Thalaivan Thalaivii, director Pandiraaj’s latest offering, dives into the complexities of marital discord, family squabbles, and societal gender dynamics, all wrapped in a “spicy” Madurai-style entertainer. The film might leave you pondering various aspects of Indian family life and even its somewhat radical take on divorce. But before that, prepare to crave some steaming parottas and chicken salna – especially the alluring Paal Parotta enjoyed by the lead pair, Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen. While the core story of a feisty couple struggling with their marriage isn’t entirely new, Pandiraaj’s bold blend of family entertainer elements, especially in the first half, makes it engaging. The movie effectively highlights how the traditional family structure can still breed patriarchy.
The story kicks off with a hilariously chaotic scene where Perarasi (Nithya Menen) is performing her infant daughter’s tonsure ceremony, only to be interrupted by her estranged husband, Aagasa Veeran (Vijay Sethupathi), who is furious about being excluded. This leads to an immediate clash between their “anything but normal” families, setting the stage for the dramatic unraveling of their past. The film skillfully uses this initial chaos, involving a half-tonsured child, a birthday boy, and a bewildered thief, to introduce the central mystery of why these two once-loving individuals are now on the brink of divorce.
Acting
The performances of Vijay Sethupathi as Aagasa Veeran and Nithya Menen as Perarasi are the film’s undeniable backbone. Despite their characters often bordering on the absurd and annoying with their constant bickering and Veeran’s pointless screaming, the lead actors’ strong chemistry makes these eccentricities work. They beautifully sell the charm, romance, and even the irritating aspects of their roles, making it easy to overlook the repetitive theatricality. Their effortless rapport, whether in romantic moments or during arguments, feels genuinely lived-in, as if they’ve been married for years.
Among the supporting cast, Yogi Babu provides much-needed comedic relief, often with soft one-liners that break the intense bickering. Chemban Vinod Jose impresses as Arasaangam, while Deepa Shankar also delivers a commendable performance. It’s also refreshing to see Yogi Babu’s character not being reduced to tasteless jokes.
Direction
Pandiraaj returns to his familiar territory of family dramas, albeit with an interesting structure and an inventive narrative approach that adds freshness to a well-worn template. The film cleverly begins in the middle of the story, with the couple already married and having a child, then uses flashbacks to fill in the gaps of their courtship, wedding, and the origins of their conflicts. The initial pace is frantic, cutting between the present chaos and 20-minute episodes detailing their past.
However, the direction falters in the second half. What starts as a light, humorous narrative descends into predictable melodrama after the intermission. The film struggles to maintain its footing, with haphazard writing in crucial stretches, and the humor, once a strong point thanks to Yogi Babu, dwindles. Pandiraaj’s attempts to give a “mass appeal” to Aagasa Veeran often feel out of place, clashing with the overall tone. The film also relies heavily on characters shouting at each other, leading to a “scream-a-thon” that becomes quite a headache. While it attempts to address issues like patriarchy and family interference, its ultimate stance on divorce and relationships comes across as problematic and reductive.
Technical Aspects
M Sukumar’s __ cinematography is “at best serviceable.” The fast-paced narrative in the first half suggests sharp editing, but the erratic flow post-intermission indicates a potential weakness in the film’s overall structure and pacing.
Music
Santhosh Narayanan’s musical score for Thalaivan Thalaivii is “serviceable” and “impressive at times.” While the music likely complements the emotional beats and comedic moments, it doesn’t appear to be a standout feature that significantly elevates the film. The absence of a “heartwarming background score” during initial romantic moments is specifically mentioned, highlighting a subtle lack in that aspect.
Music Jukebox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3HAcXBVjuc
Overall
Thalaivan Thalaivii is a familiar yet watchable family drama. While the exceptional performances and chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen make it tolerable, the film is hampered by its problematic messaging, repetitive arguments, and a narrative that loses its way in the second half. It’s a film that tries to be both a hilarious entertainer and a serious statement on relationships, but ultimately achieves middling results.