Thalaivii - motherly love

 

Thalaivii

2021. Tamil

Vijay - Director

Arvind Swami - MJR

Bhagyashree - Sandhya

Kangana Ranaut - Jayalalitha

Nassar - Karuna

Radha Ravi - M R Radha

Samuthirakani - R N Veerappan

It is not coincidence that the oldest surviving classical civilization regards the Sacred as being Feminine.  It is also no coincidence that like all classical civilizations, Tamils find great joy in politics.  Thalaivii is the story of how politicians become celebrated, adored, feared, and even hated like the gods.  Indeed, their tales prove more valuable, at times, than the Puranas.

Like Mahanati, Thalaivii is less biopic than it is Purana; a fable of perhaps the most celebrated women in recent Tamil history; one who all Tamil women, brought mercy and strength through her beauty and femininity.

It cannot be denied that Ms. Ranaut possesses both in ways that she sets fire to the screen.  And, in the fire of this screen, we find ourselves mystified.  However, we are not impressed, perhaps because she remains far too the North Indian beauty to bring out neither the physical characteristics nor the undeniable arrogance of Amma's character.

Contrasting her, however, Mr. Arvind Swami outdoes himself again, resurrecting Anna's handsome features and flamboyance.  

Not to be forgotten, however, are the performances of legendary Nassar and Samuthirakani, who play their respective roles to show that politics is not about people being bad or good.  In the end, it's just about politics.

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐