Desiya Thalivar Tamil Movie Review: Ilayaraja’s Music and J. M. Basheer’s Performance Shine in This Inspiring Biopic

Desiya Thalivar Tamil Movie Review: Ilayaraja’s Music and J. M. Basheer’s Performance Shine in This Inspiring Biopic

 

“Desiya Thalivar,” directed by R. Aravindaraj, is a powerful Tamil biopic that celebrates the life of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, one of Tamil Nadu’s most respected freedom fighters and social reformers. The director, who has also written the screenplay and dialogues, presents the film with sincerity and deep admiration for the leader’s legacy. The background score by Maestro Ilayaraja beautifully enhances the emotional and patriotic tone of the story, making it both inspiring and soulful for the audience.

In the lead role, J. M. Basheer shines as Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, delivering a performance filled with intensity and authenticity. His physical resemblance, body language, and powerful dialogue delivery bring the great leader to life on screen. Director Imayam Bharathiraja, playing a judge, lends grace and maturity to his role, while Datto Radharavi, as an advocate, impresses with his trademark confidence and strong screen presence, adding depth to the courtroom scenes.

The film takes viewers through key chapters of Thevar’s remarkable journey, from his participation in India’s independence movement alongside Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, to his continuous fight for social equality and justice. The scenes featuring Gandhiji, Nehru, and Bose are crafted with visual precision, and the actors’ resemblance to these historical figures is striking, just like the images we all remember from our school books. The inclusion of K. Kamaraj’s character adds historical weight, though it could have been explored with more dialogues and screen time.

One of the film’s most sensitive moments focuses on the accusation that Muthuramalinga Thevar killed an innocent man named Immanuel, who belonged to another caste. The story handles this situation with maturity and realism, showing how Thevar was imprisoned and later released after legal proceedings proved his innocence. The final part of the film depicts his peaceful spiritual transformation, highlighting his evolution into a Siddha stage, symbolizing enlightenment and self-realization.

Technically, “Desiya Thalivar” is a well-crafted period film. The cinematography captures the era’s historical charm, while the art direction and costumes add authenticity to every frame. Ilayaraja’s music once again becomes the emotional backbone of the movie, blending perfectly with each dramatic and patriotic sequence. Director R. Aravindaraj’s vision and dedication are evident throughout, even though a few scenes could have carried stronger emotional weight.

Overall, “Desiya Thalivar” is a heartfelt and respectful tribute to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. With J. M. Basheer’s powerful performance, Ilayaraja’s timeless music, and R. Aravindaraj’s honest storytelling, this Tamil biopic succeeds in celebrating the courage, leadership, and spiritual depth of one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest icons.