✅ Thudarum (2025) is a gripping Malayalam drama-thriller starring Mohanlal, where a humble taxi driver seeks revenge after his son’s tragic death in police custody, uncovering a dark truth.

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8.1/10

Thudarum

Director: Tharun Moorthy

Writer: K.R. Sunil, Tharun Moorthy

Stars: Mohanlal, Vijay Sethupathi, Bharathiraja

Plot: In the quiet hill town of Ranni, humble taxi driver Shanmughan treasures one thing above all - his aging Ambassador car. When fate puts him to the test, he must prove just how far he'll go for what he holds dear.

Countries: India

Languages: Malayalam

IMDb: View on IMDb

Thudarum (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Thudarum (2025)
• Language: Malayalam
• Budget: est. ₹28 crore (approx. $3.35 million USD)
• Revenue: est. ₹230–235 crore (approx. $27.5 – $28.1 million USD) worldwide gross
• Runtime: 166 minutes (2 hours 46 minutes)
• Release Date: April 25, 2025 (India, Theatrical); May 30, 2025 (JioCinema OTT Release)
• Genres: Drama, Thriller, Family
• Cast: Mohanlal (Shanmughan / Benz), Shobana (Lalitha Shanmughan)…
• Directors: Tharun Moorthy
• Screenplay: K. R. Sunil, Tharun Moorthy
• Story by: K. R. Sunil, Tharun Moorthy
• Dialogues by: (Not explicitly stated)
• Studios & Producers:
  • Production Company: Rejaputhra Visual Media
  • Distributor: Rejaputhra Release, Aashirvad Release (Theatrical), JioCinema (OTT)
  • Producers: M. Renjith, Avantika Renjith (Executive Producer)
• Voice Cast: N/A
• Animation & Style: Live-action

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Plot Summary

“Thudarum” is a suspenseful drama that begins as a heartwarming family story before spiraling into a dark thriller. Shanmugham, fondly known as “Benz” (Mohanlal), is a former stuntman now working as a taxi driver in a quiet hill town. He cherishes his vintage black Ambassador car and his family, consisting of his wife Lalitha (Shobana) and two teenage children, particularly his son Pavi. Their peaceful life is shattered when Pavi’s college friends take Benz’s beloved Ambassador for a joyride, leading to an accident. The car is then seized by corrupt police officers who discover drugs being transported in it by a workshop boy. As Shanmugham desperately tries to retrieve his car, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy that tragically leads to the murder of his son, Pavi, in police custody – an act revealed to be an honor killing by a high-ranking police officer, CI George Mathan (Prakash Varma), due to Pavi’s romantic involvement with George’s daughter. Consumed by grief and a thirst for justice, Shanmugham transforms from a simple taxi driver into a determined man seeking revenge against those responsible for his son’s death. The film explores themes of family bonds, corrupt authority, social injustice, and the lengths a father will go to for revenge.

Cast & Crew

Directed by Tharun Moorthy, “Thudarum” features a powerhouse performance by Mohanlal in the lead role as Shanmugham, showcasing his range from a loving family man to a vengeful father. Shobana stars as his wife, Lalitha, making a much-anticipated return to Malayalam cinema alongside Mohanlal after many years. Prakash Varma delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist, CI George Mathan. The screenplay was penned by K. R. Sunil and Tharun Moorthy, crafting a narrative that blends family drama with a tense thriller. The film’s technical crew includes cinematographer Shaji Kumar and music director Jakes Bejoy, whose contributions significantly enhance the film’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Produced by M. Renjith under Rejaputhra Visual Media, “Thudarum” is a significant production in Malayalam cinema.

Critical & Audience Response

“Thudarum” opened to critical acclaim and strong audience reception, emerging as a blockbuster at the box office. Critics particularly lauded Mohanlal’s performance, calling it one of his best in recent years, highlighting his ability to portray a wide range of emotions. The film’s tight screenplay, gripping plot, and Tharun Moorthy’s direction were also praised. The narrative’s shift from a light-hearted family drama to an intense revenge thriller was well-received, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. While some aspects of the plot drew comparisons to other films (like “Drishyam”), the overall execution and emotional depth were highly appreciated, particularly its exploration of honor killing and police corruption.

Direction & Cinematography

Tharun Moorthy, known for his realistic films like “Operation Java” and “Saudi Vellakka,” delivers a well-crafted narrative that allows Mohanlal to shine. His direction is precise, building the initial emotional connection with the family before gradually introducing the suspense and tension. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the serene beauty of the Ranni landscapes and effectively transitioning to darker, more intense visuals as the plot unfolds. The visual storytelling enhances the mood and effectively supports the narrative’s shifts.

Music & Background Score

Jakes Bejoy’s music and background score are integral to the film’s success. The score effectively underscores the emotional arcs, from the heartwarming family moments to the nail-biting suspense and the protagonist’s journey of revenge. The music elevates the thrilling sequences and adds significant impact to Mohanlal’s performance, making key scenes more memorable and intense.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Thudarum” relies primarily on its strong narrative and performances, with visuals and effects serving to enhance realism rather than spectacle. The production design creates an authentic small-town setting, and the film’s gritty aesthetic during the thriller segments is well-executed. Any special effects are subtle and contribute to the overall authenticity of the film’s depiction of violence and emotional distress.

Editing & Screenplay

The screenplay by K. R. Sunil and Tharun Moorthy is well-structured, maintaining a tight narrative that keeps the audience engaged. The film successfully balances its initial family drama with the subsequent thriller elements, with the transition feeling organic. The editing by Nishadh Yusuf and Shafeeque V. B. is sharp, contributing to the film’s suspense and ensuring a compelling pace, especially in the second half. The script allows for strong character development, particularly for Mohanlal’s Shanmugham.

Positives / What Works

“Thudarum” shines with Mohanlal’s tour-de-force performance, considered a return to his vintage form. The film’s strong emotional core, gripping revenge plot, and the effective blend of family drama and thriller elements are highly commendable. The direction, cinematography, and background score all contribute to a powerful cinematic experience. The film also tackles a relevant and sensitive social issue (honor killing) with a nuanced approach.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While largely positive, some minor critiques might include the pacing of the first half, which is slower compared to the intense second half, though this also helps build character connection. Some thematic similarities to other thrillers might be noted, but the film largely manages to distinguish itself through its unique cultural context and strong performances.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Thudarum” is a compelling and emotionally resonant thriller that marks a significant highlight for Mohanlal’s career and Malayalam cinema in 2025. It is a must-watch for its powerful storytelling, excellent performances, and its ability to keep audiences engrossed from start to finish. The film successfully delivers both as a family drama and a hard-hitting revenge saga, making it a well-rounded and impactful cinematic experience. Its commercial success further solidifies its position as one of the standout films of the year.

Movie Rating

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