dubbed version of Mahanati (Telugu), it plays exactly the same way where Savitri scenes are recreated from Telugu, despite being dubbed in Tamil.)

Another stroke of genius is the screenplay by Mr. Vijayendra Prasad. This man needs no introduction from penning films for his son, SS Rajamouli (Bahubali series, the upcoming RRR and others) as well as the last decent Salman Khan film I enjoyed, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Prasad's story of Jaya's rise from Cinema se CM tak (as the film suggests) plants masala-like moments in the screenplay that really illustrates Jaya's change and persona growth.

Right from the 60s era of cinema, note the moments where Jaya says Namaste to everyone besides MJR (Arvind Swami, in what is another master stroke of casting) in the name of respect up until the final scenes of the film. Brilliant book-end! There are other great moments sprinkled throughout the film and I don't want to play spoil sport in this review to list them out.

This is one of the most "pan-india" friendly bio pics I've come across and it's not that easy to transcribe or adapt the culture of Jaya, Tamil cinema and Tamil politics for the Hindi audiences. For many of the Tamilians, the stories seen in the film may be of redundance, but for those unaware of Jaya, this is a great chance to experience that culture without going into "self-indulgence rabbit hole" zone.

This is Kangana's best till date (yes, even better than Manikarnika.) She sinks her teeth into the persona of Jayalalitha and lives through it. Wouldn't be surprised if she garners another National Award win because she deserves it. Next is Arvind Swami, an excellent portrayal of MJR if not better. Nasser (as Karunanaidhi) is simply superb. Credit given due to most of the supporting tamil artists who have given their best in their Hindi lip sync despite being voiced over by a different artist.

I don't understand the low ratings for the film (whether they are attributed to Kangana's politics or the hatred), but I would set that aside and watch off the film. As Vijayendra Prasad said, he couldn't imagine anyone else doing it besides Kangana and I couldn't agree with him more.

An iconic figure in Indian politics, Jayalalithaa's political journey is known to most. Director Vijay attempts to unravel her icy cold persona and look at her as a woman passionately driven by love. Make no mistake, a woman's fight for self respect and battle against patriarchy are integral to the story. However, what lies at the heart of the tale is her unconditional love for MGR, despite the societal contempt of her. She faced the wrath of his loyal followers, who deemed their extra marital relationship as illicit and a disgrace to his noble reputation. As days turned into decades, they became each other's strength and weakness. Bound by the heart, the purity of their love stayed intact even as murky politics, power struggle and people got hellbent on parting the two. The scenes where they indulge in phone conversations without uttering a single word but letting their silence do the talking are heartbreaking. The film essentially works for its poignant love story.

Perceived as the 'other woman' in MGR's life, who got things easy for being his blue eyed girl, Jaya had everything but respect at the beginning of her political career. Despite being cornered and humiliated time and again, she marches on with her head held high. Her relentless fight to earn her place in the society forms the crux of the film.

Kangana in the titular role channels her inner rebel and unflinching self assurance to make a point - she plays second fiddle to no one. A classic case of her screen character imitating her real life in a way. She renders a powerful portrayal of a lovelorn woman who keeps rising like a phoenix from the ashes. She elevates the formulaic script with quiet determination and powerful presence, cleverly not mimicking Jaya but getting the tone and nuances of her character right. As a woman scorned by people for loving fearlessly and feeling deeply, Kangana is outstanding.

The actress finds a perfect companion in Arvind Swami as MGR, her mentor, the wind beneath her wings. He brings in a certain calm to the storm that engulfs Jaya. Swami is impeccable in his mannerisms and body language. There couldn't have been a better actor to play the Tamil screen icon and people's leader.

Dialogues are painstakingly written and hit the right note. "Mahabharat ka dusra naam jaya hai" sums up Jaya's life perfectly. In a scene where Jaya tells her ailing mother that people only remember you when they need you, her mother righty argues, "Bina Matlab ke log bhagwaan ko bhi yaad nahi karte." When Jaya is told that everyone reveres MGR and that she is no different, she says, "Krishna ko sab pasand karte the, phir bhi Radha ki sab mein ginti nahi hoti." Neeta Lulla's costumes are detailed and effective. From conical bras of the 60s and 70s to the winged eye makeup, bouffant and vintage props, the recreation of a bygone era is decent if not specific.

Thailaivii pays a resounding ode to Jaya-MGR's poignant love story, a relationship without labels. The political aspect feels talky, half baked and one-sided. What eventually stays with you is the story of a woman who defied the odds and wrote her own destiny.

What a Awesome movie !!!!

Excellent acting by #KanganaRanaut as Jayalalithaa ! Her best performance till date .#ArvindSwami is too good. As MGR. You just can't miss this movie.

Legendary character, story and direction. Beautifully fabricated. Deserves National award. A must watch for everyone.

Thalaivii review :

After Bellbottom last week, here's another theatrical release coming to OTT in just two weeks. I guess no one is willing to risk the theatres yet so this kind of hybrid format will continue for sometime.

As for Thalaivii, it is a well executed biopic on the heroine turned Chief Minister Jayalalitha tracing her incredible journey from a novice to a winner. Its way ahead of the web-series Queen released on MX Player last year.

Kangana Ranaut playing the titular role, delivers yet another knockout performance. The Roja (1992) pair - Arvind Swami and Madhoo - play Mr and Mrs. MGR. Arvind is truly the surprise package of the film and his resemblance to the real MGR lends a realistic touch to the pivotal character. The movie sequences between him and Kangana are sure to generate nostalgia amongst the MGR- Jaya fans. Nasser is impressive as ever playing MGR's friend turned foe Karunanidhi.

Finally, Thalaivii is worth your time and money. It has splendid performances and an inspiring story to tell...Dont miss!!

P. S. After watching Thalaivii, I would recommend Mani Ratnam's Iruvar (1997) to those who haven't seen it yet. It will complete the Jaya saga perfectly.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.