Ivan Thanthiran

Ivan Thanthiran is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action thriller movie, written and directed by R. Kannan, featuring a star-studded line-up. It has actor Gautham Karthik in the lead, alongside Shraddha Srinath and the ever-entertaining RJ Balaji playing key roles, with Madhan Bob and others setting the stage for a captivating plot.

The center-stage character is Sakthi, portrayed by Gautham Karthik, a reverse engineering specialist and a final year engineering student with an impish charm. His character is not a traditional hero; rather, he's a witty, clever chap with a knack for getting in and out of troubles. Sakthi studies in a defunct engineering college where the odds of landing a job after graduation are practically null.

Shraddha Srinath delivers a graceful performance as the female lead, Asha, who is Sakthi’s love interest. Asha's character is painted in layers of a progressive woman working diligently towards her dreams and aspirations, adding depth and introspection to the film.

RJ Balaji adds a touch of humor with his presence as Sakthi’s best friend, Balaji. His comic timing, perfect dialogue delivery, and knack for pulling off witty remarks to lighten every tense moment enriches the storyline, while Balaji's unwavering loyalty to Sakthi becomes a critical element as the plot unfolds.

Madhan Bob plays the antagonist in Ivan Thanthiran. His character, a corrupt politician infamous for his involvement in the education sector, is a stark reminder of archetypal antagonists. His performance unravels the primal conflict when he instigates a scheme against the protagonist.

The plot begins on a high note, depicting Sakthi and Balaji's daily grind – selling consigned technology to various customers. However, the film takes an intense turn when they run into the corrupt politician. From here, the movie takes the audience on a thrilling roller-coaster ride of emotions, suspense, and unforeseen twists and turns.

The primary crux of Ivan Thanthiran revolves around the stark realities that plague educational institutions in India, particularly engineering colleges – corrupt individuals driving the system, unemployment, students' plight, and the importance of imbibing practical knowledge. The movie highlights this abysmal state of affairs through an engaging plot that combines wit, intelligence, and suspense, providing both entertainment and food for thought.

Underlying Sakthi's charm is his iron will and audacity. He, along with his friend Balaji, must muster sheer courage and intelligence to navigate through the web of deceit and corruption. Exceptionally clever in their tactics, Sakthi and Balaji’s journey is seeped in the motif of David versus Goliath, where these ordinary lads challenge their towering adversary standstill.

The technical aspects of the movie are handled well, too, with Thaman S's enthralling background score keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Prasanna Kumar's cinematography also deserves a special mention as it accentuates the feel of the thriller, keeping the audience engaged with the screenplay.

However, Kannan’s Ivan Thanthiran is not just about conflict; it stands as a testament to friendship and loyalty, love and perseverance. The love angle between Sakthi and Asha is tenderly portrayed, infusing romance and emotional depth into an otherwise high-octane ride.

R. Kannan has proven yet again with Ivan Thanthiran that he can weave a captivating narrative that strikes a balance between levity and gravity. His intelligent use of the medium to address a social issue, amalgamated with an entertaining narrative, is truly commendable.

In a nutshell, Ivan Thanthiran is a complete package of entertainment imbued with meaningful dialogue on education, corruption, and student difficulties. It is a story of resilience, friendship, and standing up against the odds that will stick with you, echoing the film's dual entertainment-activity proposition: enlightenment and entertainment.