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Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Thudarum is further proof that Mohanlal is one of the best actors working today, still taking chances
It is barely 6 months into 2025, and Mohanlal has already delivered two blockbusters in L2: Empuraan and Thudarum. The 65-year-old actor even made his directorial debut with Barroz- 3D, which released last year in Christmas, but unfortunately, that did not work. There's an unpredictability in the way the actor operates, taking chances, which brings varied results. If one thing is certain, it is what Mohanlal brings to the table as an actor. His latest release, Thudarum, is further proof that Mohanlal can elevate even a modest revenge drama to astonishing heights just by his mere presence. (Also read: Thudarum worldwide box office collection: Mohanlal film shows no sign of slowing down, crosses ₹100 cr mark in 6 days) That Thudarum has been compared to another Mohanlal-starrer Drishyam is not really a surprise. Both films have a rather similar narrative terrain, where an initial conflict gives rise to a nail-bitingly intense payoff. Both films also see Mohanlal harness a character who is seemingly ordinary in appearance, but is later proved to have extraordinary tenacity and intelligence. In Thudarum, Tharoon Murthy gifts Mohanlal with Shanmugham aka Benz, an affectionate man who works as a taxi driver. He lives a modest and peaceful life with his wife and two kids, obsessing over his black Ambassador Mark 1. The first half of the film patiently charts his daily routine and sets up the initial crisis, which arrives in the form of his car getting seized by the police. Then, the needle drops. It is a sudden, vehement shift of tone that rests entirely on Mohanlal's shoulders. It is a truth that arrives only to Benz, and through him to the viewer directly. We come to terms with the horror along with him. Mohanlal is utterly captivating in these scenes as the revelation sinks in bit by bit, and Benz is consumed by an uncontrollable sense of despair and rage. What can he do now? How can he even tell the truth to his family? What will happen next? Mohanlal, displaying no vanity whatsoever, gives a full-body performance in these moments. This is an actor who has mastered the art of playing the everyman figure, someone who wants to mind his own business until he is dragged into some unsavoury game. He will do anything for his family; it is the despair that has turned into rage. Drishyam had a similar instinct, but Thudarum takes it one step further. Here, Benz has a choice to surrender with the truth, but he chooses not to do so as he takes justice into his own hands and proceeds with his plan instead. From here on, Thudarum becomes shaky and persuasive, blindsiding the viewer every step of the way. It is no longer a family drama, it becomes a thriller. But what a showcase for Mohanlal it proves to be! The actor is so convincing as Benz in his rugged carelessness that the viewer is always by his side, even in his worst instincts. The action scenes are carefully choreographed (there are many), and Mohanlal brings a lot of earthiness to them- this is a middle-aged man after all, who is bound to feel exhausted and, in turn, receive a few punches too. We still want to see him get up and fight. Tharoon Murthy's film might be measured in its impact, but Mohanlal is working on a different register altogether- a masterful actor who is instinctively able to truly capture the emotional beats of a film. He elevates Thudarum just by his mere presence by the end. There's no one else who can channel the common man's woes (and contained rage) better than him on screen today. He makes Benz believable and frighteningly real. He might be the kindest, and yet you might not want to mess with him after all. It scares you a little.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Mohanlal's 'Thudarum' becomes 'Thodarum' for Tamil fans - In cinemas from May 9
Following huge success in Kerala, Mohanlal's intense crime drama Thudarum is all set to hit theatres across Tamil Nadu under the title Thodarum. Releasing on 9 May 2025, the film brings a powerful mix of action, family emotion, and suspense to Tamil audiences. Directed by Operation Java filmmaker Tharun Moorthy, Thodarum tells the story of Shanmugham fondly called 'Benz' because of his beloved black Ambassador Mark 1 car. A former film stunt assistant turned taxi driver, Benz lives a quiet life with his family in the hill town of Pathanamthitta. But when his car becomes involved in a police investigation, his peaceful world is turned upside down. What follows is a gripping tale of justice, resilience, and heartbreak, as Shanmugham is forced to fight against a corrupt system. The trailer, already a hit online, promises a grounded and emotional story that fans have come to expect from Tharun Moorthy.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mohanlal's ‘Thudarum' set for Tamil debut on May 9 — With a title twist
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) After receiving rave reviews and a strong box office performance, Mohanlal's gripping crime thriller 'Thudarum' is now set to captivate Tamil audiences. Name change The Tamil dubbed version, titled 'Thodarum', will hit the big screens on May 9, 2025, marking the actor's continued pan-Indian appeal. The announcement was made official by Mohanlal himself via social media, building excitement among fans across the south. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Mohanlal's Tweet read, 'Thodarum releases on May 9, all across Tamil Nadu! #ThodarumOnMay9.' The makers also shared the Tamil poster for the film. Mohanlal as a simple taxi driver Directed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum was originally released on April 25, 2025, and has since enjoyed a successful theatrical run in Kerala. The film follows the story of Shanmugham, popularly known as Benz, who lives with his wife and children in the serene hill town of Pathanamthitta. Benz's life revolves around his beloved black Ambassador Mark 1 — a car he considers part of his family. Thudarum | Song - Kondattam A conflict that changes his life However, his peaceful life takes a sudden turn when the car becomes the centre of a police investigation. What follows is a gripping tale of suspense, emotional turmoil, and moral dilemmas, as Benz confronts circumstances that push him to the edge. The story gradually unveils a deep mystery that ties into his past. Want to watch 'Thudarum'? Before booking tickets for the Mohanlal starrer, kindly check out ETimes review first. We gave the movie a 3 star rating and our review reads, 'Thudarum has the same-ish mood of Drishyam, with a father - and Mohanlal, at that - trying to protect his family, but Tharun Moorthy's revenge drama lacks any of the cleverness of the Jeetu Joseph film. Taxi driver Shanmugham (Mohanlal), known as Benz among family and friends, is a former film stunt assistant and a loving family man, whose adoration for his Mark 1 Ambassador is well-known. In fact, misusing his car once is the only reason for him to get angry with his son, Pavi, in an incident which spirals to an emotional storyline in the revenge drama.'
