Thankamani: A Gripping Tale of Love, Crime, and Political Intrigue

Dileep’s latest film, ‘Thankamani,’ explores a real-life incident in Kerala’s history, combining elements of mystery, love, and family drama. With commendable performances and a fresh perspective on the story, this crime drama is a captivating watch.

Thankamani: A Gripping Tale of Love, Crime, and Political Intrigue

Dileep’s latest film, ‘Thankamani,’ explores a real-life incident in Kerala’s history, combining elements of mystery, love, and family drama. With commendable performances and a fresh perspective on the story, this crime drama is a captivating watch.

( Credit to: Onmanorama )

The Plot

The story revolves around Abel Joshua Mathen, played by Dileep, who returns from the Gulf to his hometown of Thankamani. However, he finds the town plagued by drug problems, causing his girlfriend Anitha’s father to disapprove of their marriage. Undeterred, the couple elopes and begins a new life together. The film seamlessly transitions between the 1980s and the present, with the only noticeable difference being the characters’ hairstyles.

The Characters

Dileep’s portrayal of Abel Joshua Mathen is heartfelt, bringing depth and emotion to his character. His chemistry with Neetha Pillai, who plays Anitha, adds a spark to their on-screen romance. However, some may find Dileep’s age a limiting factor in the believability of his romantic scenes. Neetha Pillai’s performance as a demure village belle is a stark contrast to her previous role as a fiery police officer, but she delivers it with finesse. Pranitha Subhash shines as the assertive police officer, Arpitha, providing an exceptional performance.

The Storyline

‘Thankamani’ delves into a real-life infamous incident that left a dark stain on Kerala’s political history. The film adopts a non-linear narrative, presenting itself as an investigative procedural led by Arpitha, who is tasked with solving the murder case of a prominent Kerala politician. However, she only has a set of clues from the incident that occurred in October 1986. The movie also explores the theme of police brutality against the villagers of Thankamani, which is depicted with gripping intensity.

Director’s Approach

Ratheesh Reghunandan, known for his well-received domestic thriller ‘Udal,’ takes a bolder approach in ‘Thankamani.’ Unlike other films loosely based on the same incident, he offers a fresh perspective on the story. The scenes depicting police brutality are executed with precision, showcasing the director’s skill in creating impactful visuals. However, the film occasionally relies on predictable tropes, which can hinder the overall viewing experience.

Conclusion

‘Thankamani’ is a gripping tale that combines love, crime, and political intrigue against the backdrop of a real-life incident. Dileep, Neetha Pillai, and Pranitha Subhash deliver commendable performances, bringing their characters to life. While the film may lack mind-blowing surprises, it offers a fresh perspective on a dark chapter in Kerala’s history. Ratheesh Reghunandan’s directorial approach and well-executed scenes of police brutality make ‘Thankamani’ a compelling watch for fans of crime dramas.