Thudarum Movie Review: Mohanlal and Shobana's Timeless Magic Now on Hotstar

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There are some films you watch for the story, the twists, the thrill, and then there are films you watch simply to feel. Thudarum is that kind of film. For me, it wasn’t just about the plot; it was about watching two legends, Mohanlal and Shobana, share the screen again, reminding us of the kind of quiet magic Malayalam cinema is known for.

Honestly, I missed it in theatres, life, work, and just the usual chaos took over. I kept telling myself I’d catch it next weekend, and before I knew it, Thudarum had quietly come and gone. But as they say, better late than never. With its OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar, I finally got the chance to sit down and give it the attention it truly deserves.

And I’m glad I did. Because Thudarum isn’t just a film, it’s an emotion. A slow, heartfelt journey of grief, love, and truth. One that stays with you, long after the screen fades to black.

Plot Summary: A Father's Fight for His Son

At the center of Thudarum is Benz Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a reserved yet deeply loving father who drives a vintage Ambassador car for a living. His life is unassuming — humble home, loyal customers, and a family he cherishes quietly. For Benz, his world orbits around his son Pavi (Thomas Mathew), his wife Lalitha (Shobana), and his daughter (Amritha Varshini).

His parenting is never loud. Instead, it’s shown in everyday details — the care he gives his car, the warmth for his children, and the quiet, almost unspoken understanding with Lalitha. There's love in almost every frame. But everything changes the day Pavi goes missing.

Days later, in a tragic and humiliating twist, it is Pavi’s body that is found in the boot of Benz’s own Ambassador, turning a symbol of pride into a crime scene. The shock is immense, and whispers start. Everything points towards Benz, and the small-town grapevine begins spinning its web of judgment. In one cruel moment, Benz loses not only his son but his dignity and peace of mind.

From here, Thudarum unfolds as a deeply emotional, slow-burning investigation not led by the police, but by a father who refuses to give up on his son. Benz sets out on his own, knocking on doors, retracing Pavi’s steps, and confronting uncomfortable truths about the people around him and even about his son.

Meanwhile, Lalitha (Shobana) stands firm in the background, her pain quiet but constant. She doesn’t scream or accuse; she endures, processes, and protects. Her chemistry with Mohanlal is a reminder of why this pairing has always resonated with Malayali audiences;  understated yet emotionally rich.

As the film moves toward its resolution, Thudarum doesn’t rely on sensational twists. Instead, it makes you feel the weight of each moment. It asks: What does justice really look like for people like Benz? What happens when the system turns away, and all you have is your truth and your own grief?

Performances: When Legends Speak Through Silence

Mohanlal as Benz

This is not Mohanlal the superstar, this is Mohanlal the father, the fighter, the broken man holding on to dignity. His portrayal of Benz is deeply internal; he doesn't raise his voice to be heard. He speaks with his eyes, his body language, and those heavy pauses that say more than words ever could.

There’s one unforgettable scene where he realises the truth, clutching the wallet of Pavi, you feel everything: the betrayal, the disbelief, the helpless fury. This performance alone reminds us why Mohanlal isn’t just an actor but an emotion in Malayalam cinema.

Shobana as Lalitha

Shobana returns with grace, playing Lalitha, Benz’s wife. She doesn't have many dialogues, but her expressions speak volumes. Whether it's the way she watches her husband suffer or silently processes her own grief, she brings the kind of emotional poise that only a seasoned actor can.

The scenes between Mohanlal and Shobana are pure cinema, not loud or dramatic, but deeply human. Their shared glances, the silence between them, and the pain of parenting through tragedy it’s beautifully done.

Prakash Varma as CI George Mathan

Prakash Varma delivers a chilling performance as CI George Mathan, the film’s quietly terrifying antagonist. With minimal dialogue and maximum presence, he brings a cold intensity that makes your skin crawl. His controlled, menacing calmness makes him one of the most memorable villains in recent Malayalam cinema.

Direction & Screenplay: Subtle, Slow-Burning, and Honest

Director Tharun Moorthy, known for his impactful storytelling in Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, brings the same grounded realism and emotional honesty to Thudarum. He doesn't rush the narrative; instead lets grief breathe, lets tension simmer, and allows the audience to uncover each layer of truth alongside the protagonist. His style is quiet but confident, never relying on melodrama, but trusting the weight of the moment and the strength of his characters.

The screenplay, co-written with K.R. Sunil, is equally commendable. There are no forced monologues or dramatic breakdowns, just a slow, aching unraveling of events that feel painfully real. The dialogues are sparse but impactful, and the silences often say more than words could. It’s this minimalist yet powerful approach that makes Thudarum stay with you, not for its spectacle, but for its soul.

Final Verdict: Watch Thudarum for Its Quiet Power

Thudarum isn’t loud or flashy; it’s a slow burn that gently pulls you in and leaves a lasting ache. With Mohanlal and Shobana delivering performances full of quiet depth, and Tharun Moorthy’s restrained direction, the film becomes more than just a mystery; it becomes a reflection on grief, dignity, and love. If you, like me, missed it on the big screen, now’s your chance to experience it on OTT. Watch it when you have the time and space to feel — because Thudarum stays with you long after it ends.

Now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. And trust me, this one deserves your full attention.

If you love intense dramas like Thudarum, you’ll also enjoy my review of Criminal Justice: A Family Matter – Season 4. Check it out here

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