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Thudarum

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For the 1999 Tamil-language film, see Thodarum.

Thudarum
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTharun Moorthy
Screenplay by
Story byK. R. Sunil
Produced byM. Renjith
Starring
CinematographyShaji Kumar
Edited by
Music byJakes Bejoy
Production
company
Rejaputhra Visual Media
Distributed by
Release date
  • 25 April 2025 (2025-04-25)[1]
Running time
166 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Box office₹16.65 crore [Day 1][2]

Thudarum (Template:Trans) is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language drama thriller film directed by Tharun Moorthy, who wrote the screenplay with K. R. Sunil. It stars Mohanlal and Shobana, alongside Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba, and Aravind in supporting roles.[3] The film was produced by M. Renjith through Rejaputhra Visual Media. Jakes Bejoy composed the original soundtrack.

Thudarum was released theatrically on 25 April 2025 and the movie opened to extremely positive reviews from critics and general audiences alike, with critical acclaim directed upon the performance of Mohanlal and other cast members, direction, writing, cinematography, music and editing.[4]

Plot

Thudarum follows the life of Shanmugham, affectionately known as "Benz," a humble taxi driver in the serene hill town of Ranni, Pathanamthitta. His most prized possession is his vintage Mark-I Ambassador car, which he uses to earn a living. Shanmugham's life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved car is wrongfully seized by the police over a false narcotics charge. Determined to reclaim it, he faces numerous challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and personal setbacks. As the story unfolds, Shanmugham's deep emotional connection to his car and his unwavering resolve drive the narrative, leading to a gripping exploration of justice, family, and resilience. In the end he takes revenge againt the 2 police men who killed his son (yes it was his son who was revealed to be killed and it was his son's body which was kept by the police in the Ambassador car and later disposed in the forest) for having love affair with CI George's daughter.

Cast

Production

Development

The film was officially announced by Mohanlal in mid-March 2024, with Tharun Moorthy set to direct. Moorthy co-wrote the screenplay with K. R. Sunil, while M. Renjith of Rejaputhra Visual Media took on production responsibilities. Filming was planned to begin in April. In an interview, Moorthy revealed that following the success of his previous film, Saudi Vellakka (2022), Renjith expressed interest in collaborating on a new project. Moorthy and Sunil spent eight months developing the screenplay, which was eventually greenlit.[5] The project had the working title L360, marking Mohanlal's 360th film.[6] Although the team had already finalized a title by the time the screenplay was completed, they opted to use a temporary title during production.[7][8]

Thudarum originated from a story conceptualisedd by Sunil, a documentary photographer who frequently travels in search of subjects for his works. Sunil revealed that the story was inspired by an encounter during one such journey, involving a person and a sight.[9] Renjith and Sunil approached Moorthy to direct the project, believing he was suitable to handle its "nuanced characters" and "emotional depth". Mohanlal had been attached to the film even before Moorthy’s involvement, having expressed interest in the story "a long time ago". Speculation arose linking Thudarum to Benz Vasu, an unrealized project of Mohanlal, written by Sunil with G. Prajith attached as director. Moorthy clarified that Thudarum was a different project developed from scratch based on a character and an event concept presented by the production team.[10] The screenplay was completed after five drafts.[9]

Casting

Mohanlal plays the character Shanmugham, a taxi driver. Sunil noted that while the character was initially conceived independently of any specific actor, he eventually envisioned Mohanlal in the role as the story progressed. He remarked that Shanmugham embodies the essence of vintage Mohanlal, reminiscent of his characters in the films of Sathyan Anthikad and Kamal.[9] Moorthy described Mohanlal's character as down-to-earth.[11] For the portrayal of Lalitha, the female lead, Tharun Moorthy initially met with Jyothika after being highly impressed with her performance in Kaathal: The Core (2023) and narrated her the story. However, she was later replaced by Shobana, marking her reunion with Mohanlal after a 15-year gap, having previously worked together in numerous films.Prakash Varma, an ad filmmaker known for Vodafone's ZooZoo commercials , was cast in an antagonistic role."

The cast includes Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Nandu, Irshad Ali, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba, , and Aravind.[3]

Filming

Principal photography began on 22 April 2024, with Mohanlal and Shobhana joining on the same day.[12][13] The film's primary locations were Thodupuzha and Ranni. The initial phase of filming took place in Kaloor East, Thodupuzha.[14] After 70 days of shooting, the production paused for a scheduled break on 5 July.[15] Filming was set to resume once Mohanlal completed his commitments on L2: Empuraan (2025), with approximately 20–25 days of work for Thudarum still pending.[7] Reports suggested that a brief second schedule would commence in the first week of August, lasting 10 days.[16] This phase concluded by the end of the month.[17]

Some scenes were modified during the filming process.[9] The final schedule started in October in Chennai. Renjith mentioned that crucial scenes were being filmed in Chennai over three days, followed by a week-long shoot in Walayar, and then in the Cumbum and Theni regions, with plans to conclude in Thodupuzha.[18] Moorthy added that this phase also includes filming in Ranni and Vagamon. Mohanlal joined the team in Chennai[19] and was later spotted filming in Theni.[20] The production wrapped up in Thodupuzha on 1 November 2024,[21] after a total of 99 shooting days.[22] The film's title was announced later that month.[23]

Post-production

Mohanlal finished his dubbing in November 2024.[24] After the death of editor Nishadh Yusuf, Shafeeque V. B. took over the editing, with both of them receiving the credits.[25]

Release

Thudarum was released in theatres on 25 April 2025.[26]

Reception

Crtical response

Thudarum received highly positive reviews from critics. Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Tharun Moorthy's Mohanlal and Shobana-starrer ranks among one of the finest Indian revenge thrillers that hasn't compromised on any of its aspects, both on the creative and technical sides, while also ensuring brilliant performances."[27] Pooja Pillai of Eastern Eye wrote that "Mohanlal returns to form in a dark, emotional ride that’s winning hearts."[28]

Arjun Menon of Rediff gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote that "Thudarum is a masterpiece for adults, a serious yet self-aware piece of cinema that has something for everybody."[29] Latha Sreenivasan of Hindustan Times gave 3.5/5 starts and wrote "A top-form Mohanlal shines in fan boy Tharun Moorthy's gripping directorial."[30]

References

  1. ^ "Mohanlal's 'Thudarum' set for April 25 release". Times of India. 7 April 2025. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  2. ^ Pinkvilla (26 April 2025). "Thudarum Box Office Worldwide Day 1: Mohanlal's crime thriller off to a fantastic start, mints around Rs 16.65 crore". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Thudarum movie review: A top-form Mohanlal shines in fan boy Tharun Moorthy's gripping directorial". Hindustan Times. 25 April 2025. Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  5. ^ Is, Gopika (20 March 2024). "We worked on the script for over eight months : Tharun Moorthy on his film with Mohanlal". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  6. ^ The Hindu Bureau (18 March 2024). "'L360': Mohanlal's next to be directed by Tharun Moorthy; film to begin shoot in April". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  7. ^ a b Antony, Seena (5 July 2024). "25 ദിവസത്തെ ഷൂട്ട് ബാക്കി, സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പേരിട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്: തരുൺ മൂർത്തി അഭിമുഖം". Manorama Online. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  8. ^ A., Amina (6 July 2024). "വിന്റേജ് ലാലേട്ടനെ റീ ക്രിയേറ്റ് ചെയ്യാനല്ല, മുണ്ടുടുത്ത് വരുന്ന ഒരു പുതിയ ലാലേട്ടനെ ഉണ്ടാക്കാനാണ് ശ്രമം ; തരുൺ മൂർത്തി അഭിമുഖം" (in Malayalam). The Cue. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d J., Gowry Priya (1 December 2024). "വിന്‍റേജ് മോഹന്‍ലാല്‍ തിരിച്ചുവരുമ്പോള്‍ എന്തൊക്കെ പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കാം? 'തുടരും' തിരക്കഥാകൃത്തിന് പറയാനുള്ളത്". Asianet News (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  10. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (19 March 2024). "Tharun Moorthy: L360's emotional story will be elevated by Mohanlal's performance | Exclusive". OTT Play. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  11. ^ ETimes.in (26 April 2024). "L360' director Tharun Moorthy: I instructed the cameraman to sustain the first shot without calling for a cut". The Times Of India. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  12. ^ India Today Entertainment Desk (22 April 2024). "Pics: Mohanlal, Shobana reunite for his 360th film with director Tharun Moorthy". India Today. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  13. ^ The Hindu Bureau (22 April 2024). "Mohanlal, Shobana's 'L360' begins filming". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  14. ^ മനോരമ ലേഖകൻ (22 April 2024). "ഷൺമുഖൻ എന്ന ടാക്സി ഡ്രൈവറായി മോഹൻലാൽ തൊടുപുഴയിൽ". Manorama Online (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  15. ^ Local News Desk (8 July 2024). "Watch: Mohanlal Gets Emotional On the Sets Of His Next With Tharun Moorthy". CNN-News18. Archived from the original on 3 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  16. ^ Menon, Akhila (28 July 2024). "L360: Mohanlal to resume the shooting of Tharun Moorthy's film on this date?". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  17. ^ Menon, Akhila (31 August 2024). "Mohanlal's L360: Second schedule is wrapped up; major update soon". OTT Play. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  18. ^ "L360 marks the return of Shobana; Mohanlal to play a taxi driver in Tharun's family action drama". Mathrubhumi. 12 October 2024. Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  19. ^ ETimes.in (11 October 2024). "Mohanlal joins the final schedule of 'L360'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  20. ^ Web Team (21 October 2024). "ആ ഫാന്‍സ് അസോസിയേഷന്‍ 1988 ല്‍; 36 വര്‍ഷങ്ങള്‍ക്കിപ്പുറം ജയപാണ്ടിക്ക് ആഗ്രഹ സാഫല്യം". Asianet News. Archived from the original on 29 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  21. ^ ETimes.in (4 November 2024). "It's a wrap for Mohanlal - Tharun Moorthy's 'L360'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  22. ^ The Hindu Bureau (1 November 2024). "It's a wrap for Mohanlal - Shobana's 'L360', helmed by Tharun Moorthy". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Mohanlal's 'L360' gets official title 'Thudarum', featuring a long-awaited reunion with Shobana". Mathrubhumi. 8 November 2024. Archived from the original on 10 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  24. ^ Panikker, Rohit (20 November 2024). "Mohanlal Wraps Up Dubbing For Tharun Moorthy's Thudarum". Times Now. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  25. ^ Express News Service (9 November 2024). "Mohanlal and Tharun's film titled 'Thudarum'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  26. ^ Santhosh, Vivek (29 November 2024). "Aashirvad Cinemas announces Mohanlal's upcoming release roster for 2025". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 December 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  27. ^ [1]
  28. ^ Thudarum review – Eastern Eye
  29. ^ [2]
  30. ^ [3]
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