From ‘Thudarum' to ‘Dies Irae': How powerful titles set the tone for a film's impact

Time of India

12-05-2025

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
Malayalam cinema
is widely known for its prowess in storytelling. Another important aspect that deserves attention is the titles given to the movies. Do
movie titles
really matter? Let's take a look.
Emotional connection
A well-chosen title can evoke strong emotions, creating an instant bond with the audience. For instance, Amal Neerad's thriller 'Bougainvillea' (2024) uses the imagery of a beautiful yet thorny flower to foreshadow a tale of hidden danger, instantly intriguing viewers with its blend of allure and menace.
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Undo
Another major example is Mohanlal's 'Thudarum'. The title perfectly connects the movie's storyline along with Mohanlal's stardom. When it shows 'Mohanlal Thudarum' during the end credits, the audiences feel connected towards the storyline along with the fact that the legendary actor will continue in the film industry amid any criticisms or underperformance of his films.
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
'Empuraan means someone more than a king, but less than a god' - Prithviraj Sukumaran
Ever since the release of 'Lucifer', the audience has been speculating about the real meaning of 'Empuraan'. 'Empuraan' is derived from Malayalam roots ('en + puran,' meaning 'my lord' or 'overlord') and was possibly coined or polished by Murali Gopy to evoke power and authority.
In a press event, Prithviraj stated that '
Empuraan'
signifies 'someone more than a king, but less than a god,' with a more literal translation being 'overlord.' Murali Gopy, as the scriptwriter and co-creator, was integral to conceptualizing the title.
Setting the mood of a film
When you first hear the title 'Dies Irae', the upcoming Rahul Sadasivan ('Bramayugam' fame) and Pranav Mohanlal's film, one will be quite curious. If you search for the meaning of this creepy title, it means 'Day of Wrath', which in turn makes us understand that the film will invoke divine judgment, aligning with its horror-thriller premise of existential or supernatural forces.
This can also be looked at another way, where the audiences start to understand the deeper meaning of a movie once they watch it in full. One such example is Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph's 'Drishyam' aka 'Visual'. Once you watch the movie completely, you connect with its title and the story, which upholds the theme that 'Visuals can be deceiving'.
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
'The idea was to tell 'Bramayugam' in a different way - Rahul Sadasivan
Mollywood's promising director Rahul Sadasivan loves to explore those themes that have a unique touch to them and are equally intriguing. Adding to this aspect are the unique titled which he gives for his films, starting from 'Red Rain' to his film with Mammootty titled 'Bramayugam'.
Earlier in a talk with ETimes, the director said,' It's a mystery thriller. It falls into a little bit of the horror genre as well. It is a fictional story with fictional characters.' From the title to the execution, the film had a different style to it, and explaining the same, he said, 'The idea was to tell this story in a unique way; however, it's not a paranormal plot like my previous one. This has a different kind of horror.'
Do movie titles matter then?
In Malayalam cinema, titles are far more than mere labels—they are strategic tools that shape a film's identity and impact. From forging emotional connections to foreshadowing themes and boosting market appeal, titles like 'Thudarum', 'Dies Irae', and others exemplify how a few words can set the stage for a cinematic journey. So, yes, the movie titles do matter for a movie, as it plays the role of an invisible hero which enhances the story appeal to the audiences.