Thudarum (2025) Review: A Stirring Thriller-Drama and a Triumphant Return for Mohanlal

“Thudarum”  is not just a film — it’s an experience.
Directed masterfully by Tharun Moorthy, with a sharp, poignant screenplay co-written with K. R. Sunil, this Malayalam-language drama-thriller proves that powerful storytelling, brilliant performances, and emotional honestyare timeless.

Released on 25 April 2025, Thudarum has rightfully earned widespread critical acclaim, with special praise for its storytelling, emotional depth, music, and stellar performances — especially those of Mohanlal and Prakash Varma.

More importantly, Thudarum marks the grand comeback of Mohanlal, reminding audiences why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most beloved legends.

 A Story That Haunts and Heals

Set against a beautifully restrained yet haunting backdrop, Thudarum weaves a narrative that explores:

• Regret

• Redemption

• The burden of the past

• And the fragile hope of continuity

Without slipping into melodrama, the film delves deep into human emotions, creating a world that feels achingly real and painfully relatable.
The thriller elements are subtle yet effective — the real suspense lies in the characters’ internal struggles.

 Performances: A Masterclass by Mohanlal and Company

• Mohanlal delivers a powerhouse performance that is both mature and heartbreakingly vulnerable. His portrayal of a man grappling with his past is nothing short of mesmerizing.

• Prakash Varma shines alongside, offering layered expressions that reveal hidden depths with minimal dialogue.

• Shobana, in a strong and graceful return to the screen, provides a vital emotional anchor.

• The supporting cast — Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba, and Aravind — each leave their mark, enriching the film’s emotional landscape.

There’s a raw honesty in the acting that elevates Thudarum far beyond the typical thriller.

 Music and Background Score: A Silent Storyteller

The music of Thudarum doesn’t just accompany the film — it breathes life into it.

• Melancholic tunes underscore the emotional beats.

• Background scores heighten tension without being intrusive.

• Moments of silence are used brilliantly to let the audience feel rather than be told.

The soundtrack lingers — much like the film’s characters — long after the final scene fades.

 Direction and Visuals: A Study in Subtle Power

Tharun Moorthy’s direction is both confident and compassionate.

• He allows the story to unfold organically, respecting the intelligence of the audience.

• The cinematography, with its muted color palettes and lingering shots, reflects the inner turmoil of the characters.

• Tight editing ensures that tension never lags, while moments of reflection are given breathing space.

There’s a delicate balance between intimacy and suspense — and Moorthy executes it flawlessly.

 Themes That Resonate Deeply

At its core, Thudarum is about:

• The ghosts of choices left behind

• The weight of guilt and forgiveness

• The undying thread of human hope

It asks profound questions:
Can we ever truly move on? Or do our past actions forever echo into our futures?

The film doesn’t give easy answers — it gives honest ones.

Quick Summary Table

 Final Verdict

Thudarum (2025) is a brilliant, emotionally charged triumph that solidifies Mohanlal’s enduring greatness and showcases the brilliance of Malayalam cinema.

It’s rare to find a film that thrills the mind while breaking and healing the heart in equal measure.
Thudarum is one of those rare gifts — a film you feel in your soul.

If you’re looking for a movie that challenges, comforts, and continues to haunt you — Thudarum is not to be missed.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)