Thalainagaram 2 review: Dhorai’s directorial has a promising start, but falters half way

Director Dhorai, who is best known for having made critically-acclaimed films like Mugavaree (2000), showcases a completely different style of filmmaking with Thalainagaram 2.

Although Thalainagaram 2 is a sequel to the popular hit film Thalai Nagaram (2006), it has a completely different story.

The only two common factors between the films are the character “Right”, played by director Sundar C, and the gory, blood-curdling action sequences, which were aplenty in the first part as well.

Before we discuss the film any further, here is the synopsis

Synopsis

In Thalainagaram 2, three notorious gangsters —Nanjunda, Vamsi and Maaran — vie with one another to gain control of the city of Chennai.

While one controls north Chennai, the other two control central and south Chennai, respectively.

Each one of these criminals has an illegal business that is different from the other two. What’s more, they each have a unique style of functioning.

The only thing that they have in common is their ambition of becoming the uncrowned king of Chennai when it comes to illegal activities.

It is under these circumstances that one day, Nanjunda’s boys kidnap actress Sitara (Palak Lalwani) who is in a relationship with Vamsi. Nanjunda sexually assaults Sitara, after whom he has been lusting for a while.

Nanjunda’s advisers, who are looking for ways to eliminate his rival gangs, suggest that he introduce a new person into the conflict to confuse his rivals.

They look to pin the blame for their crimes on Right (Sundar C), a former rowdy sheeter who has now given up rowdyism and turned into a real estate agent.

The plan works and the other two gangs now set their sights on finishing off Right.

How a reluctant Right comes back strongly to finish off all three gangsters, beating each one at their own game is what Thalainagaram 2 is all about.

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Falters in second half

To be fair to Dhorai, he does a neat job of narrating the story to audiences.

Each of the three gangsters’ characters in the conflict is well-defined, and the conflict too is interesting. In fact, the Thalainagaram 2 proceeds at a brisk pace right till the interval.

However, the second half is not as impressive. This is because Sitara is seen showing a romantic interest in Right.

This seems cinematic and takes away the focus from the intense conflict going on between three gangsters and a righteous man who has been unnecessarily dragged into it.

Also, the gory manner in which some of the action sequences have been picturised doesn’t help Dhorai’s cause of making an engaging film.

Thalai Nagaram 1 worked big time because of the immensely successful Vadivelu-Sundar C comedy sequences it had.

However, Thalainagaram 2 does not have this factor at all. It is completely devoid of humour and has only grim and gory action sequences to offer.

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Performances

On the bright side, Thalainagaram 2 has some good performances to offer.

Sundar C as the measured but majestic Right, does a clean job. In fact, he alone carries the film on his shoulders.

Providing him with some support is Thambi Ramaiah, who plays the role of Manik Bhai.

“Baahubali” Prabhakar as Nanjunda, too, impresses with his fear-inducing performance.

Ghibran’s music is not up to the mark. Its loudness, especially in the action sequences, only gives you a headache.

Final take

To cut a long story short, Thalainagaram 2 gets off to an impressive start but it fails to keep you interested right to the end.

(Views expressed are personal.)