Thangalaan, Pa Ranjith's action-adventure film set during the British Raj, opened to mixed reviews despite its star-studded cast. Vikram, in a demanding role encompassing five characters, leads the ensemble alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, and Daniel Caltagirone. The narrative follows a tribal leader's conflict with a sorceress, ignited after he aids a British general in a gold-related operation. Initially titled Chiyaan 61, marking Vikram's 61st lead role, the film's production spanned several months across Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Madurai, and Karnataka, concluding in early July 2023. G V Prakash Kumar's musical score, A Kishor Kumar's cinematography, and Selva RK's editing contributed to the film's technical aspects. Released on August 15, 2024, in standard, 3D, and EPIQ formats, Thangalaan's theatrical run coincided with India's Independence Day. Critical reception was divided. While Vikram's performance, alongside those of Thiruvothu and Caltagirone, received acclaim, along with the storyline, action sequences, and background score, concerns were raised over historical inconsistencies, visual effects, and the screenplay. Box office performance proved disappointing, grossing 72-100 crore against a budget estimated between 100-150 crore, ultimately classifying it as a commercial failure.