Language : Malayalam
Director : Tharun Moorthy
Writers : K.R. Sunil, Tharun Moorthy
Cast : Mohanlal, Shobana, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali
Genre : Drama
In Theatres Near You
“When the Elephant Walks, the Forest Walks Along with It”
Tharun just gets emotions. His films always manage to tap into the human core and hit you right in the feels, and his third directorial, Thudarum, is the one I’ve been waiting for.
Mohanlal, under a capable director with a solid script that actually lets him breathe and be that vintage powerhouse we all know and love?
Yes, please.
No overcooked masala. No gimmicks. Just simple, heartfelt cinema, with a grounded hero we can’t take our eyes off. Right?!
If your thoughts align with mine, then the time has arrived!
Now, let’s be honest; the story isn’t exactly fresh or unpredictable. We’ve seen similar arcs before.
But that’s not why Thudarum is the talk of the town. The magic lies elsewhere.
I’ll keep it simple; no spoilers.
A Tribute to an Actor, Not Just His Stardom
Thudarum is pure fan service, not to stardom, but to the actor.The story revolves around BENZ a.k.a. Shanmugham, a man with a warm family of six (including two adorable dogs) and a beloved vintage black Ambassador, which he treasures like a second heart.
From the very first frame, the film pulls you in. The title card brings a sense of awe, and then, suddenly, we’re immersed in a heartfelt family drama. But just when you think you’ve settled in, it shifts gears, fast. What starts as a tender domestic tale morphs into something intense, emotional, and gripping by the interval.
Writing That Breathes, Performances That Soar
I’ve always craved a well-written villain in Malayalam cinema in recent years, and finally, here it is.
Prakash Varma stands toe-to-toe with Mohanlal, delivering a performance that’s nothing short of remarkable. He’s a true antagonist, not just a plot device.
Welcome to the industry. We need more of your imprint.
The script is sturdy and smart, Co-written by Tharun and Sunik KS,especially when it comes to the character arcs of Mohanlal and Prakash Varma.
Crafted With Care: Visuals, Sound & Rhythm
The latter half of the movie picks up a raw, unpredictable energy, amplified by Shaji Kumar’s use of intimate close-ups that intensify the emotional beats.
Jakes Bejoy cooks well, especially with the titles and the folk-inspired background score, which is evocative, heightening every moment and pushing the emotions even deeper.
Credit to the editors, the late Nishadh Yusuf and Shafeeque, who shaped the emotional trajectory of Shanmugham with sharp, purposeful cuts. The pacing and rhythm of the narrative owe so much to their touch.
Let the Legacy Reign
Thudarum doesn’t try to be unpredictable or fresh; but it doesn’t need to be.
It goes beyond expectations by doing what matters: delivering emotion, craft, and Mohanlal in all his grounded glory.
Every single person in the cast and crew brings their A-game, contributing like that extra slice of bread you didn’t know you needed, both technically and emotionally.
Thudarum is kind of an emotional rollercoaster for me, the Absolute Mohanlal Supremacy we’ve been waiting for ages!
Verdict : 6/7 stars
Brilliant.
Trivia
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film has been inspired by a photograph taken by noted photographer KR Sunil who gets story and screenplay credits for the movie.
