As the lights dimmed and the opening frames of Thudarum flickered across the screen, I felt a familiar rush of anticipation. It’s been a while since I walked into a Mohanlal film without the weight of expectations tempered by recent disappointments. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, known for grounded hits like Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, Thudarum promised a return to the Mohanlal we’ve longed for—the actor, not the superstar. And, oh, does it deliver, even if it stumbles along the way. Released on April 25, 2025, this Malayalam crime thriller, co-starring Shobana, is a raw, emotional ride that rekindles faith in Mohanlal’s unparalleled ability to carry a film with quiet gravitas.
Set in the serene hill town of Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Thudarum introduces us to Shanmugham, affectionately called “Benz” (Mohanlal), a former stuntman turned taxi driver who cherishes his vintage black Ambassador car as if it were family. The film opens with a warm, lived-in portrayal of Benz’s life—his playful banter with his wife, Lalitha (Shobana), and their two teenage children, Pavi (Thomas Mathew) and Pavithra (Amritha Varshini). These early scenes, laced with gentle humor and nostalgic nods to Mohanlal’s cinematic legacy, feel like a warm embrace. There’s a delightful self-awareness here, with sly references to Mohanlal’s less successful films like Aaraattu and Marakkar, delivered with a wink that never feels forced.
Tharun Moorthy, alongside co-writer K.R. Sunil, crafts a world that feels achingly real. The weathered interiors of Benz’s home, the dusty taxi routes, and the small-town camaraderie are captured with a tender authenticity by cinematographer Shaji Kumar. The film’s first half unfolds like a leisurely drive, letting us sink into Benz’s simple joys and struggles. But when his beloved car is unjustly seized by the police on fabricated drug charges, the narrative shifts gears, plunging into a darker, more intense territory. This transition, while not as seamless as Drishyam (a comparison the film invites but doesn’t fully escape), is where Thudarum finds its pulse.
Mohanlal is nothing short of mesmerizing as Benz. At 65, he strips away the larger-than-life aura of his recent roles in films like L2: Empuraan and delivers a performance that’s raw, vulnerable, and deeply human. His portrayal of Benz’s transformation—from a jovial family man to a father pushed to his limits—is a masterclass in restraint. There’s a scene where Benz, heartbroken and enraged, confronts the corrupt CI George Mathan (Prakash Varma), and Mohanlal’s eyes alone convey a storm of emotions—grief, rage, and resolve. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why he’s called the “Complete Actor.” Fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user calling it “Mohanlal’s best since Drishyam,” and I can’t disagree.
Shobana, reuniting with Mohanlal after 15 years, is a quiet force as Lalitha. Their chemistry, weathered yet tender, carries the emotional weight of a long-married couple with ease. She doesn’t get as much to do as I’d hoped, but her presence elevates every scene she’s in. Prakash Varma, in his debut, is a revelation as the calculating, menacing CI George. His understated villainy draws genuine ire from the audience, a testament to his skill. Binu Pappu, as SI Benny, and the supporting cast, including Farhaan Faasil and Maniyanpilla Raju, round out the ensemble with solid performances, though some characters feel underutilized.
Where Thudarum falters is in its pacing and ambition. The first half, while charming, lingers too long on establishing the family dynamic, making the 2-hour-45-minute runtime feel indulgent. The second half, though gripping, occasionally leans into predictable tropes, and the revenge thriller elements don’t always match the nuance of the family drama. Some twists feel rushed, as if the script, in its eagerness to deliver a “mass” payoff, sacrifices the subtlety that Moorthy is known for. X users have noted the slow start, with one calling the initial 45 minutes “leisurely,” though they praised the thrilling payoff.
Technically, the film is a triumph. Jakes Bejoy’s score is a standout, shifting from tender to electrifying, perfectly mirroring Benz’s emotional arc. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography weaves Kerala’s lush landscapes with the claustrophobia of Benz’s crisis, while water—especially rain—serves as a poetic motif for both turmoil and redemption. Editors Shafeeque VB and Nishadh Yusuf keep the narrative tight, though a trimmer second half could have sharpened the impact.
Thudarum isn’t perfect, but it’s a film that feels deeply personal. Moorthy, a self-proclaimed Mohanlal fanboy, crafts a love letter to the actor’s legacy while telling a story that resonates with anyone who’s fought for what they hold dear. It’s not Drishyam—it lacks that film’s cerebral cleverness—but it doesn’t need to be. This is a film about heart, loss, and quiet resilience, carried by a Mohanlal who reminds us why we fell in love with him in the first place. As the end credits roll with “Mohanlal… Thudarum,” you leave the theater hopeful, believing the legend has much more to give.
Rating: 3.5/5
For Mohanlal fans, this is a must-watch. For others, it’s a stirring, if slightly uneven, drama that rewards patience with emotional depth and a stellar lead performance. Catch it on JioHotstar or, better yet, in a packed theater where the collective cheers for Lalettan’s mass moments hit just right.