Director Tharun Moorthy delivers a heartfelt story in Thudarum, a film that blends personal struggle with social commentary. Here, he focuses on the resilience of an ordinary man against the backdrop of a flawed system, weaving a narrative that is both specific and universally resonant.
The film opens lightheartedly, peppered with nostalgic callbacks to Mohanlal’s earlier films and sly references to his public persona — a self-aware nod that never overshadows the integrity of Shanmugham’s character. The narrative moves at a deliberate, sometimes sluggish pace, which allows characters to breathe but occasionally tests the audience’s patience. Observant viewers will pick up on the seeds of the mystery laid early on, although the heavy emphasis on subtlety means parts of the story risk feeling underdeveloped. The narrative slowly shifts gears into thriller territory with the entry of SI Benny (Binu Pappu) and CI George Mathan (Prakash Varma), with the tension building over each scene going forward.
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Mohanlal delivers a deeply empathetic performance, portraying Shanmugham with sensitivity. In his hands, the character becomes not just a victim of circumstance, but a symbol of quiet resistance. Mohanlal’s mastery lies in his ability to convey entire emotional arcs through the simplest of gestures — a sigh, a glance, a pause. While comparisons to his performances in Bhramaram or Drishyam might arise, Shanmugham feels refreshingly distinct, ranking among the actor’s finest understated roles in recent years. And yes, there are still a few mass moments tailored for fans — earned, believable, and immensely satisfying.
Shobana, returning to the big screen alongside Mohanlal after over a decade, is a revelation as Lalitha, Shanmugham’s wife. Their on-screen partnership is filled with a natural ease and emotional authenticity. The supporting cast offers strong performances across the board. Prakash Varma plays CI George Mathan with a compelling mix of menace and calculation, clinching a standout debut performance as the primary antagonist while Binu Pappu’s SI Benny adds further tension to the proceedings. Young talents like Farhaan Faasil, Thomas Mathew, and Aarsha Baiju round out the ensemble. There are a few interesting cameos, some as part of the narrative, while yet another serves as a cheeky red herring.
The frames of Thudarum tell its own story. Cinematographer Shaji Kumar captures Kerala’s natural beauty, contrasting the lush, open landscapes with the claustrophobic tension of Shanmugham’s personal crisis. Water, especially rain, plays a poetic central motif at different stages of the film’s narrative where it stands for both retribution and relief. Jakes Bejoy’s music score is both stirring and restrained, heightening the emotional pulse of the film without ever overpowering the narrative.
While Thudarum resonates emotionally, it demands patience and a willingness to engage with its quiet rhythms. The film’s commitment to subtlety is admirable, but it also means that moments of emotional catharsis are few and far between. A tighter edit and slightly more urgency in the second half could have strengthened the overall impact. Ultimately, Thudarum is a well-made drama that rewards viewers who appreciate slow-burn storytelling.
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