Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy and headlined by Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, is a rare breed of cinematic storytelling—one that quietly builds its emotional base before plunging into a gut-punch of suspense, mystery, and action. This isn’t just another revenge drama; it’s a layered thriller that demands attention and rewards those who stay till the very end.
The narrative orbits around Benz, a seemingly ordinary taxi driver with a black vintage Ambassador car he treats like family. But this car becomes more than just a vehicle—it becomes a character, a container of secrets, and the center of a mystery that stretches from innocence to vengeance. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Benz has a past as a famed stuntman, making his current humble life all the more intriguing.
The first half may feel leisurely, as the film lays down its emotional and narrative bricks. But come interval, Thudarum transforms. It picks up pace like a second gear kicking in, reminiscent of the cinematic shock value seen in Drishyam. Reviewers have noted the deliberate build-up leading to a powerful twist, a writing strategy that pays off with a knockout emotional and cerebral payoff.
Mohanlal’s Eyes Speak Louder Than Words
As always, Mohanlal delivers a performance that is magnetic, intense, and deeply human. Many have pointed out how he can express volumes through just his eyes—a technique that adds gravitas to scenes even without dialogue. His portrayal of Benz is multifaceted: gentle yet formidable, loving yet dangerous, and deeply haunted by his past.
Equally worthy of praise is the ensemble cast. From the police officers to the mysterious fifth passenger in the car’s trunk, each character brings depth and purpose to the unfolding drama. The antagonist, in particular, stands out for redefining villainy, earning him early buzz as one of 2025’s strongest screen antagonists.
Storytelling That Demands Your Brain—and Your Heart
Thudarum isn’t here to spoon-feed. It misdirects, distracts, and deceives like a magician with sleight of hand. One reviewer compared the film’s style to a magic trick where you never see the twist coming until it hits you squarely in the chest. The film’s structure itself becomes part of the suspense, using cinematography and ambient storytelling—such as symbolic scenes in forests, snake references, and tribal rituals—to hint at deeper meanings and underlying tensions.
The car-centric framing adds a claustrophobic intensity. With much of the story unfolding inside the vehicle during one fateful night, it echoes the narrative claustrophobia of Locke or The Guilty, while still being uniquely rooted in Indian sensibilities and mythos.
A Rare Malayalam Thriller That Sticks with You
Thudarum has been compared to Drishyam for good reason—both films use family, deception, and revenge as their core pillars. However, Thudarum doesn’t aim to replicate. It stands as a parallel narrative, perhaps even an alternate universe version, where the stakes are similar but the methods differ. And unlike Drishyam, Thudarum also weaves in tribal motifs, local beliefs, and a sense of mystical realism, reminiscent of Kantara in select moments.
One standout highlight is how the second half shifts gears not just into emotional territory but also into full-fledged mass action. Mohanlal’s stuntman past explodes into the present in a way that electrifies the screen, balancing artistry with crowd-pleasing spectacle.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thudarum is not just a film—it’s a cinematic trapdoor. What starts as a simple story becomes something far more sinister, layered, and resonant. With commanding performances, smart direction, and a finale that leaves you thunderstruck, Thudarum is easily one of the finest Malayalam thrillers of the year. It’s not just to be watched—it’s to be felt.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy cerebral storytelling with emotional and suspenseful depth. And yes, it’s family-friendly too, provided you’re fine with subtitles.
Thudarum OTT Release Date
Thudarum Now Streaming On OTT: The Malayalam crime thriller Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy, is now available for streaming on JioHotstar in Hindi starting May 30, 2025. The film, which stars Mohanlal in a powerful lead role, originally released in theaters on April 25, 2025, to widespread acclaim. Now, with its digital debut, a broader audience can experience this emotional rollercoaster from the comfort of their homes.
For more such reviews, breakdowns, and scene analyses, stay tuned to SceneSamjho.com.
ThudarumReview #ThudarumMovieReview #MohanlalThudarum #ThudarumMalayalam #ThudarumHindiMovieReview #ThudarumHindiReview #MalayalamSuspenseThriller #ThudarumOTTRelease #ThudarumHotstar #TharunMoorthyFilm #SlowBurnThrillers #MalayalamCrimeDrama #BestMalayalamMovies2025 #EmotionalSuspenseFilms #ThudarumMovie
