It’s a rainy evening in the misty hills of Ranni, Kerala. A beat-up Ambassador car rattles along a winding road, its driver humming an old tune, oblivious to the storm brewing—not just in the sky, but in his quiet life. One wrong turn, one misplaced trust, and suddenly, everything unravels. That’s the hook of Thudarum, the kind of film that starts as a cozy family chat over chai and ends with you gripping the armrest, heart pounding.
As a die-hard Malayalam movie buff who’s chased Mohanlal’s magic from Drishyam to L2: Empuraan, I walked into this one expecting fireworks. And boy, did it deliver—not with explosions, but with that slow-burn ache of a man fighting for his world. Released back in April 2025, Thudarum didn’t just top charts; it sparked conversations about power, family, and that unyielding spirit we all hide inside. If you’re an intermediate fan like me—someone who’s debated Manjummel Boys over late-night dosas—this is your next obsession. But fair warning: it might leave you staring at your own car keys, wondering what you’d do if they vanished.
Table of Contents
What’s Thudarum All About? A Plot That Pulls No Punches
At its core, Thudarum (which translates to “Will Continue”) is an action thriller wrapped in a family drama blanket, directed by Tharun Moorthy—the guy who gave us the heartfelt Saudi Vellakka. Set against the lush, unforgiving backdrop of Kerala’s hill country, it follows Shanmugham, aka Benz (Mohanlal), a simple taxi driver whose pride and joy is his vintage Ambassador car. It’s more than metal and wheels to him; it’s a lifeline, a memory machine carrying stories of his stuntman days in the film industry.
The story kicks off light: Benz banters with his wife Mary (Shobana), teases his stepson Pavi, and navigates the daily grind. But when his car gets impounded in a shady police mix-up involving drug smuggling, Benz’s world tilts. What starts as a plea to the local cops spirals into a nightmare of corruption, betrayal, and a revenge arc that feels raw and real. We’re talking misuse of power by those in uniform, honor killings lurking in the shadows, and a natural disaster that flips the script in ways you won’t see coming.
Tharun Moorthy doesn’t rush the setup—he lets the hills breathe, the dialogues linger. It’s got echoes of Drishyam in its family-man-protecting-his-own vibe, but with a grittier edge, like if Pulimurugan traded tigers for human monsters. And that title? It resonates right to the end, hinting at stories that never really wrap up neat. No massive spoilers here, but if you’ve ever felt that quiet rage when life’s unfair, this one’s for you.
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The Cast of Thudarum: Mohanlal Steals the Show, But It’s a Team Effort
Ah, the cast—where do I even start? This ensemble feels like a well-oiled machine, each cog turning the story with precision. At the helm is Mohanlal as Benz, delivering what critics are calling his best turn this decade. He’s playful in the kitchen scenes (those Shobana jabs? Gold), brooding in the shadows, and downright ferocious when pushed. Remember his stuntman past? It shines through in action sequences that remind you why he’s the complete package—actor, dancer, fighter. Fans on Reddit are already petitioning for a National Award; I wouldn’t argue.
Opposite him, Shobana as Mary brings that rare reunion magic—it’s their first pairing in 20 years, and the chemistry crackles like Onam fireworks. She’s not just the supportive wife; her quiet strength anchors the emotional core, making every family squabble feel lived-in and heartbreaking.
Then there’s the supporting lineup, a mix of fresh faces and veterans that keeps things dynamic:
- Prakash Varma as CI George Mathen: The slippery antagonist who chews scenery without overdoing it. His cat-and-mouse with Mohanlal is electric.
- Binu Pappu as SI Benny C. Kurian: A secondary baddie with layers—think conflicted cop who’s in too deep.
- Farhaan Faasil as CPO T.K. Sudheesh: Adds that youthful spark, especially in the lighter moments.
- Maniyanpilla Raju, Irshad, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju: They flesh out the neighborhood vibe, with Raju’s comic timing providing much-needed breaths.
- Special nods to Bharathiraja in a pivotal role and Thomas Mathew voicing the stepson—subtle but impactful.
It’s not a star-stuffed spectacle like Empuraan, but that’s the point. Tharun Moorthy wrote roles that serve the story, not egos. For intermediate viewers, it’s a masterclass in how Malayalam cinema balances mass appeal with nuance.
Thudarum Box Office Collection: Breaking Records, Kerala-Style
Let’s talk numbers, because Thudarum didn’t just succeed—it rewrote the playbook. Made on a modest ₹28 crore budget, this underdog roared to a worldwide gross of ₹234–235 crore, making it the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film ever (behind Manjummel Boys at ₹242 crore and L2: Empuraan at ₹265 crore). Kerala alone delivered a staggering ₹118 crore, the first Mollywood flick to cross ₹100 crore in its home state—a feat that had theaters buzzing for weeks.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its box office journey:
| Milestone | Days to Achieve | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crore) | Kerala Share (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Day | Day 1 | 17.18 | 5.10 |
| Opening Weekend | 3 Days | 70 | ~25 |
| ₹100 Crore Club (Kerala) | 19 Days | 150+ | 100 |
| ₹200 Crore Worldwide | 24 Days | 222 | 105 |
| Final Tally | 34+ Days | 234–235 | 118 |
Overseas markets chipped in ₹93.80 crore, with the Middle East leading at $6.95 million—proof that Mohanlal’s global pull is no fluke. Rest of India added ₹19.56 crore, showing pan-Indian appeal without the Hindi remake hassle. By September 2025, it was still the talk of the town, edging out challengers like Lokah Chapter 1 in some trackers.
What drove this? Word-of-mouth, mostly. Families flocked for the emotions, action fans for the thrills. It’s a reminder: In an era of VFX-heavy blockbusters, a solid script and star power can still pack houses.
Thudarum Reviews: From Fan Frenzy to Critic Cheers (With a Few Gripes)
Reviews for Thudarum are a love letter to Mohanlal, but not without honest side-eyes. Aggregates put it at 7.6/10 on IMDb and a fresh 85% on Rotten Tomatoes (audience score higher at 92%). Critics praised its emotional layering, but some called out the predictable revenge beats.
- The Hindu (S.R. Praveen, 4/5): “A finely-crafted film with emotional depth… Mohanlal in top form, shades from playful to psychopathic.” They loved how it revives “Mohanlal of the past” without big budgets.
- Hindustan Times (Latha Srinivasan, 3.5/5): “Gripping directorial… A top-form Mohanlal shines in fan-boy Tharun Moorthy’s tale.” Highlighted the Mohanlal-Shobana reunion as “crackling chemistry.”
- Times of India (3/5): “Lacks nuance in script and acting… Same-ish mood as Drishyam, minus the cleverness.” Fair point—the second half rushes a bit.
- Lensmen Reviews: “A well-tailored fan service… Celebrates the actor with a vast canvas.” Nails the emotional drive over twists.
- Reddit Buzz (r/InsideMollywood): Mixed but passionate—”Decent highs and lows, Mohanlal’s presence carries it” to “Basic revenge story, but that ending? Chef’s kiss.”
Overall? It’s a crowd-pleaser (4.3/5 user rating on TOI), but intermediates might nitpick the pacing. Still, that “Mohanlal Thudarum” end card? Pure goosebumps.
Where to Watch Thudarum: OTT Release Date and Beyond
Missed the theater rush? No sweat—Thudarum hit OTT on May 30, 2025, exclusively on JioHotstar (merger magic at work). Stream it in original Malayalam, plus dubs in Tamil (Thodarum, released May 9), Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. Satellite rights went to Asianet for an Onam premiere on September 5—perfect timing if you’re celebrating with family.
Why JioHotstar? It’s got that seamless family-watch vibe, with subtitles that don’t lag. Pro move: Pair it with Jakes Bejoy’s soundtrack—tracks like “Kanmanipoove” and “Kadha Thudarum” are mood-setters.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Mohanlal Masterpiece
Ever wonder how a hill-town tale becomes a box office beast? Thudarum’s journey started with K.R. Sunil’s real-life inspiration—a photographer’s chance encounter that sparked the Benz character. Tharun Moorthy and Sunil hammered out five screenplay drafts over eight months, roping in producer M. Renjith for that authentic Rejaputhra touch.
Filming in Ranni’s real locations added grit—no green screens here. Mohanlal was attached early, drawn to the “nuanced emotional depth.” Fun fact: The working title was L360 (his 360th film), but Thudarum stuck for its poetic punch. Jakes Bejoy’s score? Inspired by Kerala’s folk rhythms, blending tension with melancholy.
One micro-anecdote: During a rain-soaked shoot, Mohanlal improvised a stunt recall from his youth, turning a simple car scene into gold. It’s these touches that make it feel alive.
Why Thudarum Stands Out in 2025’s Malayalam Lineup
In a year stacked with Lokah Chapter 1 and Empuraan sequels, Thudarum carves its niche by going small to go big. Pros: Stellar performances, social commentary on power abuse, and that rare balance of laughs, tears, and thrills. Cons: Pacing dips in the mid-act, and if you’re twist-hungry, it leans more emotional than explosive.
Compared to Drishyam? Less clever, more visceral—like trading chess for a street fight. For intermediate fans, it’s a reminder of Mollywood’s strength: Stories that stick, stars who evolve.
FAQ: Your Burning Thudarum Questions Answered
Who is in the cast of Thudarum?
Mohanlal leads as Benz, with Shobana as Mary, Prakash Varma as CI George, Binu Pappu as SI Benny, and a solid supporting crew including Farhaan Faasil and Maniyanpilla Raju.
When is Thudarum OTT release date?
It dropped on JioHotstar on May 30, 2025—available now in multiple languages.
What is Thudarum box office collection?
Worldwide: ₹234–235 crore. Kerala smashed ₹118 crore, making it a historic home-state hit.
Are Thudarum reviews positive?
Mostly yes—7.6/10 on IMDb, praised for Mohanlal’s range and emotional depth, though some note predictable elements.
Is Thudarum like Drishyam?
Similar family-protection theme, but Thudarum amps the action and revenge, with a grounded, less twisty feel.
Where was Thudarum filmed?
Primarily in Ranni’s hills, Kerala—those real locations amp the authenticity.
Wrapping Up: Why Thudarum Feels Like Coming Home
Thudarum isn’t just a movie; it’s a pulse-check on what makes us tick—love for the little things, fury at injustice, and that dogged hope that stories (and lives) keep going. Mohanlal doesn’t just act here; he inhabits Benz like an old friend, reminding us why we’ve rooted for him through decades of hits and heartbreaks. In a cinema landscape chasing spectacle, this one’s a quiet roar: Proof that sometimes, the best thrills come from the heart.
