After the record-breaking success of Empuraan, the audience was waiting for another Mohanlal film, and Thudarum provides a relief change of genre. Having reunited Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years, the movie is directed by Tharun Moorthy, renowned for his unconventional cinema. The drama-thriller, which released on April 25, 2025, just before Easter, is anticipated to provide a mix of suspense, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
Mohanlal features as Shanmugham, a down-to-earth taxi driver emotionally bonded to his worn-out Ambassador car, and Shobana features as his no-nonsense wife, Lalitha. Tharun Moorthy and K.R. Sunil's screenplay is based on thrilling plot twists and real-life characters.
Movie Plot
Mohanlal and Shobana's chemistry reminds one of their previous classics Minnaram and Manichitrathazhu, and the added nostalgic taste works well with the fans. Supporting actors like Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Binu Pappu lend depth to the narrative with realistic performances. The narrative, in a scenic Kerala town, captures the small things of life with humour and sentiment. The teaser has been well-received, with viewers praising the witty one-liners and vintage "Lalettan" charm. Social media buzz suggests that Thudarum will be an emotional movie with emotional content and cinematic nostalgia.
Review
Thudarum is an extremely emotional Malayalam film that cleverly intermeshes emotional drama with suspenseful aspects of a revenge thriller. Directed and written by Tharun Moorthy, the film follows the story of Shanmugham, a plain Pathanamthitta taxi driver whose peaceful domestic existence is disrupted by occurrences pertaining to his beloved car. What begins as a lighthearted family drama slowly turns into a high-intensity, emotionally charged escapade. Mohanlal performs with poignant intensity, projecting vulnerability and strength in equal measure, proving yet again why he is so highly regarded as one of India's finest actors.
The film is rich in character development, well supported by a strong story and superb performances, notably by Shobana, who adds poise and depth to the story. Direction, music, and photography come together in perfect unison, so that every scene is meaningful. While the film does have its suspenseful moments and twists, it is the emotional quotient and familial bonds that stay with us. Thudarum is not just a fine thriller, but a film that touches the heart, reminding us of love, loss, and survival.
OTT Release
As it did for Empuraan, so should be the case for Thudarum, which is likely to be out on JioHotstar approximately four weeks after its theatrical release, either by the end of May. Creeping its way towards the ₹50 crore mark, Thudarum can be Mohanlal's second blockbuster of the year, once again boosting the digital content value of the platform.
Don't miss this rollercoaster ride of emotions. Watch Thudarum in the big screen now and wait for its digital release on JioHotstar. Experience again the magic of Mohanlal and Shobana. Check out other recent Malayalam OTT releases here.
