Thudarum Review: The Mohanlal Experience We’ve Been Craving
When you step into the theater for a Mohanlal movie, you carry expectations as vast as the actor’s legendary career. Over the years, Mohanlal has given us unforgettable performances, but many of his recent movies failed to bring out the star and actor in him. They either overdid it or underdid it. Enter Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy, which delivers exactly what we’ve been yearning for—a perfect Mohanlal movie experience.
A Director’s Vision Realized
During Empuraan release, Prithviraj promised to present Lalettan in a way that fans love, but it’s Tharun Moorthy who has truly delivered on that promise. Tharun understands the delicate balance between Mohanlal the actor and Mohanlal the superstar, crafting a film that highlights both aspects with finesse. It’s not about pushing Mohanlal out of his comfort zone with experimental roles; it’s about enhancing his strengths and showing them off in the best possible light.
The Mohanlal Magic
Mohanlal’s performance in Thudarum is nothing short of masterful. He breathes life into the character effortlessly. What’s remarkable is how the film celebrates his stardom while keeping his performance grounded in authenticity.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
While Mohanlal commands the screen, the supporting cast deserves its share of praise. Prakash Varma, as the main antagonist, makes an unforgettable debut, embodying a character you love to hate. Binu Pappu delivers his career-best performance, while Shobhana brings her unique charm to the story. Her chemistry with Mohanlal is endearing, and though she could have been given a stronger “mass” angle, her presence is delightful.
Storytelling That Stays With You
The brilliance of Thudarum lies in its storytelling. The first half is a heartwarming family drama peppered with self-aware humor and nostalgic meta moments from Mohanlal. However, the tone shifts dramatically in the second half, evolving into a thrilling revenge drama packed with emotional depth. This balance keeps the audience hooked, delivering a wholesome cinematic experience.
The script is sharp, the dialogues resonate, and the “Ottakomban” references spark instant excitement. Jakes Bejoy’s music amplifies the film’s emotional beats, while Tharun Moorthy’s visuals provide a cinematic richness that lingers in your mind.
A Perfect Film? Not Exactly, But Who Cares?
Thudarum isn’t a flawless film, but it doesn’t need to be. It excels where it matters most—delivering an experience that leaves you deeply satisfied. This is the kind of film that lingers long after the credits roll, the kind you want to discuss, revisit, and celebrate.
Thudarum isn’t just a movie; it’s a reminder of why we go to the theater—to feel joy, nostalgia, and the thrill of watching a star like Mohanlal in his element. For every Mohanlal fan and anyone who loves great cinema, Thudarum is a must-watch.
You’ll leave the theater smiling, replaying scenes in your head, and probably planning your next viewing. This is the Lalettan experience we’ve been missing, and Tharun Moorthy has given it to us in spades.
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
