Thudarum

Thudarum movie review: Absolute magic is what would happen on screen if the director has complete conviction and command over the narrative and the world they have envisioned. In short, that’s exactly what director Tharun Moorthy has managed to pull off with the Mohanlal and Shobana-starrer Thudarum. In detail, Thudarum ranks among one of the finest Indian revenge thrillers that hasn’t compromised on any of its aspects, both on the creative and technical sides, while also ensuring brilliant performances – particularly from Mohanlal and Shobana, together and individually – thus offering an unparalleled experience.

Thudarum is a masterpiece for adults, a serious yet self-aware piece of cinema that has something for everybody

Before the release of the film, director Tharun Moorthy, who’s known for Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, had stated that Thudarum was his effort to present Mohanlal aka Lalettan, the actor, and how he wanted to see Mohanlal on screen. Moorthy gives us Lalettan in the highly relatable character of a middle-aged neighbourhood taxi driver who loves his family and presents this in a simple small-town story. Yes, there are strong vibes of Drishyam as you watch the film – in Shanmugam and his family, and the way there is a shift in the narration from the family angle to an unforeseen terrible incident.

The mood shift in Tharun Moorthy's films is quite interesting. Also interesting is the way he markets them. This filmmaker has always been cautious about revealing the true nature of his stories in the trailers. He knows how to mislead the audience. This approach doesn't work with every film/filmmaker. Tharun's way of doing this, however, is most admirable. He is only two films old, and he has surprised us both times — be it Operation Java or Saudi Vellakka, Tharun's way of getting us invested in his storytelling was different in each.

Mohanlal playing a family man is nothing new. He has done that countless times, including the most memorable Drishyam — a film that Thudarum was often compared to before release. While there are some faint similarities between the two films, like Mohanlal playing an ordinary man who goes to any extent for his family, the treatment, performances and overall mood are a lot different. Unlike Drishyam which rode high on its twists and brainy screenplay, Thudarum is raw, emotionally charged and carefully plays to the gallery. Tharun opens the film on a remarkable note, throwing us off guard. This short sequence, which lasts for five minutes, grabs our attention for the next two hours. He follows it up with some tasteful touches in the title card, especially while displaying Mohanlal's name alongside a silhouette shot of a lone tusker.