The legendary actor Mohanlal returns with his malayalam crime thriller movie Thudarum and I watched this movie on Jio hotstar in Hindi version. This movie is full of suspense and it is a slow-burning revenge thriller that blends realism with emotional weight. This movie directed by Tharun Moorthy and released on April 26, 2025, in both Malayalam and Telugu but recently its released on OTT in hindi version so all hindi audience can watch this movie on Jiohotstar.
- Director: Tharun Moorthy
- Cast: Mohanlal , Shobana, Prakash Raj Varma, Thomas Mathew, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Binu Pappu
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- Language: Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Benz Shanmugam, played by Mohanlal.A humble taxi driver who loves his classic Mark-I Ambassador more than anything else in the world. One day his car goes to missing and found at Police station, and Police told him your used for drug smuggling by garage mechanic and mechanic is missing therefore your car seized by us.
Determined to reclaim his car, Benz visits the Ranni police station, where he meets CI George Mathen (Prakash Varma) and SI Benny (Binu Pappu). What starts as a simple dispute over possession quickly escalates into a tangled web where Benz nearly becomes implicated in a criminal conspiracy.Both officers are hiding a dangerous secret inside the cute ambassador of Benz. What did they really smuggle? Are they hiding a very frightening thing? As soon as Benz unknowingly becomes a companion, Thudaram gradually removes the curtain and the answers are buried in that deserted forest.
Winning Performances
Mohanlal (Benz)
Mohanlal delivers a layered, subdued performance that avoids melodrama. His portrayal of a common man confronting systemic issues feels grounded and genuine. Especially in the second half, his internal struggle and quiet dignity add emotional heft
Prakash Varma (CI George Mathen)
His turn as the calculating, morally ambiguous police officer is a standout. His understated menace brings real tension, making him a formidable on-screen presence .
Shobana (Lalitha)
Although her screen time is limited, Shobana’s soothing presence and expressive moments lend warmth to the film’s quieter scenes
Supporting actors like Binu Pappu and Thomas Mathew round out the family with natural performances, keeping the drama rooted in everyday life.
Direction & Technical Aspects
Tharun Moorthy’s direction shines in intimate emotional moments. He steers clear of melodrama, trusting his actors to deliver calm yet intense storytelling. His vision of a small-town setting, everyday struggles, and moral dilemmas is clear—and smartly presented
- Cinematography by Shaji Kumar captures the ambiance of small-town life, both its simplicity and moral complexity
- Music by Jakes Bejoy offers a restrained background score, adding tension without overshadowing the scenes
- Editing Handled by Nishadh Yusuf and Shafeeque V.B. is functional, but tighter cuts in the first half would have kept the pace sharper
Final Verdict
Thudarum is a modest thriller powered by Mohanlal’s thoughtful performance and grounded storytelling.While the story unfolds at a gentle pace without relying on sudden twists, it captivates with its emotional depth and grounded realism.