Jagame Thandhiram Review: A partly entertaining gangster saga that loses its fizz in the second hour

2.5/5

What's it about:

Jagame Thandhiram, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a gangster saga that tries to look at the world through the lens of an immigrant. The film revolves around Suruli (Dhanush), a small-time goon in Madurai who makes a living through an eatery and is notorious for his petty acts in the town. He shifts his base to London, to serve as a henchman for the city's biggest mafia baron Peter (James Cosmo). Suruli's primary target is Sivadoss (Joju George), Peter's nemesis who's fast emerging as a threat to his business. Suruli, amidst his 'work', has time for love too, falling for a Sri Lankan singer Atilla (Aishwarya Lekshmi). Sparks fly between the two and Suruli loses sight of the larger picture in an attempt to make quick bucks. Will Suruli find a purpose in his existence? 

What's hot:

Karthik Subbaraj's biggest strength as a filmmaker is his ability to marry style and substance with entertainment like a wholesome package. It works both for the masses and those who have a taste for pure cinema too. While he may not have got this mix exactly right with Jagame Thandhiram, there are flashes of brilliance you just can't ignore. The film, especially in the enjoyable first hour, switches effortlessly between dark humour and flashy action as if it were a piece of cake. The action pieces are innovatively designed, more like a celebration and you'd be surprised to know that the film is styled a lot like a musical peppered with catchy song references like 'Sandosha Samrajyam', 'Kaadhodhan Naa Paaduven' and (unsurprisingly) few Rajini numbers including 'Siva Sambho' and 'Oruvan Oruvan'. 

Additionally, Suruli's spirited characterisation brings so much joy to the proceedings. He doesn't take himself seriously at all and yet you can't undermine his cheekiness to get out of tricky situations. It's hard to also separate Suruli from Dhanush's terrific screen presence. As an actor, he is so comfortable and secure in his shoes, drifting between the so-called massiness in his part and taking the story forward in the need of the hour. Beyond the notoriousness in the character, you spot a man-child who's yet to come of age. It takes a sensitive actor like Dhanush to reflect the dual dimension of the character and it's impossible to take your eyes off him when he's around. No wonder that the filmmaker earlier considered Suruli as one of the titles for the movie. 

The dialogues are the lifeline of the film - they provide an instantaneous high and score well on purpose too. The free-spirited conversations between the chef Murugesan and Suruli are the best of the lot, wrapped like a sugar-coated pill, that conveys hard truths with a pinch of humour. Jagame Thandhiram, when it works well, beautifully explores the idea of home (and homelessness), how it's a place where one isn't necessarily born but finds a reason to be alive. Santhosh Narayanan's music yet again has that earthiness giving you a sense of the soil and is hep enough to add flavour to the masala moments too. The composer goes berserk with the action sequences with his peppy score. 

The gorgeously shot film desperately relies on Dhanush to salvage the proceedings, though it's by no means a one-man show. James Cosmo brings elegance and stateliness to his antagonist act. His authoritarian presence helps us ignore the character's one-dimensional portrayal. Aishwarya Lekshmi is almost absent in the first hour but makes up for that in the latter half with a sensitive performance when the story significantly revolves around her. The supporting cast is excellent, be it Joju George, Kalaiyarasan, Vadivukkarasi or Soundarraja. 

What's not:

The film has all the ingredients to make for a paisa-vasool entertainer but has no clue to know where to stop. Karthik Subbaraj gets a little too greedy in celebrating Dhanush's presence, glorifying the Rajini-isms and doesn't do justice to the film's main issue (the life of immigrants). Jagame Thandhiram feels a lot like an extended documentary on the Sri Lankan civil war and the struggles of immigrants to make their mark in an alien land. The flashback sequence doesn't add any value to the narrative at all. It's a shame that the film settles for an easy, convenient solution to a complex social issue. 

Aishwarya Lekshmi's character certainly deserved more meat. The film reduces her to an excuse to discuss the plight of immigrants. The expansive climactic action sequence is an indulgence at best which would've worked better for a theatrical cut than a Netflix release. The effort to justify Suruli's transformation is only partly convincing. Jagame Thandhiram, much like the director's earlier film Petta, suffers from the second-half syndrome and could have been shorter by at least 40 minutes. 

Verdict:

Jagame Thandhiram is high on intent though it loses its focus due to an indulgent narrative that's designed to celebrate Dhanush's persona. The film is partly entertaining when it doesn't take itself seriously, more so in the first hour as an action-comedy. The flabby latter half, though not without its occasional sparkle, spoils the fun.