ALANGU MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Gunanidhi, Kaali Venkat, Appani Sarath, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sreerekha
Director: SP Sakthivel
Rating: 3.5/5
Alangu is a raw and reasonably gripping thriller that explores a tense man-versus-nature conflict set against the backdrop of a tribal community on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border. At its core is Dharman (Gunanidhi), an ordinary, uneducated youngster whose life takes a sharp turn when he grows attached to a stray dog. Their bond becomes the emotional heart of the film, as they’re thrust into a dangerous situation instigated by Augustine (Chemban Vinod Jose), a local heavyweight furious about dogs that threaten his daughter’s well-being.
SP Sakthivel’s direction keeps the narrative moving, although the screenplay sometimes drifts into predictable territory. The initial scenes do a commendable job establishing the setting—lush forests, volatile border tensions—and immediately draw you into Dharman’s world. Gunanidhi impresses in a role that demands empathy more than heroics, and Kaali Venkat offers reliable support, delivering a couple of standout emotional moments. As Augustine, Chemban Vinod is introduced with much hype, but his arc feels slightly undercooked. Appani Sarath’s rage-filled performance as Philip (Augustine’s henchman) injects the film with periodic jolts of intensity.
The cinematography excels at capturing both the scenic beauty of the terrain and the looming sense of danger lurking within it. Ajesh’s background score further elevates the tension, especially in the nail-biting chases and confrontations involving the dog. There are a few raw, graphic sequences that reinforce the film’s gritty tone, though they might be off-putting for some viewers. Despite these rough edges, Alangu stays committed to exploring a delicate bond between man and dog without overindulging in melodrama.
While the film doesn’t break new ground in its survival-thriller approach, it does enough to hold your attention, particularly in the quieter moments that highlight Dharman’s vulnerability and his unwavering dedication to his canine companion. If you’re in the mood for a grounded, unpolished story about loyalty and survival, Alangu mostly delivers.