Thudarum Movie Review
Thudarum: A Soulful Ride Anchored by Mohanlal's Graceful Charm
In Thudarum, director Tharun Moorthy blends family drama with social commentary, crafting an engaging and emotionally resonant film elevated by Mohanlal's grounded performance.Director Tharun Moorthy has always let social issues simmer beneath the surface of his narratives, and Thudarum is no exception. Following the precedent set by his earlier works like Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, his latest offering starring Mohanlal subtly integrates a socially relevant theme into its core conflict. What begins with visuals of a landslide soon evolves into a heartfelt family drama. The familiar domestic setting is enriched by the refreshing presence of Mohanlal as Shanmugham, fondly known as Benz, and Sobhana as his wife Lalitha. The film draws genuine charm from the natural humour in its dialogues and the amusing situations that arise from Shanmugham's deep affection for his vintage Ambassador car.
Moorthy smartly places Mohanlal at the heart of the film, extracting a nuanced and understated performance that speaks volumes through the simplest of mannerisms. The screenplay, co-written with KR Sunil, flows with an organic rhythm that beautifully captures the life of a humble villager. Set in Ranni, a town in the Pathanamthitta district, Shanmugham works as a taxi driver and treats his Ambassador with reverence. Life moves along smoothly with his Tamil-origin wife Lalitha, son Pavi (Thomas Mathew), and daughter (Amritha Varshini) until his beloved car is impounded by the police.
Shanmugham's desperation to retrieve his car leads him to the indifferent Sub Inspector Benny (Binu Pappu), who refuses to release it. His repeated visits to the police station bring him in contact with Circle Inspector George Mathan, played with surprising menace and conviction by debutant Prakash Varma. A pivotal journey-Shanmugham's car ride with George and Benny to the home of Civil Police Officer Sudheesh (Farhan Faazil)-marks a turning point, shifting the tone of the film from a warm family tale to a tense thriller. While the narrative occasionally treads predictable ground, Moorthy's deft direction and focus on character detail keep the momentum gripping.
Prakash Varma, an ad filmmaker making his acting debut, delivers a standout performance as the antagonist. His chilling yet effortless portrayal injects urgency and tension, offering a worthy counterforce to the protagonist. Though Sobhana has limited scope, her chemistry with Mohanlal provides emotional weight to the story. Binu Pappu, in the role of a manipulative officer, delivers a mature and convincing performance, showcasing his growth as an actor.
Despite its familiar beats, Thudarum distinguishes itself through its grounded storytelling and compelling presentation. Shajikumar's cinematography captures the film's mood with stunning visuals, while Jakes Bejoy's score lends emotional texture and vibrancy to every frame.
Ultimately, Thudarum is a return to form for Mohanlal after the grand scale of Empuraan, offering a performance rooted in subtlety and authenticity. Even within its predictable arcs, the film manages to captivate with its sincerity, poignant moments, and timeless charm.
