It’s been a tempestuous life and career. When you are a leader, you know how to control your emotions and not show them openly.

Jayalalitha as said to Simi Garewal

Thalaivii…Shaken and Stirred.

We would observe watching the film either as Thalaivi (Tamil/Telugu) or Thalaivii (Hindi) depending on the language of our choice. Perhaps it should have been titled Thalaivii across the board. I can’t but reckon the twin “i” in the titular transliterated Tamil noun echoed the Roman numeral for number two.

Is the storyteller silently conveying a subtle message that there are two protagonists? One, is the character of Jaya – the crux of the story itself. The other is – the character of MJR (camouflaging the legendary MGR) – eventual protagonist spearheading the finished product. Or, is it implying the twin-leaf symbol of Jaya’s political outfit?  Nevertheless, the film is as interesting and intriguing as the interpretive reasoning behind the title.

Jayalalitha – The very epicenter of an illustrious story arc beginning with successful stint in glossy Tinseltown, transcending to a much celebrated larger-than-life political legacy. When the potential for adaptation is such, you can bet the storyteller has arrows packed in his quiver. Kudos to A L Vijay for picking one that unfolds as his silver bullet – least controversial, yet highly impactful. The premise and plot confines to those boundaries.

When choosing performing arts as medium to tell a period story – art is the torchbearer, aesthetics is the ambassador, and casting is the soul. In Thalaivii, Art and aesthetics beautifully weave in and out from 1960s through the 1980s, aligning to the bygone eras.

Casting, yes the soul! Kudos to AL Vijay, again, for extracting a much desired outcome from the chosen cast. Kangana (Jaya) and Arvind Swamy (MGR) are stellar and magnificent. Kangana is at ease portraying a complex multi-layer character – chirpy, suave, pensive, strong and visionary – aptly portraying the transformation of Jaya from Selvi to Puratchi Thalaivi (transl. Revolutionary Leader). In a marathon of multiple sprints, it is Swamy’s MGR that edges the popular protagonist. Only a deep method acting routine could have produced what we see unfold on screen.  His expression of emotions, body language, screen presence, speech – perfect and impeccable.

In fifty-plus years legacy of Tamil Nādu filmdom and politics MGR continues to be immensely popular and highly influential. Many would have secretly imitated him, many more would have tried their hands at emulating him in street plays and such. Never has anyone attempted to portray the legendary Puratchi Thalaivar (transl. Revolutionary Leader), as-is, on the biggest screen. If there is a biopic of MGR in the future, we now know who must play the lead. Not an “if”, but I strongly believe there should be one made and it’s about time. Such is the unparalleled legacy of a leader who swayed millions.

I think biopics clearly fall into two types – one where you go in and learn about (likes of Gandhi, Malcolm X), and the other where you experience (likes of JFK, Braveheart). While the former expects no prior knowledge, the latter presumes your familiarity with the subject. This edition squarely belongs in the second category. If you have followed the life and legacy of both Jaya and MGR, do watch the Tamil version. It certainly takes you through a journey of stirring experience. Where the film ends, started the journey that convincingly led to emergence of the real Thalaivi (link), fondly called Amma.

“…No one is consistently successful, and no one is a consistent loser.” – Jayalalitha, as said to Karan Thapar (link)