After delivering the industry hit Thudarum earlier this year, Mohanlal returns to the big screen with Hridayapoorvam, a film that had immense buzz even before release. What amplified the anticipation was his reunion with veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, a name synonymous with heartwarming family entertainers. Their collaborations have struck gold in the past, with Ennum Eppozhum in 2015 being their most recent outing together. This time, Mohanlal is joined by Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Prathap, Sangita Madhavan Nair, Siddique, Lalu Alex, and Janardhanan in pivotal roles, with the film also facing a clash during Onam from big releases like Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, and Maine Pyar Kiya. The question was whether Hridayapoorvam could live up to its hype and deliver a memorable experience?
The story begins with a sequence of Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal) undergoing a heart transplant surgery, while his worried brother-in-law O.K. Panicker (Siddique) awaits news about his condition. Post-surgery, the narrative shifts to Sandeep’s recovery phase, where Jerry (Sangeeth Prathap), a male nurse, is assigned to care for him. As Sandeep slowly resumes his life, he finds himself invited to Pune by Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of his heart donor, for her engagement. What begins as a simple journey takes an unexpected turn when he gets stuck, leading to a two-and-a-half-hour ride filled with laughter, emotion, and tender moments.
At its core, Hridayapoorvam tells a fairly straightforward and even familiar story. But what makes it stand out is its engaging screenplay, penned by Sonu T.P. The first half is laced with humour, carried largely by the delightful banter between Mohanlal and Sangeeth Prathap, while the second half shifts gears to explore more emotional territory without losing its light-hearted touch. The film strikes the right balance between laughter and sentiment, ensuring that the narrative never feels stale or predictable. Sathyan Anthikad once again proves why he is regarded as a master of feel-good family dramas. His ability to craft films that connect with audiences across generations shines through in Hridayapoorvam. Despite working within a genre he has explored for decades, the film never feels outdated. Instead, it carries a timeless charm that resonates with today’s audience just as much as his classics did in the past. With this film, Sathyan reaffirms his place as one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved storytellers with his combination with Mohanlal striking the mark yet again.
Mohanlal, meanwhile, continues his triumphant run in 2025. After weathering a difficult phase in his career, he has now scored what could very well be a hat-trick of hits this year. As Sandeep, he delivers yet another effortless performance, seamlessly switching between humour, vulnerability, and gravitas. His ability to elevate even the simplest of moments makes Hridayapoorvam a treat for his fans and a reminder of why he remains the face of Malayalam cinema. Sangeeth Prathap, who broke through with Premalu, shines brightly in his supporting role. His impeccable comic timing and natural ease bring freshness to the film, and his chemistry with Mohanlal strikes pure gold. Malavika Mohanan is well-cast as Haritha, delivering a graceful performance that grounds the narrative in its many moments. Siddique, Lalu Alex, and Janardhanan lend their usual reliability to their roles, while Basil Joseph makes a memorable cameo appearance. The ensemble cast works beautifully together, creating the warm, lived-in world that is so essential for this kind of film.
Technically, Hridayapoorvam is enriched by Anu Moothedath’s cinematography, which captures the film’s mood perfectly with pleasing visuals and vibrant colour grading. Each frame feels warm and inviting, complementing the narrative’s tone. The music, composed by Justin Prabhakaran, is another highlight. His songs blend seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing rather than interrupting the story’s flow. The background score, subtle yet effective, accentuates both the humorous and emotional beats, lifting the overall experience. Justin’s contribution ensures that the film not only entertains but also lingers in memory.
In conclusion, Hridayapoorvam is a classic Sathyan Anthikad-style entertainer that strikes all the right chords. It makes you laugh, touches your heart, and leaves you with a smile by the end. For Mohanlal fans, it’s a particularly special outing, with the superstar delivering yet another stellar performance in what could be his third box office success of the year. While the film faces a clash three other releases this Onam, its family-friendly appeal, coupled with Mohanlal’s enduring star power, gives it every chance of emerging a blockbuster.
Rating: 4/5.