Is Mohanlal’s Thudarum based on real-life murder case from Kerala? Director Tharun Moorthy reacts

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death. 

The Malayalam crime thriller, “Thudarum,” starring Mohanlal, premiered on the big screen on April 25, 2025. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, this film has been doing well in cinemas. After watching the movie, some spectators speculated whether it was inspired by a real event or perhaps connected to the notorious Kevin murder case in Kerala.

In an interview with OTTPlay, Tharun Moorthy discussed and dismissed rumors about the film’s origins. He stated that the movie “Thudarum” is not based on any individual’s real-life experiences. The director explained that the crew drew upon documents detailing honor killings in Kerala to gain insights into the emotional journey and conflicts portrayed in the film, rather than basing it directly on a specific case.

In order to truly grasp the emotions portrayed, Tharun Moorthy referenced documented cases of honor killings in Kerala. However, it’s important to note that this has no connection whatsoever with any real individuals or their personal lives. It was merely used as a source of reference for understanding conflicts, mental states, and emotional journeys within his work.

What was the Kevin murder case about?

For those not familiar, Kevin hailed from Kerala and was a Dalit Christian. In 2018, he was tragically kidnapped and killed by his wife’s upper-caste family. This unfortunate event occurred in Kottayam. The court later classified it as an honor killing, drawing widespread attention across the entire state when the news broke.

Thudarum plot and trailer

In the film titled “Thudarum” starring Mohanlal, we delve into the life of a humble taxi driver named Benz. His days are simple until his vehicle is exploited for illegal activities without his knowledge. Tragically, a body discovered in his car turns out to be his long-lost son Pavi. This revelation sparks an investigation into a conspiracy by corrupt officials. Heartbroken and betrayed, Benz embarks on a quest for justice, and the remainder of the movie chronicles his relentless pursuit of revenge against those who have wronged him.

Apart from Mohanlal, the movie features Shobana, Binu Pappu and Prakash Varma in prominent roles.

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2025-05-21 13:22