Set in the serene hill town of Ranni in Pathanamthitta, Thudarum tells the deeply personal and moving story of Shanmugham, endearingly known as “Benz.” He is a humble taxi driver whose most treasured possession is his vintage Mark-I Ambassador car. His quiet and simple life takes a sharp turn when corrupt police officers unjustly seize his beloved car under fabricated drug charges. What follows is an emotional and determined battle by Shanmugham to reclaim his dignity and seek justice in a world that seems increasingly indifferent.
Director Tharun Moorthy brings this poignant story to life in Thudarum, skillfully weaving together elements of personal hardship with a broader social message. The film centers on the strength and resilience of an ordinary man who refuses to back down when wronged. Through Shanmugham’s struggle, Moorthy reflects on the larger flaws within the system while staying grounded in the emotional truth of one individual’s journey. His storytelling touches on themes that are both deeply personal and widely relatable.
The film begins on a gentle, even playful note, marked by a series of nostalgic references to Mohanlal’s earlier films and subtle nods to his iconic public image. These moments are never overwhelming and are handled with a light touch, ensuring that the integrity of Shanmugham’s character remains intact. This initial lightheartedness gives the audience space to connect with the protagonist, making his later challenges feel all the more real. The pacing is measured and, at times, slow — which allows the characters to breathe and the story to develop organically, though it occasionally tests the viewer’s patience.
For the attentive audience, early scenes plant clues that slowly unravel the larger mystery. However, due to the film’s understated approach, certain elements of the plot may appear less fleshed out than others. The story takes a sharper turn with the arrival of SI Benny, played by Binu Pappu, and CI George Mathan, portrayed by Prakash Varma. With their entry, the narrative shifts into thriller territory, as the tension starts to build steadily with each passing scene.
Mohanlal delivers a remarkable and heartfelt performance as Shanmugham. He embodies the character with genuine emotion and quiet strength, transforming him from a victim into a symbol of resistance. His talent is most visible in the subtleties — a quiet sigh, a hesitant glance, or a thoughtful pause speaks volumes. While some may be tempted to compare this role to his past performances in Bhramaram or Drishyam, Shanmugham stands apart. As a character, he brings something fresh and uniquely understated to Mohanlal’s filmography. The actor still delivers a few crowd-pleasing moments that feel entirely earned and never forced. As the review rightly notes, “Mohanlal’s mastery lies in his ability to convey entire emotional arcs through the simplest of gestures — a sigh, a glance, a pause.”
The return of Shobana to the big screen after over a decade is another high point. She plays Lalitha, Shanmugham’s wife, and her performance is both grounded and compelling. The chemistry between Mohanlal and Shobana brings warmth and authenticity to their relationship, making it easy for the audience to invest emotionally in their shared journey. Their scenes together have a lived-in feel, adding depth to the film’s emotional core.
The supporting cast also delivers consistently strong performances. Prakash Varma, in his debut as CI George Mathan, creates a striking antagonist — a mix of intimidation and manipulation. His portrayal anchors the film’s conflict with a sense of real danger. “Prakash Varma plays CI George Mathan with a compelling mix of menace and calculation,” notes the original review. Binu Pappu as SI Benny adds another layer of intensity, contributing significantly to the film’s suspenseful edge.
Younger actors such as Farhaan Faasil, Thomas Mathew, and Aarsha Baiju help round out the ensemble, each playing their part in the unfolding drama. Additionally, the film features a handful of clever cameos — some that advance the plot and at least one that acts as a playful misdirect for viewers.
Visually, Thudarum is a treat. Cinematographer Shaji Kumar captures the lush, natural beauty of Kerala with finesse, creating a visual contrast between the vast, open landscapes and the psychological confinement Shanmugham experiences. The imagery not only supports the story but deepens it. Water, and specifically rain, becomes a recurring visual theme. It serves a dual purpose, symbolizing both the washing away of injustice and the emotional release that follows hardship. As the review notes, “Water, especially rain, plays a poetic central motif at different stages of the film’s narrative where it stands for both retribution and relief.”
Jakes Bejoy’s music complements the film’s tone perfectly. His score is emotive without being overbearing, elevating key moments while respecting the quiet strength of the narrative. The music subtly underscores the film’s emotional peaks, enhancing its power without distracting from it. Jakes Bejoy’s music score is both stirring and restrained, heightening the emotional pulse of the film without ever overpowering the narrative.
Despite its many strengths, Thudarum is not without its challenges. Its pacing and dedication to subtlety may not appeal to every viewer. The film takes its time unfolding, and those expecting more traditional dramatic climaxes might feel unsatisfied. Emotional payoffs are few, and the film’s deliberate pace may cause some to lose engagement. A slightly more urgent edit, particularly in the second half, could have made the narrative more gripping overall. As the review states, “A tighter edit and slightly more urgency in the second half could have strengthened the overall impact.”
Nevertheless, Thudarum is a powerful and rewarding cinematic experience for those who appreciate slow-burning dramas with emotional depth and thematic richness. It offers a thoughtful portrait of one man’s resilience against institutional injustice, driven by love, pride, and a longing for dignity. The film stands out not only for its performances but for the authenticity of its storytelling and the grace with which it handles its subject matter.
In the end, Thudarum leaves a lasting impression. It invites the audience to sit with the quiet moments, to feel the weight of injustice, and to witness the strength of a man who simply refuses to be broken. Ultimately, Thudarum is a well-made drama that rewards viewers who appreciate slow-burn storytelling.