“Thalaimai Seyalagam.” web series Review
Fifteen years ago in Jharkhand, a woman lay on the ground, brutally tortured and seemingly defeated. In a moment of sheer defiance, she grabbed a small ax and struck her tormentor, setting the stage for Zee5’s gripping new political crime thriller, “Thalaimai Seyalagam.”
The series transitions to a contemporary courtroom drama, swiftly plunging into the intricate world of Tamil Nadu politics. Chief Minister Arunachalam (Kishore) finds himself embroiled in a corruption scandal. Unlike the typical villain, Arunachalam is depicted as a decent man ensnared by power-hungry relatives. His elder daughter, Amudha (Ramya Nambessan), and his son-in-law, Hariharan (Niroop Nandakumar), are both vying for the Chief Minister’s chair, each plotting their own path to power.
A colorful cast of characters fills this political landscape, each with their own agendas. Selvapuyiarasan (Santhana Bharathi), a loyal minister, always acts in the best interest of his boss. Opportunistic lawyers Krishnamoorthy and Rangarajan (YG Mahendran) see a chance to exploit the situation for personal gain, targeting Amudha, Hari, and Selva separately to destabilize the ruling party. Kotravai (Sriya Reddy), a shrewd journalist and political advisor, adds another layer of intrigue, balancing her professional duties with her relationship with her daughter Maya (Sarah Black), who resents her mother’s political maneuvers.
Outside this power struggle is Durga (Kani Kusruti), a fierce character who seeks Kotravai’s help with a seized shipment and doesn’t shy away from using violence. CBI officer Nawaz Khan (Aditya Menon) is determined to uncover the truth behind the events in Jharkhand, unknowingly closing in on Durga. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu DCP Manikandan (Bharath) pursues Kotravai and Durga for his own reasons, adding another level of suspense.
As the series reaches its climax with the verdict day in the Andhra Court and the question of succession at the Chief Minister’s house, an unexpected twist unfolds. The series adeptly juggles its various storylines, though some elements feel somewhat disjointed. Despite early scenes hinting at a larger conspiracy, Nawaz Khan’s storyline initially seems disconnected but promises to make more sense in future seasons.
The political intrigue is compelling, with Arunachalam evolving from a passive figurehead to a more assertive leader. Kotravai, with her strategic moves, emerges as a captivating character. The series also includes sharp commentary on current affairs through several powerful speeches.
“Thalaimai Seyalagam” occasionally dips into melodrama typical of Tamil serials, with some scenes dragging and dialogues becoming repetitive. However, the strong performances stand out. Kishore delivers a powerful portrayal of the Chief Minister, Sriya Reddy captivates as Kotravai, and Kani Kusruti brings intensity to Durga.
Vaanthabalan’s vision is evident throughout “Thalaimai Seyalagam,” offering a promising premise despite some predictable plot twists and extended screenplays. The series showcases strong performances and moments of interest, balancing its thrilling narrative with a touch of Tamil serial charm.
Cast:-Kishore, Sriya Reddy, Bharath, Ramya Nambessan, Aditya Menon, Kani Kusruti, Niroop Nandakumar, Darsha Gupta, Sarah Black, Siddharth Vipin, YGM, Santhana Bharathi, Kavitha Bharathi
Director:-G. Vasanthabalan
Rating:-…3.7/5