Thudarum (transl. To be continued), the 2025 Malayalam drama-thriller directed by Tharun Moorthy, has ignited theaters with its compelling narrative and stellar performances, released on April 25, 2025. Headlined by the iconic duo of Mohanlal and Shobana, alongside a robust ensemble, the film weaves a gripping story of family, loss, and vengeance set against the misty hills of Ranni, Pathanamthitta. With Mohanlal’s powerhouse portrayal and Moorthy’s deft direction, Thudarum emerges as one of the finest Indian revenge thrillers in recent memory, despite minor imperfections. This review delves into the film’s strengths, performances, and technical brilliance, exploring why it’s a cinematic triumph.
In This Article:
Plot and Narrative
The story centers on Shanmugham, nicknamed Benz (Mohanlal), a warm-hearted taxi driver whose life revolves around his family and his beloved black Ambassador car, a symbol of his livelihood. Living happily with his wife Lalitha (Shobana), son Pavan (Thomas Mathew), and daughter (Amritha Varshini), Shanmugham’s world unravels when his car is seized by the police after being linked to illegal activities. His quest to reclaim it pits him against the formidable CI George Mathen (Prakash Varma), unraveling dark secrets and pushing Shanmugham into a relentless pursuit of justice.
Tharun Moorthy masterfully blends family drama with intense thriller elements, transitioning from light-hearted humor in the first half to a taut, Bhramaram-inspired revenge saga in the second. The narrative’s emotional depth and unexpected twists keep audiences hooked, though some melodramatic moments slightly overstay their welcome.
Performances
Mohanlal delivers a career-defining performance, embodying Shanmugham’s evolution from a jovial everyman to a silent, resolute avenger. His nuanced expressions and commanding presence reaffirm his status as a cinematic legend. Shobana, as Lalitha, radiates grace and emotional weight, her chemistry with Mohanlal evoking nostalgia for their past collaborations. Debutant Prakash Varma shines as the chilling CI George, bringing a fresh intensity to the antagonist’s role. The supporting cast, including Binu Pappu, Farhaan Faasil, and Maniyanpilla Raju, adds authenticity and charm, enhancing the film’s emotional core.
Technical Aspects
Thudarum excels technically, with Shaji Kumar’s cinematography capturing Ranni’s lush, rain-soaked landscapes and tense confrontations with equal finesse. Jakes Bejoy’s background score amplifies the film’s emotional and thrilling beats, though the songs lack memorability. Nishad Yusuf and Shafeeq V. B.’s editing maintains a brisk 166-minute runtime, despite occasional pacing dips in the family drama segments. The Telugu dubbed version, however, suffers from poor dubbing and spelling errors, a notable oversight.
Audience Reception and Impact
X posts reflect overwhelming praise, with fans lauding Mohanlal’s “beast mode” performance, the genre shift, and Varma’s debut, rating the film as high as 4.5/5. The emotional resonance and technical finesse have struck a chord, contributing to a robust opening weekend nearing ₹70 crore globally. Thudarum proves that compelling storytelling and stellar performances can outshine flashy marketing, cementing its place as a Malayalam cinema gem.
Thudarum is a triumph of storytelling, blending heartwarming family moments with pulse-pounding revenge. Mohanlal’s magnetic performance, supported by Shobana and Varma, elevates Moorthy’s vision into a near-perfect thriller. Minor flaws, like forced family conflicts and a slightly protracted climax, do little to dim its shine. For Mohanlal fans, it’s a heartfelt return to form; for cinephiles, it’s a testament to Malayalam cinema’s narrative strength. Thudarum is a must-watch that leaves audiences eagerly awaiting its promised continuation
By Manoj H
