Thalavan (2024) - "A Crime investigation missing its sharpness"
Directed by: Jis Joy
Written by: Jis Joy, Sharath Perumbavoor, Anand Thevarkad
Starring: Biju Menon, Asif Ali, Miya George, Anusree, Dileesh Pothan, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Ranjith, Kottayam Nazeer
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Language: Malayalam
Plot Overview:
Thalavan follows the journey of two police officers, each with a history of punishment transfers. They are forced to work together despite their contrasting approaches to policing. As they navigate personal agendas and intra-departmental politics, they race against time to solve a murder case and capture the killer. However, tensions within their ranks and differing ideologies add complexity to their mission.
Performances:
Biju Menon: Biju Menon brings a natural and effortless charm to the role, having portrayed similar characters in the past. His portrayal of a seasoned cop is convincing, but there’s nothing fresh in his performance that stands out. While solid, it’s a role he’s done multiple times before, so the novelty is lacking.
Asif Ali: Asif Ali delivers an intense performance as the serious cop, but there are moments where his portrayal feels a bit forced. His attempt to bring depth to the character is commendable, though some scenes feel unpolished. Despite this, he does manage to maintain a strong presence throughout most of the film.
Supporting Cast: The rest of the cast, including Miya George, Anusree, and Dileesh Pothan, deliver decent performances. However, none of them get enough screen time or character development to make a significant impact. Their roles feel underutilized, which leaves the supporting narrative lacking in weight.
Technical Aspects:
Direction: Jis Joy introduces an intriguing premise, but his direction falters in execution. The story is strong, but the screenplay lacks the tightness needed for a gripping thriller. Some sequences feel rushed, and the narrative loses steam at crucial moments, preventing the film from building the tension it promises.
Screenplay: The film’s screenplay is its biggest flaw. While the concept and story are compelling, the execution lacks the sharpness necessary for a good thriller. The pacing feels off, with certain scenes dragging on, while others feel too rushed, missing key emotional and plot-driven beats.
Music & BGM: The music and background score are serviceable but unremarkable. While they don’t detract from the film, they also fail to enhance the tension or emotional weight of key moments. The BGM, in particular, lacks the intensity one would expect from a thriller.
Production Values: The production values are solid, with good attention to detail in terms of set design and locations. The film looks polished, but it’s the screenplay and direction that hold it back from becoming truly engaging.
Strengths:
Story Premise: The film has an interesting setup with two officers coming together, despite their clashing personalities and histories, to solve a crime. This narrative provides plenty of opportunities for drama and tension.
Lead Performances: Both Biju Menon and Asif Ali give solid performances, carrying the film through some of its weaker moments. While not their best work, they still manage to engage the audience.
Weaknesses:
Screenplay: The pacing issues and lack of cohesion in the screenplay prevent Thalavan from being the taut thriller it could have been. Some moments feel disjointed, and the story lacks the sharp, edge-of-the-seat tension that is expected in a crime thriller.
Character Utilization: Many supporting characters are underdeveloped and feel wasted. Despite having a talented cast, their roles lack the necessary depth to make the film feel well-rounded. As a result, the ensemble feels unbalanced, with too much focus on the lead duo and not enough on their surroundings.
Direction: Jis Joy’s direction lacks the gripping intensity required for a thriller. There are moments of promise, but overall, the film feels like it could have been more engaging with tighter storytelling and better pacing.
My Personal Take On Cinema:
Thalavan offers an intriguing premise and some decent performances, especially from its leads, but it falters in its execution. The screenplay lacks the necessary sharpness, and the direction fails to create the sustained tension a thriller demands. While the story has potential, it feels underdeveloped, and key plot points are rushed, leading to an unsatisfying narrative experience.
For fans of crime thrillers, Thalavan might be a decent one-time watch, but its flaws prevent it from standing out in a genre that demands precision and intensity. The film delivers enough to hold attention but not enough to leave a lasting impression.
Rating:
2.75/5
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