After appearing in the big and controversial movie L2: Empuraan, Mollywood star Mohanlal chooses a simpler project with Thudarum. The film was released in both Malayalam and Telugu at the same time. Here’s what we think about it—read the full review below.
Overview
- Movie Name: Thudarum
- Release Date : April 26, 2025
- Starring : Mohanlal, Shobana, Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Thomas Mathew, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, and others
- Director : Tharun Moorthy
- Producer : M. Renjith
- Music Director : Jakes Bejoy
- Cinematographer : Shaji Kumar
- Editor : Nishadh Yusuf, Shafeeque V. B.
Story
Shanmugam who is also who is also known in the film as Benz (Mohanlal) is a taxi driver of middle class who cherishes the color of his Ambassador car, and treats it like an extended family member. He lives a happy lifestyle with his spouse Lalitha (Sobhana) and Son Pavan (Thomas Mathew) as well as the daughter (Amritha Varshini). When his vehicle is involved in an accident, the mechanic uses the vehicle to engage in illegal activities.
In an attempt to get back his sole source of income, Benz approaches SI Benny (Binu Pappu). But, CI George Mathen (Prakash Varma) intercedes, which sets off an unsettling sequence of incidents. Benz gets asked take police officers on a trip to the wedding reception and afterwards, to a deserted wood region in which a shocking reveal is waiting for. What really happened, and are the police being involved in something much more sinister? Thudarum gives the details.
Trailer
Plus Points
Mohanlal is on top form once more, giving an intensely sophisticated performance. He captures perfectly the simplicity and unassuming dignity of the everyday man, effortlessly taking viewers into Benz’s tiny world.
Particularly in the second part the restrained emotion and expressive performance are evident, proving of why he’s one of the best actors in Indian film. His commitment to his part, never playing it as a “superstar” is a testament to the esteem that he has for his work.
Prakash Varma is a revelation as a smart, calculated officer. His performance is so convincing that it draws real anger from the crowd that is a testament to his performance.
Despite a limited amount of screens, Sobhana leaves a lasting impression thanks to her poised and elegant presence. Binu the Pappu and Thomas Mathew, and the others in the supporting cast also perform admirably playing their respective roles.
Minus Points
The plot is familiar and doesn’t provide much newness. It’s a story that even seasoned cinephiles can easily recognize. The writer K R Sunil and director Tharun Moorthy could have collaborated on a more intricate and erratic script to improve the experience.
The opening half, while it establishes the story however, it gradually loses pace and becomes sluggish after a point. After the break the film takes a while to get back on track. This erratic narrative flow may make certain viewers.
While it’s laudable that the film does not rely on excessive commercial elements, such as action scenes and punchy dialogues, the lack of high-voltage scenes can leave certain sections feeling a little dry.
Certain scenes in the film could bring back memories of similar stories in the same genre, and the main twist isn’t difficult to figure out. A better and more engaging screenplay could have prevented the sensation of déjà vu.
Behind Screen
Tharun Moorthy displays glimpses of talent under his direction, but is unable to maintain an engaging pace. A more lively and racy narrative might have contributed significantly to the overall impact of the film.
Shaji Kumar’s cinematography captivating in capturing the moods and scenes efficiently. Jakes Bejoy’s background score compliments the story very well, adding important emotional moments without overwhelming the film’s emotional moments. The editing, however, could be improved especially in the beginning section where sharper cuts could have helped make the film more crisp and engaging.
The production values are good and it’s Telugu dubbing is quite acceptable. But, the most noticeable issue is with the Telugu version itself. The title of the film is misspelled in comparison to the way in which it was advertised, and a number of spelling mistakes are evident during the credits opening. This is a clear sign of a lack of interest and attention by the team that created this Telugu release.
Final Verdict
Overall Thudarum is a moderate revenge drama that is boosted by the heartfelt performance of Mohanlal. But the predictable plot as well as the slow pace and the absence of any major emotional peaks keep the film from achieving its full potential. It’s a film that’s worth watching for those who are an avid Mohanlal lover or you enjoy slow-burn dramas. However, for the general public it is recommended to limit expectations.