Thudarum stands out as one of the most highly awaited Malayalam films of the year, promising audiences a Mohanlal portrayal of a common man, a refreshing shift after many larger-than-life characters he has embodied recently. Although it might sound routine, for those familiar with Mohanlal’s illustrious career, the significance of this film is immense. Rarely do viewers get to witness Mohanlal stepping into the shoes of vulnerable, ordinary characters, as he typically dominates the screen in roles of powerful crime bosses or near-invincible figures.
The collaboration between Mohanlal and director Tharun Murthy, who previously helmed successful films like Operation Java (2021) and Saudi Vellakka (2022), further heightened expectations for a cinematic offering that would be more stylistically rigorous than the superstar’s latest ventures. In this respect, Thudarum not only fulfills its promises but also presents an engaging family drama layered with suspense and emotional depth.
While the film doesn’t chart any entirely new territory, it cleverly reworks familiar family story tropes into a hybrid genre piece. In Thudarum, Mohanlal portrays Benz Shanmugham, a former stuntman who now leads a peaceful life with his family in the rural backdrop of Pathanamthitta. As a filmmaker, Tharun Murthy thrives on capturing the minutiae of everyday life. He meticulously constructs the daily rhythms of his seemingly unremarkable protagonist, with moments of transcendence subtly conveyed through Shanmugham’s small yet intimate family interactions.
Positioning Mohanlal at the heart of an ensemble narrative, Thudarum unfolds across different tonal and narrative terrains. The storyline takes a turn when a police officer complicates Shanmugham’s life by confiscating his beloved Ambassador car, an object far more valuable to him than its monetary worth. This loss sets off a series of bizarre events that disrupt his previously mundane existence, compelling him to embark on a redemptive journey.
Given the intricately woven nature of the screenplay, revealing too much would risk spoiling the film’s most delightful surprises. The narrative relies heavily on the audience’s understanding of Shanmugham’s softer, more human side, which makes the sudden transformation in his character all the more gripping in the film’s second half.
Mohanlal shares the screen with Shobana, reuniting with her after what feels like a considerable hiatus. Their onscreen chemistry captures the essence of a long-term relationship, communicated through “glances, eye rolls and little secrets that come up a lifetime of marriage.”
Cinematographer Shaji Kumar, who is typically associated with grand commercial ventures, brings a refreshing approach to the visual language of Thudarum. His work creates a palpable sense of intimacy and interconnectedness among the characters without resorting to overly sentimental or theatrical techniques. Tharun Murthy’s observational filmmaking style finds a perfect match in Shaji Kumar’s naturalistic, “flatly-lit frames that pick up the little details without being stagey.”
Writers Tharun Murthy and K R Sunil resist the urge to overload the narrative with exposition or intricate plotting in an attempt to seem intellectually superior. Instead, they focus on slowly unveiling the immediate environment surrounding Shanmugham, thereby painting a rich emotional backdrop and revealing the fundamental conflict at the story’s core.
The music by Jakes Bejoy complements the film’s constantly shifting tone, seamlessly blending into the narrative and maintaining suspense throughout. “The score and songs fit in nicely with the everyday textures of this self-contained story world,” allowing the soundtrack to enrich the atmosphere without ever overwhelming the story.
Although supporting actors like Maniyanpilla Raju, Irshad, Farhaan Faasil, and Binu Pappu have limited screen time, their characters play crucial roles in shaping Shanmugham’s journey. The supporting performances “fall smoothly within the umbrella of Tharun’s sporadic vision of a small town tale with their character quirks and personalities,” ensuring that every minor figure contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative fabric.
Visual motifs are used judiciously to isolate Shanmugham, highlighting his growing sense of entrapment and helplessness as the film progresses. This visual storytelling approach provides Mohanlal with a platform to delve into the more intense emotional territories, spaces that his recent roles have rarely allowed him to explore.
Mohanlal’s performance demonstrates an extraordinary synergy with the material, as he skillfully balances restraint and emotional explosiveness. Rather than dominating the narrative through sheer star power, he embodies a man consumed by revelations and “ever-changing moral conflicts.” His portrayal feels deeply lived-in, allowing the audience to experience the character’s internal struggles firsthand.
Director Tharun Moorthy succeeds in delivering a low-key family drama that simultaneously serves as a character study of a man at odds with his own identity and principles. It’s a significant change of pace for Mohanlal, providing audiences the rare pleasure of seeing him fully inhabit the role of an everyday man, complete with all the emotional complexities that entails. The performance is grounded and consistent, breathing life into a character that might have easily been overshadowed by lesser writing or direction.
The writing, while rooted in a fairly conventional setting, is clever enough to sustain both engagement and emotional investment throughout the runtime. By maintaining a sharp focus on character development and interpersonal dynamics, Thudarum transforms what could have been a simple story into a richly textured cinematic experience.
Ultimately, Thudarum stands as “a masterpiece for adults, a serious yet self-aware piece of cinema that has something for everybody.” It is a film that respects its audience’s intelligence, offering an emotionally resonant, thought-provoking drama without the crutch of unnecessary spectacle or melodrama.
Through carefully crafted storytelling, strong performances, and an underlying emotional sincerity, Thudarum not only meets the high expectations surrounding it but also carves a unique place for itself among the best films of the year. For Mohanlal fans and general moviegoers alike, it is a rare treat that reminds everyone why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring stars.