Thudarum (2025) Movie ft Mohanlal – Bollyflix

Thudarum brings back Malayalam cinema’s beloved duo Mohanlal and Shobana after 16 years since their last film together. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, this 2025 drama reunites the iconic pair in a compelling story about determination and family bonds.

Set in the beautiful hill town of Ranni, Kerala, the film features an impressive cast including veteran director Bharathiraja, Prakash Varma, and Binu Pappu. The movie showcases stunning visuals captured by cinematographer Shaji Kumar with music by Jakes Bejoy.

Thudarum Actor Name

Plot and Story

The story follows Shanmughan (Mohanlal), a humble taxi driver who treasures his old Ambassador car above everything else. When a misunderstanding leads to his car being seized by the police, he becomes determined to get it back at any cost.

What starts as a simple conflict transforms into a complex tale of justice and consequences. The screenplay reminds me of Drishyam in its setup – an ordinary man facing extraordinary circumstances that test his limits.

Cast Performance

Mohanlal delivers another fantastic performance as the determined taxi driver. His portrayal of Shanmughan feels authentic and relatable, showing why he remains one of Malayalam cinema’s finest actors.

Shobana’s return to Malayalam films is impressive. She brings emotional depth to her role and recreates the magical chemistry with Mohanlal that made them such a beloved pair.

Prakash Varma stands out as the villain. His performance balances menace perfectly without going overboard, making him a memorable antagonist.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Tharun Moorthy’s direction shows his growth as a filmmaker. He attempts to balance commercial entertainment with meaningful storytelling, though sometimes the mass appeal overshadows the thriller elements.

The cinematography beautifully captures Kerala’s scenic locations across Ranni, Vagamon, and Thodupuzha. The film took 99 shooting days across multiple locations, showing the team’s dedication to visual quality.

Jakes Bejoy’s background score enhances the emotional moments effectively. The music complements the narrative without being overwhelming.

Critical Reception and Ratings

The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The Indian Express gave it 4/5 stars, praising it as one of the finest Indian revenge thrillers with excellent technical and creative aspects.

IMDb rates the film at 7.8/10, showing strong audience appreciation. However, some regional critics were more moderate in their ratings.

Critics appreciated the strong performances and technical excellence but noted that formulaic elements prevent it from being truly groundbreaking.

Box Office Performance

Thudarum performed well during its 40-day theatrical run. While it was a blockbuster in theaters, the OTT response has been more mixed according to recent reports.

The film’s success can be attributed to Mohanlal’s star power and audience curiosity about his reunion with Shobana.

What I Liked

From my viewing, several aspects stood out positively. Mohanlal and Shobana’s reunion creates genuine emotional connection that feels natural and unforced.

The supporting cast, especially Prakash Varma, delivers solid performances that elevate the overall experience. I found the multi-layered screenplay engaging, with well-developed characters that feel real.

The beautiful cinematography showcasing Kerala’s landscapes adds visual appeal to the narrative.

Areas for Improvement

While I enjoyed the film, certain elements could have been better. The occasional reliance on mass entertainment tropes sometimes drowns out the thriller aspects.

Some pacing issues in the middle portions slow down the narrative momentum. The film also follows certain formulaic elements that make it predictable at times.

Final Verdict

Thudarum succeeds in delivering a competent thriller with strong emotional depth. While it may not reach the heights of classics like Drishyam, it offers solid entertainment value for both Mohanlal fans and general audiences.

The film reminds viewers of Mohanlal’s golden era collaborations and showcases why he remains relevant in contemporary cinema. Despite some formulaic elements, it’s a worthy addition to his impressive filmography.

I would recommend Thudarum for Malayalam cinema lovers who appreciate character-driven stories with strong performances. It delivers reliable entertainment with emotional resonance that makes it worth watching.

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars