Gripping thriller
Thanal, directed by Ravindra Madhava, is a tense and engaging thriller that delves into revenge, justice, and survival. The film begins with a high-stakes police encounter in 2016, where officers take down a gang of slum-based bank robbers. A year later, a mysterious stranger, played by Ashwin Kakamanu, starts targeting these officers one by one, seeking revenge. Amid this, rookie cop Atharvaa Murali experiences a thrilling and dangerous first night on duty, caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Atharvaa delivers a commendable performance, balancing charm, vulnerability, and grit as the rookie cop. Ashwin Kakamanu, however, dominates the screen with his intense portrayal of a vengeance-driven man, giving the film emotional weight. Lavanya Tripathi adds elegance to her role, providing subtle support to the lead characters.
Technically, the film impresses with Sakthi Saravanan’s striking cinematography that captures the gritty urban settings and claustrophobic tunnels, enhancing the tension. Production design is solid, creating an immersive environment. The second half builds strong suspense with well-executed action sequences. Some subplots, like the romance and comic relief, could have been trimmed, but they don’t detract from the main story. The climax delivers satisfying twists and strong performances, making Thanal a gripping thriller for fans of intense, action-driven narratives.