Nearly a month after the mega success of L2: Empuraan, Mohanlal returns to the big screen with Thudarum, directed by the promising Tharun Moorthy. Despite minimal promotions, the film generated impressive buzz, thanks to its intriguing trailer, nostalgic songs, and the return of the iconic Mohanlal-Shobana pairing after 21 years. Known for his breakout films Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, Tharun Moorthy attempts something larger in scale and emotion here with Kerala’s biggest superstar. How successful has the young filmmaker been?
The film revolves around Benz, also known as Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a retired stuntman who now works as a taxi driver in his beloved black Ambassador car. He lives a simple life with his wife Lalitha (Shobana) and their two teenage children. Trouble begins when his son Pavi (Thomas Mathew) and his friends take the car out for a joyride and meet with an accident. What follows is a suspense-filled tale of how Shanmugham goes to great lengths to protect his family from the brewing issues.
The story opens with a landslide rescue operation, setting a serious and grounded tone. From there, the screenplay slowly but effectively draws us into Shanmugham’s world. The first half takes its time, using subtle humour, nostalgic references to Mohanlal’s older films, and light-hearted family moments to build the characters and stakes. While it may feel slow initially, it all pays off when the second half kicks in with tension, twists, and some brilliantly written scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Writers K.R. Sunil and Tharun Moorthy strike a fine balance between family emotion and suspense, while cleverly incorporating mass moments without breaking the realism.
Tharun Moorthy proves once again why he is a name to watch in Malayalam cinema. With Thudarum, he crafts an emotional thriller with a grounded core, while giving fans the thrill of seeing Mohanlal in a powerful yet relatable role. While the film draws parallels with Drishyam in its structure and mood, Tharun ensures that Thudarum has its own identity, blending emotion, suspense and action in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. The action blocks, especially towards the end, are well-staged and give Mohanlal ample room to shine without going overboard. Technically, the film is top-notch. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography brings the screenplay to life with beautiful visuals, smooth camera movements, and immersive slow-motion sequences. The drone shots and night scenes, in particular, are handled with flair, adding depth to the overall cinematic experience.
Mohanlal delivers a standout performance as Shanmugham. He effortlessly shifts between vulnerability, rage, and charm, reminding us why he remains one of India’s finest actors. His screen presence alone lifts every scene, and his emotional moments hit hard. Shobana complements him perfectly, and their chemistry rekindles fond memories of their past collaborations. Thomas Mathew as Pavi is convincing, while Prakash Varma impresses as the primary antagonist, bringing a chilling presence that holds its own against the superstar.
Jakes Bejoy’s music and background score elevate the film’s emotional and suspenseful beats. The nostalgic songs work beautifully within the story, and while the background score might feel loud at times, it blends well with the dramatic tone, enhancing the tension rather than overwhelming it.
Thudarum is a complete cinematic package. It combines the depth of a family drama with the thrills of a suspense thriller, peppered with humour, emotion, mass moments, and stunning visuals. While the first half may require a bit of patience, the payoff is worth it. Tharun Moorthy delivers yet another winner, and Mohanlal reminds us why he is the heart and soul of Malayalam cinema.
Rating: 4.5/5