Hridayapoorvam Movie Review: Mohanlal’s Heartfelt Journey of Love, Legacy & Emotion

Some films don’t just release they arrive, and you can feel the buzz even before you hit play. Hridayapoorvam, now streaming on JioHotstar, is one of those films. And honestly, it feels even more special because it comes right after Mohanlal was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award a moment that has every fan, new or old, bursting with pride.

What’s exciting about Hridayapoorvam is that while it carries Sathyan Anthikad’s signature warmth and heart, it’s not your usual family drama. There’s freshness in the storytelling, a subtle modern edge, and layers of emotion that make it feel entirely contemporary. And when Mohanlal steps into this story, you can’t help but get pulled into every nuance, every smile, every heartfelt moment it’s cinema that makes you feel like a part of the story, not just a spectator.

The Story That Moves You

Hridayapoorvam opens with Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal), a man whose life has been completely transformed by a heart transplant. Carrying the literal heart of a man he never met, Sandeep feels a deep responsibility to honor his donor’s memory. His journey takes him to Pune, where he is determined to meet the donor’s family, particularly Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of the man whose heart now beats within him. With her wedding approaching, Sandeep hopes that his presence will offer her comfort, letting her feel that a part of her father is still with her on this important day.

Accompanying him is Jerry (Sangeeth Prathap), Sandeep’s loyal caretaker. Jerry is more than just a helper; he’s been with Sandeep since the transplant and witnesses his struggles, doubts, and moments of clarity. While Jerry provides guidance and support, it’s really Sandeep who undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery. He begins to reflect on the fragility of life, the invisible threads that connect people, and the meaning of legacy. Each interaction with Haritha, her family, and even strangers along the way teaches him something new about empathy, love, and humility.

Meeting Haritha is a delicate, emotional experience. She is caught between excitement for her future and grief for the father she has lost. Sandeep’s quiet presence, kindness, and respect gradually help her find a sense of peace, as if her father is silently guiding her through the wedding. Their connection is subtle, filled with moments of unspoken understanding and gentle smiles, showing that some bonds transcend words and even life itself.

The household in Pune is alive with its own rhythm, quirks, and tensions. Supporting characters like Sangita Madhavan Nair, Siddique, and Lalu Alex add layers to the story, portraying a family full of warmth, humor, pride, and occasional misunderstandings. Sandeep’s interactions with them bring out moments of lightheartedness, reflection, and emotional intensity, making the narrative feel real and lived-in.

Hridayapoorvam mixes laughter, small conflicts, and heartfelt moments in a way that feels real and relatable. By the end, Sandeep’s journey leaves him transformed, the audience emotionally invested, and Haritha with a sense of closure and comfort. The film’s subtle exploration of legacy, human connection, and the quiet power of empathy makes it a deeply satisfying and reflective watch.

Meet the Characters & Their Magic

Mohanlal as Sandeep Balakrishnan delivers a performance that’s both gentle and commanding. He embodies a man carrying the weight of someone else’s life in his chest, yet does so with warmth, humility, and quiet strength. Watching him navigate the delicate balance of honoring his donor while forming bonds with Haritha and her family is nothing short of captivating.

Sangeeth Prathap as Jerry, Sandeep’s devoted caretaker, is an absolute gem. His chemistry with Mohanlal is natural and heartfelt, making every shared scene feel authentic. The way Sangeeth subtly portrays loyalty, quiet humor, and genuine care makes him unforgettable, and audiences can’t help but root for him alongside Sandeep.

Malavika Mohanan as Haritha shines as the emotional center of the film. Her portrayal captures a young woman on the cusp of a new chapter, still carrying the weight of loss. She’s vibrant yet restrained, blending vulnerability with strength, and her moments with Mohanlal are tender, understated, and deeply moving.

The supporting cast, including Sangita Madhavan Nair, Siddique, and Lalu Alex, enriches the story’s familial fabric. Each character is given space to breathe, whether through humor, subtle conflicts, or heartfelt guidance. They make the Pune household feel alive, like you’re really visiting a family, not just watching a movie.

Together, the cast elevates the film beyond a simple drama. The combination of Mohanlal’s gravitas, Sangeeth’s authenticity, and Malavika’s emotional depth creates moments that linger long after the credits roll. It’s a blend of performances that feels effortless, real, and completely engaging making Hridayapoorvam a film that touches both heart and soul.

What Hits and What Misses

What really works in Hridayapoorvam is how it blends emotional depth with warmth and subtle humor, creating a film that feels heartfelt without ever being preachy. Sathyan Anthikad’s direction flows smoothly, balancing touching scenes with light, relatable moments, and the cinematography makes Haritha’s family feel alive and real. The music fits perfectly, highlighting emotional highs and lows without ever stealing the spotlight from the story. Mohanlal’s presence, along with Sangeeth and Malavika, makes every scene hit just the right emotional notes.

On the flip side, the film occasionally slows in its middle sections, with some sequences feeling a bit stretched as the story lingers on quieter, reflective moments. Certain supporting characters could have been explored in slightly more depth to heighten their emotional impact, and some viewers might find the narrative predictable if they’re familiar with heart-transplant or reunion-based stories. Despite these minor flaws, Hridayapoorvam maintains its charm, delivering an experience that’s both touching and reflective, leaving the audience invested in its characters long after the story concludes.

Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch?

Hridayapoorvam is a deeply touching film that lingers long after the credits. Mohanlal delivers another masterclass performance, blending warmth, humor, and depth, while Sangeeth Prathap and Malavika Mohanan add emotional authenticity that makes every scene resonate. Sathyan Anthikad’s direction, paired with thoughtful cinematography and a subtle musical score, ensures the story feels heartfelt and contemporary. Though the pacing slows at times and a few sequences are predictable, these minor flaws don’t overshadow the film’s charm, leaving viewers moved, reflective, and appreciative of the quiet power of human connection.

By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram:@bingewatch_perspective.  That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed.

Also, if Hridayapoorvam touched your heart, you might also want to see how Dhadak 2 explored love and caste—read it here.

💌 Enjoyed the post?
👉 Don’t miss out—hit Follow or Subscribe to stay updated with weekly movie reviews and watchlists!