- Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The film is set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka and is based on real events from the 18th and 19th centuries
By: India Weekly
WHEN approached for the Tamil period drama Thangalaan, Malavika Mohanan wasn’t initially aware of the story or script.
However, she was drawn to the project due to her trust in Pa Ranjith as a filmmaker known for writing strong roles for women.
Playing the role of Aarathi, a fierce character in the film, allowed her to step away from the one-dimensional roles she had previously portrayed.
The film, set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka and based on real events from the 18th and 19th centuries, will be released in Hindi on September 6.
Mohanan described her character as a challenging role that required significant improvisation and intense preparation, often guided by Ranjith’s specific direction.
“It’s been a long and challenging process, unlike anything that I’ve ever done,” she noted, referring to the effort it took to embody Aarathi’s ferocity and wildness.
The film, released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam on August 15, has already grossed over ₹ 1 billion globally.
Thangalaan, produced by Studio Green Film’s K. E. Gnanavelraja, also features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Pasupathy, and Daniel Caltagirone.
Mohanan expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback the film has received from both audiences and critics, highlighting the “crazy numbers” it opened to worldwide.
