Genre: Action/Crime
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 2023
“Pathu Thala,” a Tamil-language neo-noir action thriller released in 2023, is directed by Obeli N. Krishna and produced by Studio Green and Pen Studios. It stars Silambarasan, Gautham Karthik, Priya Bhavani Shankar, and others. This film is a remake of the 2017 Kannada film “Mufti,” and follows the story of AG Ravanan “AGR,” a powerful crime boss, and Guna, an undercover cop posing as Sakthivel, who infiltrates AGR’s organization. Principal photography began in August 2021 after initial delays and director changes, and the film was shot in various locations including Chennai and Karnataka, featuring music by A. R. Rahman.
The narrative centers on the mysterious disappearance of Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Arunmozhi Raja, which sparks an investigation into AGR’s criminal empire. Sakthivel, working undercover as Guna, seeks to gather evidence against AGR while navigating the dangerous underworld. As tensions rise, AGR’s involvement in various crimes, including illegal sand mining and political manipulation, is revealed. Guna’s mission becomes complicated by his past relationships and the volatile dynamics within AGR’s gang.
The climax sees AGR confronting his political rival Naanjilar, leading to a violent showdown. Despite AGR’s criminal activities, he gains public sympathy for his charitable acts, complicating Guna’s position. In the end, Guna, whose real identity as Sakthivel is known to AGR, lies about the evidence against AGR, resulting in AGR’s release. The film received positive reviews and was a commercial success, grossing ₹55 crore at the box office.