Magizh Thirumeni’s crime dramas are always no nonsense operations, and he’s one director who always gets to the baseline of the crime that he presents and has mostly delivered on all fronts. With Kalagathalaivan, his latest film, the director explores yet another new crime in the corporate sector.
Kalagathalaivan has Udhaynidhi Stalin playing Thiru, a man who works in a corporate company. On the other hand, Arav plays a man who along with his gang, tracks down and nails people for money. The film’s story-line is based on how these two characters meet, and what brings them together. Interestingly, Magizh Thirumeni’s latest film is a crime thriller without any gangsters in the frame, and he catapults his story-line effectively through the use of research, well written characters and a clean narrative that has its routine elements but is devoid of any needless elements or commercial compromises. Even the love track between Udhay and Niddhi Agerwal which seems unnecessary at first, finds its meaning later on which shows how Magizh Thirumeni has tried to deceive the audience through his story-line. The film’s best moments are definitely the interval block and the climax, which are superbly planned and shot.
Udhaynidhi Stalin has matured big time as an actor and has given in a very good performance in the lead role. Though his expressions are limited due to the demand of the script, he does a fabulous job by playing to the requirements of the script.
On the other hand, Arav as the villain is menacing and does a superb job. Nidhi Agerwal has the third most important role in the film and she has contributed very well to the film until the very end. Kalaga Thalaivan also has a short but important part for Kalaiarasan, who has impressed on the whole.
The film’s technicalities are just about decent – cinematography is fine, the edit is a bit warmed out and the background score is pale at parts. But Magizh Thirumeni ensures that none of these hamper the overall effect of the film.
Magizh Thirumeni is known for his fresh brand of thrillers that bring us something different every time. Kalaga Thalaivan may not be his best but is still a very compelling thriller that keeps the momentum going until the end. Kalaga Thalaivan Movie Review by Siddarth Srinivas