Cast: Mohanlal, Shobana
Director: Tharun Moorthy
Rating: ★★★.5
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a superstar shed his larger-than-life aura and slip into a character grounded in everyday reality. Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy, offers just that with Mohanlal—reminding us that beyond the megastar lies a phenomenal actor who can effortlessly breathe life into a character that could be your neighbour, your relative, or even yourself.
In recent times, Mohanlal has been associated with grand projects like L2: Empuraan, Barroz 3D, and Malaikottai Vaaliban—films that focused more on the legend and the spectacle. But in Thudarum, the star takes a refreshing detour. Here, Mohanlal doesn’t dominate the screen as a demigod. Instead, he becomes Benz aka Shanmugham, a humble taxi driver with a past, a family, and a heart full of emotion. It’s this transformation that sets Thudarum apart and makes it one of Mohanlal’s most heartfelt performances in recent years.
The Story: Rooted in Emotion and Everyday Struggles
Shanmugham, fondly known as Benz (Mohanlal), is a former stuntman who once worked in Chennai’s film industry. After leaving that life behind, he settles in Ranni, a small town in Pathanamthitta, with his wife Lalitha (Shobana) and their two teenage children. Life is simple but fulfilling. Benz now drives a black Mark 1 Ambassador taxi—a car with immense sentimental value, gifted to him by his mentor Master (played by Bharathiraaja). His wife runs a small flour mill from home, and together they manage a modest but happy life.
But their peaceful existence is upended when their son’s friend takes the Ambassador for a joyride. The car meets with an accident, and while it's being repaired, it gets entangled in a criminal case. The police seize the vehicle after discovering weed hidden in it—planted unknowingly by a mechanic boy working at the workshop. For Benz, this isn't just about a car. It's about a part of his identity, his memories, and his pride.
The rest of the film follows Benz’s desperate attempts to retrieve the car, and how the seemingly minor incident snowballs into a series of events that threaten to tear his family apart. It’s not just a story about a man and his car—it’s about trust, misunderstandings, love, and the pain of seeing your world unravel due to someone else’s carelessness.
Mohanlal: A Masterclass in Understated Acting
At the heart of Thudarum is a Mohanlal performance that is beautifully restrained and heartbreakingly authentic. There are no punch dialogues or over-the-top action sequences. Instead, there are silences, glances, and subtle gestures that speak volumes. Mohanlal’s Benz is a man of few words, someone who has known hardship but chooses peace. His reaction to the loss of his car is not just about material value—it’s about everything he stands for: honesty, dignity, and emotional connection.
In one of the most poignant scenes, Benz visits the police station to plead for the release of his car. The vulnerability in Mohanlal’s eyes, the crack in his voice, and the helplessness in his body language—it’s all pitch-perfect. It's a reminder of why he's considered one of the greatest actors Indian cinema has ever produced.
Shobana’s Comeback is a Treat
It’s also a pleasure to see Shobana back on screen, and especially alongside Mohanlal, recreating a chemistry that has delighted fans for decades. As Lalitha, she is calm yet commanding, strong yet nurturing. She brings quiet strength to her role, and the domestic scenes between her and Mohanlal are among the most touching in the film. There’s a natural ease in their interaction that grounds the film and makes their bond feel lived-in and real.
Tharun Moorthy’s Direction: Simple, Realistic, Impactful
Tharun Moorthy, who previously impressed with Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, once again sticks to his signature style—realistic storytelling rooted in middle-class Kerala life. His strength lies in extracting emotional depth from the mundane, and Thudarum is no exception. The film never strays into melodrama, even when the stakes get high. The storytelling remains honest and unhurried.
Moorthy also deserves credit for resisting the temptation to make this a "mass" Mohanlal film. Instead of building scenes around the actor’s image, he builds them around the character of Benz. The result is a film that resonates emotionally rather than relying on whistles and applause.
Technical Aspects: Subtle Yet Strong
The cinematography captures the beauty of rural Kerala, with lush greenery, narrow roads, and the close-knit feel of small towns adding to the film’s mood. The visuals are never flashy but carry a quiet elegance. The background score is equally subtle, supporting the emotional tone without overwhelming it.
Editing is crisp, ensuring the film maintains a steady pace even when the story takes emotional detours. The screenplay flows smoothly, with well-developed characters and a central conflict that keeps the audience invested.
A Few Flaws, But Forgivable
If there’s one area where Thudarum could have done better, it's in fleshing out some of the secondary characters. The police officers and the teenage boys who trigger the conflict could have had more layers to their personalities. Additionally, the climax, though emotionally satisfying, feels slightly rushed compared to the build-up.
But these are minor issues in an otherwise compelling narrative.
Final Verdict: A Mohanlal Film to Cherish
Thudarum is not just a comeback for the actor Mohanlal, but also a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be when rooted in emotion, simplicity, and honesty. Tharun Moorthy crafts a film that feels personal, and Mohanlal delivers a performance that is both moving and memorable.
This is not a film designed to break box-office records or go viral for its action sequences. Instead, Thudarum quietly finds its place in your heart, thanks to its relatable characters, strong emotional core, and the kind of acting that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it anyway.
Rating: ★★★.5
Verdict: Watch it for Mohanlal in top form and Tharun Moorthy’s heartfelt storytelling.