Movie Name : Thudarum
Release Date : April 26, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Mohanlal, Shobana, Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Thomas Mathew, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, and others
Director : Tharun Moorthy
Producer : M. Renjith
Music Director : Jakes Bejoy
Cinematographer : Shaji Kumar
Editor : Nishadh Yusuf, Shafeeque V. B.
Related Links : Trailer
After starring in the massive and controversial film L2: Empuraan, Mollywood star Mohanlal takes a different path with a small movie called Thudarum. Released simultaneously in Malayalam and Telugu, here’s our take on the film. Read on for the full review.
Story:
Shanmugam, known as Benz (Mohanlal), is a middle-class taxi driver who treasures his black Ambassador car, treating it almost like a family member. He leads a content life with his wife Lalitha (Sobhana), son Pavan (Thomas Mathew), and daughter (Amritha Varshini). One day, when his car meets with an accident, the mechanic misuses it for illegal activities. In a desperate bid to reclaim his only source of livelihood, Benz approaches SI Benny (Binu Pappu). However, CI George Mathen (Prakash Varma) intervenes, setting off a chain of strange events. Benz is then asked to drive the officers to a wedding and later to a deserted forest area, where a shocking revelation awaits. What exactly happened, and are the officers involved in something more sinister? Thudarum unfolds the answers.
Plus Points:
Mohanlal is in top form yet again, delivering a deeply nuanced performance. He perfectly captures the simplicity and quiet dignity of an everyday man, effortlessly drawing viewers into Benz’s small world.
Especially in the second half, his restrained emotions and expressive acting stand out, reminding us once again why he remains one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. His commitment to the role, never once playing it like a ‘superstar’, reflects the respect he holds for his craft.
Prakash Varma is a revelation as a shrewd, calculating officer. His portrayal is so convincing that it evokes genuine anger from the audience, which speaks volumes about his performance.
Despite limited screen time, Sobhana leaves a lasting impact with her composed and graceful presence. Binu Pappu, Thomas Mathew, and the rest of the supporting cast also do a neat job in their respective roles.
Minus Points:
The story treads familiar ground and doesn’t offer much freshness. It’s a narrative that seasoned cinephiles would easily recognise. Writer K R Sunil and director Tharun Moorthy could have worked on a more layered and unpredictable script to truly elevate the experience.
The first half, although it sets up the premise, gradually loses momentum and feels sluggish after a point. Even after the interval, the film takes time to pick up pace again. This uneven narrative flow might test the patience of some viewers.
While it is commendable that the film avoids mass commercial elements like exaggerated action scenes and punch dialogues, the absence of high-voltage moments also leaves certain sections feeling a bit dry.
Several moments in the film might remind viewers of similar stories in the genre, and the major twist is not too hard to guess. A stronger and more gripping screenplay could have avoided the feeling of déjà vu.
Technical Aspects:
Tharun Moorthy shows flashes of skill in his direction but struggles to maintain a consistently engaging pace. A racier and more gripping narrative could have made a significant difference to the film’s overall impact.
Shaji Kumar’s cinematography is appealing, capturing the moods and settings effectively. Jakes Bejoy’s background score complements the story well, enhancing key emotional moments without overpowering them. However, the editing leaves room for improvement, particularly in the first half where tighter cuts would have made the film more crisp and engaging.
The production values are decent, and the Telugu dubbing is fairly acceptable. However, a glaring issue is the Telugu version itself – the movie title is misspelled compared to how it was originally promoted, and several spelling errors appear even in the opening credits. This reflects a clear lack of attention and interest from the team behind the Telugu release.
Verdict:
On the whole, Thudarum is a modest revenge drama elevated mainly by Mohanlal’s heartfelt performance. However, the predictable storyline, sluggish pacing, and lack of major emotional peaks prevent it from reaching its full potential. It is a watchable film if you are a Mohanlal fan or appreciate slow-burn dramas, but for general audiences, it is advisable to keep expectations in check.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
