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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- 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.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Creativity Meets Censorship: The Board's Role in Cinema Today
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) remains a formidable force, often dictating the final version of films that reach the audience. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the board's mandate is to ensure content aligns with societal norms and sensitivities, its interventions have frequently sparked debates about artistic freedom and censorship. Recent instances highlight the extent to which the CBFC's decisions influence both domestic and international films, sometimes even preventing their release altogether. Dhadak 2: Navigating Caste Sensitivities The much-anticipated Dhadak 2, starring and Triptii Dimri, serves as a poignant example of the CBFC's influence. As a remake of the Tamil anti-caste film Pariyerum Perumal, Dhadak 2 faced significant scrutiny. The CBFC mandated 16 substantial edits, addressing political, caste-based, and religious sensitivities. These changes included the removal or modification of potentially controversial content, adjustments to references involving caste, and alterations to visual elements. Additionally, some violent scenes were toned down, and appropriate disclaimers were added. Udta Punjab: A Battle for Creative Expression In 2016, Udta Punjab, a film delving into the state's drug crisis, became a focal point in the censorship debate. The CBFC initially demanded 94 cuts, citing concerns over explicit content and the portrayal of Punjab. The board argued that setting the film in Punjab would damage the region's reputation and discourage tourism and investment. The filmmakers challenged this decision, and the Bombay High Court eventually cleared the film with just one cut, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now L2: Empuraan: L2: Empuraan, a Malayalam film starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj , faced its own set of challenges. The CBFC first cleared the film with U/A certificate but the growing backlash from right wing led to filmmakers voluntarily making 24 cuts to the film totalling 2.08 minutes. Cuts included edits to riot sequences, portrayal of violence against women, and changes to character names and visuals. Notably, the antagonist's name was changed from Balraj to Baldev to avoid associations with real-life figures involved in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film's depiction of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was also modified, with references to the agency being muted. These alterations were made to address concerns about political and social themes in the film. International Films: Facing the CBFC's Gatekeeping The CBFC's influence extends beyond domestic productions. Santosh, a British-Indian film directed by , was blocked from release in India reportedly due to its depiction of police brutality, misogyny, and caste discrimination. Despite international acclaim, including accolades at Cannes and an Oscar nomination, the film was banned in India over concerns about its negative portrayal of the police. Suri expressed disappointment, noting that significant cuts demanded by the censors would undermine the film's integrity. Similarly, Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, faced hurdles in India. The CBFC reportedly avoided screening the movie altogether, with banning or suggesting cuts being a secondary consideration. The film, which includes themes of revenge against corrupt officials and draws from Hindu mythology, was released internationally but remains unreleased in India due to the lack of certification. Singham Again: Modifying Mythological References Rohit Shetty's Singham Again underwent several cuts to secure a U/A censor board asked Rohit Shetty's film team to make several modifications before release, mainly around religious and sensitive content. A 23-second sequence comparing Singham (Ajay Devgn), Avni (Kareena Kapoor), and Simmba (Ranveer Singh) with Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman was altered. Another 23-second scene showing Singham touching Lord Ram's feet was also modified. A 16-second scene of Raavan grabbing and pushing Sita was entirely deleted. A 29-second reference to Lord Hanuman burning Lanka, paired with a flirtatious line from Simmba, was removed. Arjun Kapoor's character Zubair's dialogues were edited at four places, including one where he compares himself to Raavan. Kareena Kapoor's lines as Avni were modified as well. Visuals of a Constitutional head and their lines were deleted in two instances. Citing diplomatic concerns, a 26-second sequence involving dialogue and visuals related to a neighbouring country was removed. A violent police station murder scene showing a beheading was blurred. Additionally, the colour of a religious flag in two scenes was changed, and the 'Shiv Stotra' hymn was deleted from the background score. These cuts aimed to tone down religious, political, and violent sensitivities before the film's public release. Punjab '95: A Story Yet to Be Told Punjab '95, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and starring , remains unreleased in India. The CBFC suggested 120 cuts, leading to delays and disputes. Dosanjh expressed his support for the film only if released without cuts, emphasizing the importance of preserving its message. Back in February of this year, during his Instagram live, Diljit said 'I hope the film gets released in India soon. I will support only that film that will be released fully without any cuts. If you release the film without cuts I will come, otherwise with cuts it doesn't matter. I hope some solution will come out and it will release in Punjab.' He also shared that the potential of Punjab'95 will decline if it is released with cuts and it simply defeats the purpose of the film's criticized the CBFC's demands as 'unreasonable and politically coloured', stating his commitment to his film and film has still not released. Emergency: A Political Drama in Limbo Kangana Ranaut's directorial venture, Emergency, faced delays due to the non-issuance of a censor certificate. The film, depicting the Emergency period in India, was caught up in controversy after Sikh organizations accused it of misrepresenting the community. Ranaut accused the film body of stalling certification to delay the release. Despite all the back and forth and months of drama, the matter was settled with just a 1-minute cut. Conclusion: Balancing Sensitivity and Creativity The CBFC's role in shaping Indian cinema is undeniable. While its mandate is to ensure content aligns with societal norms, the extent of its interventions often raises questions about artistic freedom. As filmmakers continue to push boundaries and explore complex themes, the balance between sensitivity and creativity remains a contentious issue. The ongoing dialogue between creators and censors is crucial in navigating this complex landscape, ensuring that cinema remains a reflective and thought-provoking medium.
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Salman Khan's 'Sikandar' Faces Harsh Criticism After Netflix Release
Salman Khan's film Sikandar, which premiered on Netflix on May 25, is facing heavy backlash from viewers and critics. The movie had already received poor reviews after its theatrical release, and its digital release hasn't improved its reception. Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar was expected to gain a better response on OTT, but many people are unhappy with the story, acting, and direction. While some viewers appreciated Salman Khan's effort, many felt that the film lacked strong storytelling. Public Reaction on Social Media On X, several users have vented their frustration. One user said it took courage just to try watching the film. Another person commented that the movie wasn't exactly terrible but was very boring. Some said they couldn't even sit through the first few minutes and advised Salman Khan to avoid doing such films or take a break altogether. One reviewer who watched the movie on Netflix after missing it in theatres felt that while the story and Salman's acting were good, the direction was weak. They suggested that Salman should avoid working with South Indian directors, as there seems to be a mismatch in style and emotional connection with Hindi-speaking audiences. Others called the movie a waste of a high budget and high expectations, and urged Salman to learn from Shah Rukh Khan's recent action films, which they felt were more refined. Some viewers even said they were relieved they didn't spend money on this film during Eid and instead chose to watch another movie like Empuraan. The overall opinion online is that Sikandar failed to impress, both in cinemas and on Netflix.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
L2 Empuraan OTT release: Here's where to watch Hindi version of Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer
L2 Empuraan OTT release: Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's controversial film, L2 Empuraan is all set to stream online. It was originally released in theatres on 27 March. The film faced controversies over its scenes and dialogues. L2 Empuraan is now streaming on JioHotstar. It is available in five languages including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada on the platform. On Friday, the official Instagram handle of JioHotstar dropped a teaser of the L2: Empuraan. In the caption of the post, the platform announced the release of Mohanlal's film in Hindi. The post read, 'Witness the story behind the legend. Mohanlal is back with Empuraan. L2: Empuraan is now streaming in Hindi exclusively on JioHotstar.' The Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer revolves around the story of Stephen Nedumpally (played by Mohanlal). Amid the 2002 Gujarat riots, Zayed's (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran) family is massacred. Years later, Kerala's politics, global espionage and personal revenge collide as Ab'raam rises for justice. L2 Empuraan is written by Murali Gopi. It is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran who marked his directorial debut with the film. L2: Empuraan is the second part of the Lucifer movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team. Following the controversy, the production team of the film made changes in the film in response to the controversy. According to reports, 17 scenes, including those featuring riot sequences and depictions of violence against women, were edited out. Later, Mohanlal issued a statement acknowledging that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to some people. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested modifications before the screening of the movie. CBFC also issued a fresh certificate for the film. In total, 24 cuts or changes were made in the film, including possible links with the communal riots. Visuals of 2 minutes and 8 seconds were deleted from the film. Besides this, the card mentioning the period as '2002-India' was replaced with 'A few years ago' in the new version of the film. Despite the backlash, Empuraan achieved remarkable success at the box office. The film became the first Malayalam movie to gross ₹ 80 crore worldwide on its opening weekend. Later, the film business was affected by the controversy. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, L2 Empuraan earned ₹ 123.25 crore in India after release.
Mint
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Thudarum OTT release date: Fans have to wait to watch Mohanlal's blockbuster movie online
Helmed by Tharun Moorthy, Thudarum stars Mohanlal, Prakash Varma, Thomas Mathew, Shobana and was released on April 25 in theatres. According to rumours, the OTT release of the Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller has been delayed owing to its impressive theatrical performance. Thudarum may delay its digital release beyond the usual four-week window. However, an official confirmation is still awaited. Thudarum has dominated the box office, having made history in Kerala as the first film to cross the ₹ 100 crore mark within the state. It had an excellent fourth weekend in India, highlighted by a notable surge in collections on Sunday. Over the weekend, it amassed a commendable ₹ 5.75 crore. On its fourth Monday, the film maintained strong momentum, bringing in approximately ₹ 1.29 crore, a minimal drop of just 14% compared to the fourth Friday's ₹ 1.50 crore. Thudarum has netted an impressive ₹ 114.59 crore at the Indian box office over 25 days. Including taxes, the domestic gross stands at ₹ 135.21 crore. Overseas, the film has delivered a blockbuster performance as well, collecting ₹ 93 crore gross to date. With both domestic and international markets combined, the film's worldwide gross has reached a massive ₹ 228.21 crore. The reports suggest Jio Hotstar has secured the post-theatrical streaming rights to this massive blockbuster. So far, Thudarum has raked in an impressive ₹ 220 crore in global gross. It now ranks as the third highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, trailing only Empuraan and Manjummel Boys. Thudarum follows Shanmugham, affectionately called "Benz" due to his cherished black Ambassador Mark 1 car. A former film stunt assistant turned taxi driver, Benz leads a peaceful life in the hill town of Pathanamthitta. However, his world is turned upside down when his car becomes involved in a police investigation, leading him into a gripping tale of justice and resilience.
