Mohanlal’s Thudarum took the box office by storm, becoming one of the most unexpected success stories in recent Malayalam cinema. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film shocked trade analysts by grossing over Rs. 100 crore in Kerala alone, a record-breaking feat that cemented its status as a theatrical phenomenon.
Following its massive theatrical success, the film premiered on the OTT platform Jio Hotstar on May 30, 2025, in Malayalam and several other Indian languages including Telugu. Expectations were sky-high, but the OTT reception told a different story.
Unlike many films that find renewed life and appreciation on streaming platforms, Thudarum faced a wave of mixed reactions from home viewers. While some praised its ambition, many felt the film didn’t live up to the hype it had generated during its theatrical run. On social media, discussions quickly turned critical, with users questioning how the film became such a box office juggernaut in the first place.
The sharp contrast between the theatre-going audience and the OTT viewers was striking. For a film that soared in cinemas and starred Mohanlal, often regarded as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors, the lukewarm digital reception came as a surprise.
It’s a rare case of a theatrical blockbuster failing to strike the same chord with streaming audiences. And it serves as a reminder that while box office numbers speak volumes, audience sentiment on OTT can reveal a completely different side of the story.
Thudarum also features Shobana, Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, and Thomas Mathew in key roles. The film was further elevated by Jakes Bejoy’s music and was backed by producer Renjith.