Thudarum, a Malayalam crime thriller starring Mohanlal and Shobana, was released in Telugu without a title change. Despite this unusual choice, the film received positive feedback in Malayalam. Now, it remains to be seen how Telugu audiences respond.
Thudarum Movie Story: Benz alias Shanmugam (Mohanlal), who worked as a Stunt man in Tamil films for years, settles in Kerala with his beloved Black Ambassador car and a happy family. However, his life takes a turn when the police seize his car in a ganja case. While struggling to retrieve it, his son goes missing. Thudarum unravels the connection between the missing son and the seized car, along with the challenges Benz faces while dealing with the police.
Performances: Mohanlal proves yet again why he is called a complete actor in Thudarum. Despite some over-the-top moments, he portrays the vulnerability of a mass hero, especially in a deeply emotional scene where he breaks down in the bathroom. His timing in both action and comedy is remarkable.
Shobhana, after a long time, impresses with her portrayal of a character with significant weight, handling it with grace. Prakash Varma shines in his debut as CI George, seamlessly transitioning from kindness to cruelty. Thomas Matthew and Arsha Chandini Bajuloi excel as Mohanlal’s children, while Bina Pappu and Farhan Faasil contribute well in supporting roles.
Technical Aspects: Shaji Kumar’s cinematography is the film’s major asset, particularly in capturing the devastation caused by rain through drone shots and managing night scenes and lighting effectively. The sound design and Jakes Bijoy’s music elevate the film further. Director Tharun Moorthy starts the film well by establishing a happy family dynamic and portraying their relationships maturely.
The way he portrays the mass hero with simplicity stands out as a highlight. However, the hero’s decision to seek personal revenge instead of clearing the stains on his family’s name feels questionable. The film’s ending, while providing elevation, fails to justify the emotion. Still, the use of elephant family references and comparing it to the hero’s family works well in advancing the plot. The portrayal of the hero as an elephant adds a nice touch.
Analysis: Thudarum starts strong but loses its emotional connection after the twist. The focus shifts to mass elevations, sidelining logic, and the hero’s true objective of clearing his family’s name. It remains a decent thriller but doesn’t fully satisfy.
Verdict: Thudarum is a decent thriller with strong performances but falters in emotional depth and narrative logic, making it an average watch.
Bottom Line: A gripping thriller with missed emotional depth.
Rating: 2.5/5
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