(Mohanlal shines in the emotional family drama Thudarum. A powerful film with minor flaws, it’s a heartfelt watch. Read the full review now.)

Thudarum Movie, released in April 2025, is Mohanlal’s latest Malayalam film—and it’s making waves for all the right reasons.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film tells a deeply emotional story set in rural Kerala, highlighting everyday life, family struggles, and resilience.
A Simple Story That Hits Hard
Mohanlal plays Shanmughan, a middle-aged taxi driver living a quiet life with his family in Ranni, Pathanamthitta. Life is tough, but he remains strong for his loved ones.
The film follows his small wins and big losses, and how he holds on to hope through it all. The simplicity of the plot is its biggest strength—it feels honest and relatable.
Shobana, returning to the screen after 15 years with Mohanlal, plays his wife with grace and strength. Their on-screen chemistry reminds us why this pairing is so beloved.
Mohanlal’s Performance: Pure Brilliance
This is one of Mohanlal’s most natural performances in recent years.
He brings raw emotion to Shanmughan without overacting. From subtle expressions to intense breakdowns, he delivers with ease.
“When I saw the visuals of ‘Thudarum’, I was reminded of Lalettan in Bhramaram,” said cinematographer Faiz Siddik in an interview with Mathrubhumi.
Direction That Lets the Story Breathe
Director Tharun Moorthy, known for Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, takes a simple approach here—he lets the characters shine.
His style is quiet and observant, and that works beautifully for Thudarum.
In his own words, Tharun Moorthy told Malayalam TV9:
“We wanted to show Mohanlal in a new light—with raw emotion and silence, instead of dramatic dialogues.”
Technical Quality: Realistic and Rooted
- Cinematography: Shaji Kumar captures the greenery, rain, and rural charm of Kerala authentically.
- Editing: Nishad Yusuf and Shafique V.B. keep the pace steady, never rushing the emotions.
- Music: Jake Bejoy’s background score is subtle and fitting—it supports the film without overpowering it.
- Production Design: The setting feels lived-in, from Shanmughan’s modest home to the village streets.
What Works – And What Doesn’t
✅ What Works:
- Powerful, grounded performance by Mohanlal
- Realistic screenplay
- Emotional storytelling
- Shobana’s strong comeback
- Stunning visuals of Kerala
⚠️ What Could’ve Been Better:
- Some scenes feel a bit too slow
- Secondary characters could have had more depth
- Minor continuity issues in the second half
Public Reaction: A Quiet Hit
Audiences are loving the raw emotions and simplicity of Thudarum.
It’s not a masala entertainer—but it moves people. On social media, fans have called it Mohanlal’s “return to vintage acting”.
MG Sreekumar, who composed a song in the film, said:
“This is a beautiful film. A 100% winner.” (Source)
Where Does ‘Thudarum Movie ’ Stand in Mohanlal’s Filmography?
Thudarum Movie brings back memories of Mohanlal’s classic roles from the 90s.
If you loved him in Thanmathra, Bharatham, or Vanaprastham, you’ll appreciate the emotional range he brings here.
It’s a welcome break from commercial flicks—it feels intimate, personal, and rooted in reality.
https://youtu.be/HZrYlXuecRg?si=B4RU1ay1x6HVqEBX
FAQs About Thudarum
Q1. What is Thudarum about?
It’s the story of a middle-class taxi driver and his family, highlighting their emotional journey and everyday struggles.
Q2. Who directed Thudarum Movie ?
The film is directed by Tharun Moorthy, who is known for his honest and grounded style of filmmaking.
Q3. Is Thudarum Movie available online?
Yes, the OTT rights have reportedly been sold to Disney+ Hotstar, and the streaming release is expected soon.
Q4. Is Mohanlal’s performance worth watching?
Absolutely. This is one of his most heartfelt performances in recent times—subtle, moving, and powerful.
Q5. Is it a family-friendly movie?
Yes, Thudarum Movie is a clean, emotionally rich film suitable for all age groups.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching for Its Heart
Thudarum Movie isn’t a loud, action-packed film. It’s a gentle reminder of life’s struggles, love, and endurance.
With Mohanlal delivering one of his finest recent performances, and Shobana adding warmth, it’s a must-watch for lovers of Malayalam cinema.
Sure, it has some small flaws—but they don’t take away from the film’s emotional impact.
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