Hridayapoorvam (2025): Cast, Review, Box Office & Release Date

You’re sitting in a dimly lit theater, the kind where the air smells faintly of popcorn and anticipation, and the screen flickers to life with a story that feels like it’s been pulled straight from the messy, beautiful chaos of real life. No explosions, no high-stakes chases—just a man with a borrowed heart stumbling into a family that wasn’t his, only to find pieces of himself he didn’t know were missing. That’s Hridayapoorvam in a nutshell, a film that sneaks up on you with its quiet charm and leaves you grinning through a few unexpected tears. As a die-hard fan of Malayalam cinema’s golden era, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d just caught up with an old friend—one who’s wiser, a bit more sentimental, but still knows how to make you laugh.

If you’re an Indian movie lover who’s been scrolling through Onam releases, wondering if there’s room for something simple amid the superhero sagas and thrillers, let me tell you: Hridayapoorvam is that breath of fresh air. Directed by the evergreen Sathyan Anthikad, it’s a romantic comedy-drama that hit theaters on August 28, 2025, and has since racked up praise for its emotional core and Mohanlal’s effortless magic. But is it worth your ticket? Or, now that it’s streaming on Jio Hotstar from September 26, should you queue it up for a cozy weekend? Stick with me—I’ll break it down, from the stellar cast to the box office buzz, without spoiling a beat.

The Story That Beats Like a Borrowed Heart

At its heart—pun very much intended—Hridayapoorvam (which translates to “Wholeheartedly”) follows Sandeep, a middle-aged bachelor who’s just come through a life-altering heart transplant. Coaxed by circumstances into attending the engagement of Haritha, the daughter of his donor (a spirited colonel), Sandeep’s quick trip to Pune turns into an unplanned month-long stay. What starts as polite obligation blossoms into something deeper: laughter over shared meals, awkward family squabbles, and a slow-burn realization that some connections defy bloodlines or timelines.

Sathyan Anthikad, the master of middle-class melancholy, doesn’t reinvent the wheel here. Drawing from a story by his son Akhil Sathyan and a screenplay by Sonu T. P., the film leans into themes of second chances, organ donation, and the quiet courage it takes to let people in. It’s shot with sync sound for that raw, lived-in feel, bouncing between the humid lanes of Kochi and the breezy vibes of Pune. And oh, the way it handles sensitive topics—like grief and reinvention—with a light touch? It’s like Anthikad’s whispering, “Hey, life hurts, but it doesn’t have to be heavy.”

I remember watching Anthikad’s classics like Nadodikkattu back in the day, chuckling at the absurdity while nodding along to the truths underneath. Hridayapoorvam echoes that spirit, but with a modern twist: It’s more about healing than hustle. No wonder critics like Avinash Ramachandran from Cinema Express called it a “warm hug of a film.” If you’re intermediate in your movie-watching game—say, you’ve devoured Premalu and Manjummel Boys but crave something less adrenaline-fueled—this one’s a perfect bridge.

Read More: Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil: Cast, Reviews, and Where to Watch

Spotlight on the Cast: Mohanlal and Crew Steal the Show

Let’s talk talent, because Hridayapoorvam‘s ensemble is like a well-aged filter coffee—rich, comforting, and impossible to rush. Leading the pack is Mohanlal as Sandeep, bringing that signature blend of vulnerability and wit that makes you forget he’s acting. Post-transplant, his character navigates the world with a mix of gratitude and guardedness, and Lalettan nails every hesitant smile and heartfelt confession. It’s not flashy heroism; it’s the quiet heroism of showing up. As one IMDb reviewer put it, “Mohanlal being Mohanlal has put his 100% to the role.”

Opposite him is Malavika Mohanan as Haritha, the donor’s daughter who’s equal parts fierce and fragile. Fresh off multilingual hits, Malavika slips into Malayalam with effortless grace—speaking lines in Hindi, Marathi, and English too, thanks to the film’s sync-sound setup. Anthikad handpicked her for that linguistic fluidity, and it pays off in scenes that crackle with unspoken tension. Their chemistry? Subtle, like monsoon rain on a tin roof—building slowly until you’re invested.

Then there’s Sangeeth Prathap as Jerry, the young friend who injects youthful energy and steals quite a few scenes alongside Mohanlal. Cast after impressing in Premalu, Sangeeth’s comic timing feels fresh, turning potential sidekick moments into highlights. Supporting roles shine too: Siddique kicks things off with a bang in the first 20 minutes, Sangita Madhavan Nair brings maternal warmth (stepping in after Aishwarya Lekshmi’s scheduling clash), and veterans like Lalu Alex, Janardhanan, Sabitha Anand, and Baburaj add that familiar Mollywood flavor. Basil Joseph pops in for a cameo that’s equal parts fun and fitting, while newcomers like S. P. Charan and Chandu Naik round out the family dynamic.

What makes this cast click? It’s the unforced camaraderie. No one’s phoning it in; they’re all in, creating a world that feels lived-in and loved. For us Indian movie buffs, it’s a reminder of why Malayalam cinema thrives on these ensemble tapestries.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Feel-Good Masterpiece

Sathyan Anthikad’s 18th outing with Mohanlal isn’t just a reunion—it’s a homecoming. Production kicked off in February 2025 under Aashirvad Cinemas, wrapping by May after shoots in Kochi and Pune. The screenplay, penned by Sonu T. P. from Akhil’s story, clocks in at a breezy 151 minutes, with editing by K. Rajagopal keeping the pace from dragging.

Cinematographer Anu Moothedath deserves a shoutout for those sun-dappled Pune frames that make you want to book a ticket to Maharashtra. And the music? Justin Prabhakaran delivers hummable tracks that underscore the emotion without overpowering it—think soulful melodies for the heartfelt bits and upbeat numbers for the laughs. One song, in particular, lingers like a fond memory, tying into the film’s theme of borrowed time.

Anthikad’s direction stays true to his wheelhouse: Predictable in the best way, shifting from comedy to quiet pathos without melodrama. Sure, some arcs—like a certain friendship subplot—feel a tad stretched, as noted in The Hindu‘s review. But that’s the charm; it’s not trying to wow you with twists. It’s about the journey. Fun fact: This marks the first time Anthikad collaborates with both sons—Akhil on story, Anoop as associate director. Family affair, indeed.

Visual Break: Quick pros/cons table for a skim-friendly vibe.

Pros	Cons
Mohanlal’s nuanced, charming lead	Second half loses some steam
Heartwarming family dynamics	Predictable plot beats
Stunning Pune visuals & score	Minor subplots feel padded
Relatable take on second chances	Not for twist-hungry viewers

Critical Acclaim and Box Office Buzz: A Solid Win for Mollywood

Hridayapoorvam opened to mostly positive reviews, earning a 7.1/10 on IMDb and 3/5 from Times of India, which dubbed it a “nice, feel-good family film” perfect for festive vibes. Onmanorama raved about the Mohanlal-Sangeeth chemistry as the “heart” of the film, while The Hindu praised Anthikad’s humor extraction from a thin plot. Not everyone’s cup of tea—Indian Express called it “confusing” with isolated scenes—but even they admitted the core idea’s freshness.

Box office-wise? It’s no blockbuster behemoth, but a steady earner. Day 1 pulled in around ₹8 crore, crossing ₹13 crore domestically by Day 5 and hitting ₹37.92 crore India net by Day 22 (as of September 19, 2025). Worldwide, it touched ₹50.6 crore by Day 8, making it the fourth highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025 so far. Mohanlal’s hat-trick of 50-crore club entries this year? Unthinkable, yet here we are. Occupancy dipped post-week two amid new releases, but families kept it afloat—9.88% on Day 22 isn’t shabby.

Compared to Anthikad’s past hits like Manassinakkare (which blended similar warmth), this one’s more contained, less sprawling. If you’re tracking stats, Sacnilk’s day-wise breakdowns are gold for that deeper dive.

Why Watch Hridayapoorvam? Real Talk from a Fellow Fan

Look, I’ve sat through enough Mollywood marathons to know when a film’s got soul. Hridayapoorvam isn’t revolutionary—it’s restorative. In a year packed with Lokah Chapter 1 epics and Coolie action, this one’s a gentle nudge: Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that make you feel seen. It’s got laughs that bubble up unexpectedly, tears that sneak in politely, and a message on organ donation that’s subtle but sticks. (Pro tip: If you’re new to Anthikad, pair this with Vellanakalude Nadu for the full emotional spectrum.)

For intermediate viewers like you—folks who get the nuances of character arcs without needing a glossary—it’s rewarding without being exhausting. And hey, that Pune backdrop? Makes me crave a solo trip, pondering my own “borrowed” moments in life. Is it perfect? Nah, the pacing wobbles a smidge in the back half. But does it leave you warmer than you walked in? Absolutely.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Hridayapoorvam, Answered

Wrapping It Up: A Heart Worth Opening

Hridayapoorvam isn’t the loudest film of 2025, but damn if it doesn’t whisper the loudest truths. It’s Mohanlal at his most human, Anthikad at his most tender, and a reminder that cinema’s real power lies in making us root for the ordinary. Whether you’re catching it in theaters for that collective sigh or firing up Jio Hotstar for a solo rewatch, let it remind you: Hearts—borrowed or not—have a way of finding their way home.

Craving more Mollywood deep dives? Check out our guide to Sathyan Anthikad’s must-watch classics or join the chat in our free community forum for spoiler-safe debates. What’s your take—did it tug at your strings? Drop a thought below; I’d love to hear.