Thudarum Movie Review: Mohanlal starrer offers driven crime drama with few roadblocks

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As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that the much-anticipated film “Thudarum,” featuring the legendary Mohanlal, graced the big screens on April 25, 2025. After over a month of captivating audiences in cinemas, this masterpiece has now found its way into homes via the OTT platform JioHotstar. You can now enjoy it in five diverse languages, including the original Malayalam version, from the comfort of your living room!

If you’re planning to watch this crime drama directed by Tharun Moorthy, here’s the TopMob review.

The Plot

The tale unfolds around Shanmugham, fondly called ‘Benz’ due to his taxi, who resides in the picturesque town of Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Alongside his wife Lalitha, they share a home with their two children named Pavi and Pavithra.

Originally a stuntman for movies in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, Benz chose to depart from the film world following a heartbreaking on-set accident that took his friend’s life. Since then, he has adopted the role of a family man, dealing with the customary highs and lows this lifestyle often brings.

In addition, Benz possesses an old black Ambassador Mark 1, which he cherishes as if it were a beloved family member. Upon taking his car for repairs and traveling to Chennai for a funeral, Benz finds that his vehicle has been impounded in a police case concerning the suspected trafficking of a mind-altering substance upon his return.

In the course of attempting to handle the conflict, Benz encounters multiple police officers, ultimately unearthing a more sinister reality that irrevocably alters his existence. The subsequent events and his response to them shape the remainder of the film.

The Good

For fans, Thudarum offers a welcome shift in Mohanlal’s filmography that seemed to lack something fresh. Although L2E appealed to some and left others yearning for more, Thudarum burst onto the scene like a storm, leaving an extraordinary impression.

The movie opens as a heartwarming family saga, featuring Mohanlal and Shobana who demonstrate their enduring on-screen chemistry. As a dedicated admirer of the star, director Tharun Moorthy incorporated numerous references to popular culture and an evocative sense of nostalgia, skillfully depicting the allure and intricacies between the main characters.

Progressing through scenes that showcase the rich depth of their relationship as an elderly married duo, the initial portion of the movie gracefully shifts gears from a family-centric narrative to one brimming with tension and uncertainty.

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I must say that the first half of this production kept me hooked with its captivating storytelling. However, the second part seemed to lose a bit of momentum, yet it didn’t diminish the overall value of the film. On the technical side, the director showed remarkable attention to detail, creating a visually stunning experience that truly engaged viewers.

The movie vividly portrays Mohanlal’s stardom through distinctive elements like his signature slanted walk and unique dhothi fold, as well as displaying his acting talent by incorporating a thrilling leap over a shattered window.

Furthermore, the movie is structurally sound, with KR Sunil’s script providing strong support. The intriguing storyline, which isn’t told in a straightforward manner, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats due to its unexpected turns, adding to the overall appeal.

Jake Bejoy provides his unique musical pieces, while cinematographer Shaji Kumar enhances the narrative with captivating imagery.

The Bad

Although it’s a good watch overall, Thudarum has some flaws that need addressing. The acting and storytelling are commendable, but the movie lacks originality, making it somewhat predictable for some audience members.

Moreover, the film, running for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, might have been enhanced with more precise editing. The prolonged narrative, notably in the latter part, seems less dynamic compared to the captivating initial segment.

Ultimately, Jake Bejoy’s work on the music and the promotional track was commendable. However, I believe the background score could have been made more impactful. Additionally, it seemed that the application of AI visuals in the movie might not have been essential; perhaps they could have been improved or used more judiciously.

The Performances

In Thudarum, Mohanlal delivers a standout performance that ranks among his finest in recent times. Known as the “Invincible Actor,” this superstar showcases his exceptional talent and reinforces the esteemed position he currently holds in the acting world.

In both intense emotional sequences and thrilling action scenes, Mohanlal consistently shines with flawless timing and innate skill, demonstrating his timeless genius even at the age of sixty-five.

In her characteristic understated and captivating style, Shobana delights the audience. However, it’s Prakash Varma who captures attention as the composed yet ominous adversary. The former ad filmmaker turned actor masterfully combines a mild persona with an imposing presence, crafting a villain whose character is intricately nuanced and made more intriguing by his abilities.

It’s likely that Varma will be offered a wider range of roles in the future, including opportunities to portray characters beyond antagonists, and even chances to showcase innocence and humor.

Watch Thudarum trailer

The Verdict

Without a doubt, Thudarum ranks among the finest Malayalam films in recent times. If you’re fond of gripping crime dramas such as Drishyam, then I highly recommend giving this film a try.

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2025-05-30 13:53