A captivating thriller that reveals the depths of vengeance

Movie review: Thanal

Cast: Atharvaa, Ashwin Kakumanu and Lavanya Tripathi

Director: Ravindra Madhava

Rating: 7/10

THANAL starts slow and gradually tightens its grip, pulling viewers into a dark, twist-laden narrative that peaks in its second half.

What initially appears to be a straightforward investigation into a multi-bank heist soon reveals itself to be a layered tale of vengeance, with the lead character Akhilan navigating murky backroads - both literal and emotional - as he uncovers the true motives behind the chaos.

The story follows Akhilan (Atharvaa), a newly-recruited police officer awaiting his formal posting. Alongside five fellow recruits, he stumbles into an area while pursuing a suspicious individual and is reeled into a dark world of vengeance where they are hunted down by Vineeth (Ashwin Kakumanu), a man with a deeply personal vendetta against the police force.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to shift gears midway - what starts as a procedural drama morphs into a psychological thriller, with the antagonist’s motives slowly unraveling to reveal a chilling backstory of loss and retribution.

Atharvaa delivers a solid performance, portraying Akhilan’s evolution from a wide-eyed recruit to a determined survivor with finesse. His emotional range and physicality in action sequences lend credibility to the role. Ashwin Kakumanu, in his debut as a villain, is a revelation. His portrayal of Vineeth is cold and calculating, yet simmering with emotional intensity. His deadpan expressions and quiet menace make him a compelling antagonist - welcome to the dark side, Ashwin.

Lavanya Tripathi, while competent, is underutiliSed. Her role serves more as a narrative anchor than a driver of plot, leaving her character somewhat sidelined.

Justin Prabhakaran’s background score is one of the film’s highlights. Soulful and atmospheric, it elevates key moments and adds emotional depth to the narrative. The music album carries his signature style - melodic, haunting, and memorable. Debutant director Ravindra Madhava may not reinvent the thriller genre, but he understands its mechanics well. His direction shines in the second half, where pacing, tension, and visual storytelling come together to create a gripping experience.

The screenplay could benefit from tighter editing in the first act, but the payoff is worth the wait. It’s a film that rewards patience, offering a satisfying blend of suspense, emotion, and action. While not groundbreaking, it’s a commendable debut and a worthy addition to the Tamil thriller genre. Catch it streaming on Simply South.

Darshni Pather is an RJ on Southside FM as co-host of the magazine show, Sunday Morning Spice, and hosts the Tamil Top 20.

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