- Date of Release: 23 June 2023
- Genre: Comedy, Thriller
- Language: Tamil
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
Thandatti
Introduction
It is still a Tuesday and I have been continuing to scout for content across the various OTT platforms. Next up, I finished watching the new Tamil film Thandatti which is now streaming on Amazon Prime. This week I have made a conscious effort to go into a film blind without quite knowing anything on what it has to offer. And Thandatti was one of them.
One of the reasons why people from across the country have connected to films from down South is due to their storytelling technique which is different from the usual tropes of Hindi cinema(again this is not to say which is better and which is not). The makers often keep some cards close to their chest while continuing to feed in content which would influence the thinking of people in a certain direction, before making a U-turn. But more importantly, the emotions are intact which do not allow the audience to feel indifferent towards the switch at the end. But quite often, it is that one twist which is a make or break for any film and that is something that at times does lead to a downfall of a film too(if it is delayed too late). But why am I mentioning these things without a context? It is because the only thing that I had stumbled upon before watching Thandatti was that there was a twist in the tale at the end! So then, does Thandatti manage to impress, lets find out.
Story & Screenplay
Thandatti follows the story of an investigation underway at a funeral. Will the protagonist crack the case in a village which is considered dangerous? This is all you need to know befoee venturing into the drama. The story very cleverly integrates elements of a dark social comedy in an investigative template. The tone of the drama is essentially a comedy which is a far cry from the investigative dramas that you may have watched recently. The screenplay standing at a shade above 2 hours does make for an entertaining watch with a massive twist in the final act.
The drama does open with the introduction of the protagonist who is treated like garbage in his own department. There are streaks of goofiness to his character wherein his seniors often diss him for the very same reason. The writers introduce the first of the many conflicts in the film when a frivolous case of a person having disappeared from the village is taken up by the protagonist(much to the dismay of his superiors). Along the way, he is introduced to the family of the missing person in a flashback that unfolds like a family tree. You are acquainted with the relatives from a village which is considered dangerous even as the reluctant protagonist agrees to solve the case. But the twists do not end there, while the tone of the drama continues to have shades of a dark comedy which would make you laugh.
The proceedings are engaging and entertaining with each passing event of the film. The main conflict of a piece of jewelry being stolen from a funeral is soon introduced where suddenly everyone is a suspect. The writers do very well in switching genres from dramas to a comedy and later a mystery while consistently maintaining the tone of the drama. As a part of the flashback, you are also acquainted with a bunch of characters amidst an incident that points towards a relevant social issue. The jump in the timelines is just a minor detour for the multiple characters in the current setting are investigated, with everyone having a motive. There are elements of dark humour prevalent here given that the setting is a funeral. And within this, you get a fair idea of the behavior of the characters which further raises an important issue(which I can’t reveal to avoid spoilers).
But, it is the final act that takes the cake with the writers making a complete U-Turn and introducing a Herculean twist that I did not see it coming. It was emotional and heart-wrenching given the turn of events and it made for a compelling final act wherein the emotions where palpable. I would draw the line here to avoid spoilers but it sums up a well written screenplay that continues to surprise the viewers.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are decently well written but slightly loud wherein the effort to make you laugh is evident. A little more subtler approach would have been a better creative decision. The music and the BGM blend well with the drama. The cinematography is quite good and captures the essence of the drama through some interesting frames. The editing is quite crisp as well. Director Ram Sangaiah does a fairly good job although I did feel at times that the tone of the comedy just went a little overboard. Had that been controlled, the direction would have been even better. But the humour does land at various places and for that the director needs to be applauded as well.
Performances
The performances are quite good here. Ammu Abhirami as the young Thangaponnu has a charming presence and does a fine job. Rohini as the elder Thangaponnu is first rate as well. Vivek Prasanna as Thanga’s son has his comic timing on point and he is hilarious in his character. Pasupathy is such a brilliant actor and as Subramani, he is wonderful to watch in a character that doesn’t try to be funny yet comes across as one. Yet, his emotions are on point and he delivers an outstanding performance.
Conclusion
Thandatti is a delicious black comedy with a herculean twist that makes for a pretty good watch. Available on Amazon Prime.