Mohanlal's Thudarum OTT release date announced. When and where to watch the history-making Malayalam movie

Time of India

27-05-2025

After a phenomenal run in cinema theatres, Malayalam blockbuster Thudarum is now headed to digital platforms or OTTs. The film, which hit theatres on April 25, 2025, will make its OTT debut on May 30 via JioHotstar, streaming in five languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Given its family-oriented theme, emotional storytelling, and the star power of
Mohanlal
and
Shobhana
, the film is set to find a new fan base among OTT audiences.
The timing of this release is significant, as it comes after the film rewrote box office history by grossing an unprecedented Rs 100 crore in Kerala alone. This feat places Thudarum among the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever, and its OTT release is now poised to broaden its already massive reach.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum resonated strongly with both critics and audiences, turning its critical acclaim into a commercial juggernaut. While most Malayalam films rely on pan-India audiences to cross the Rs 100 crore mark, Thudarum achieved this milestone solely within Kerala, making it a rare and remarkable success story in regional cinema.
Now, the film's OTTis expected to bring in a fresh wave of viewers, especially those who missed catching it in theatres.
A Story Rooted in Emotion and Simplicity
At the heart of Thudarum is a simple yet profound story. Set in the tranquil hill town of Ranni, the film follows Shanmughan, a modest taxi driver whose life revolves around his aging Ambassador car, a symbol of pride and nostalgia. When circumstances force him into a moral and emotional trial, he must decide how far he's willing to go for the things he holds most dear.
This grounded, character-driven narrative is a hallmark of Tharun Moorthy's filmmaking. In Thudarum, he once again proves his knack for extracting depth from seemingly ordinary lives.
The Return of a Legendary Pairing
One of the key elements that fueled the buzz around Thudarum was the reunion of Mohanlal and Shobhana after nearly two decades. Their on-screen chemistry, which has stood the test of time, was previously seen in beloved Malayalam classics like Manichithrathazhu, Thenmavin Kombathu, and Mambazhakkalam. Thudarum marks their 56th collaboration and brings a nostalgic charm that appealed strongly to fans.
Shobhana's role in the film has been widely appreciated, with critics praising her poise and emotional depth. Mohanlal delivered a nuanced performance that reminded viewers why he continues to be one of Indian cinema's most enduring and versatile actors.
A Birthday Amid Success
Thudarum's roaring success coincides with a major personal milestone for Mohanlal, who turned 65 on May 21, 2025. Social media was flooded with birthday wishes from fans, industry peers, and dignitaries—including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It was a fitting celebration for an actor whose recent hits, including L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, have reaffirmed his star power.
Celebrating both his birthday and the triumph of his latest film, Mohanlal also announced two new philanthropic initiatives through his ViswaSanthi Foundation, highlighting his continued commitment to public welfare alongside his cinematic contributions.