Thudarum Movie (transl. To be continued) is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Tharun Moorthy, who co-wrote the screenplay with K. R. Sunil. Produced by M. Renjith under the banner of Rejaputhra Visual Media, the film features Mohanlal and Shobana in the lead roles, with Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Sangeeth Prathap, and Krishna Prabha in prominent supporting roles14.
Released theatrically on 25 April 2025, Thudarum opened to positive reviews from critics and quickly became a commercial success. The film is currently the third highest-grossing Malayalam film and the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, earning over ₹200 crore globally and crossing the ₹100 crore mark in India123. The film has been praised for its compelling storytelling, strong performances—especially by Mohanlal—and its blend of emotional depth with thrilling suspense
Thudarum is a 2025 Malayalam thriller directed by Tharun Moorthy, starring Mohanlal as Shanmugham, affectionately called “Benz.” The film has captivated audiences with its emotional depth, strong performances, and sharp social commentary, making it a trending topic on platforms like Google Discover157.
Plot Summary
In the quiet hill town of Perunad, Ranni, Shanmugham—fondly called Benz—enjoys a simple life as a taxi driver with his wife, children, and treasured black Ambassador car. Once a famous stuntman, Benz left the film industry after losing his best friend in a tragic accident.
Life takes a dark turn when Benz’s college-going son, Pavi, and his friends crash the Ambassador during a joyride. While Benz is away, the car is seized by police after a mechanic’s assistant uses it to smuggle marijuana. Despite Benz’s pleas, the arrogant SI Benny won’t release it. CI George Mathan, a senior officer, finally agrees to return the car if Benz drives them to a family celebration.
That night, the officers force Benz to help dispose of a body hidden in his car—claiming it’s to protect a family’s reputation. The next morning, a shaken Benz finds a wallet in his garden. To his horror, it belongs to Pavi, revealing that the body he helped bury was his own missing son.
Set in the peaceful hill town of Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Benz is a humble taxi driver and a former stuntman who cherishes his vintage Mark-I Ambassador car. His quiet life is shattered when his son, Pavi, goes missing after the family car is seized by police on trumped-up drug charges125. Unbeknownst to Benz, the car was used by a mechanic’s assistant to smuggle marijuana, giving corrupt officers SI Benny and CI George Mathan an excuse to confiscate it245.
As Benz desperately tries to reclaim his car, he is drawn into a sinister web of police corruption. The officers manipulate Benz into unwittingly helping them dispose of a body hidden in his car. The devastating twist: the body is his own son, Pavi, who was killed in police custody245. Pavi’s murder is revealed to be an act of honor killing by George, who was enraged by Pavi’s relationship with his daughter Mary46.
Themes and Social Commentary
Thudarum is more than a revenge drama; it’s a powerful critique of systemic corruption and the failures of the justice system. The film explores:
- Family and Fatherhood: Benz, though not Pavi’s biological father, loves him deeply and risks everything to uncover the truth24.
- Corruption and Abuse of Power: The police exploit their authority to cover up their crimes, framing Benz and torturing his family245.
- Resilience and Retribution: When the system fails, Benz takes justice into his own hands, seeking vengeance for his son’s death457.
Climax and Resolution
The film’s climax is intense and emotionally charged. Benz, after being framed and tortured, escapes police custody. In a final confrontation, he kills George in the same manner Pavi was murdered, delivering poetic justice24. At Pavi’s funeral, Mary, George’s daughter, finds solace with Benz’s family, symbolizing the cycle of love and forgiveness continuing despite tragedy2.
Critical Reception
Thudarum has made a big splash with critics, earning praise for its gripping story, strong performances, and technical brilliance.
- Anandu Suresh (The Indian Express) gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “one of the finest Indian revenge thrillers” and commending its creativity, technical quality, and brilliant acting.
- Pooja Pillai (Eastern Eye) highlighted Mohanlal’s return to form, describing the film as “a dark, emotional ride that’s winning hearts.”
- S R Praveen (The Hindu) wrote that “Thudarum, despite its flaws, is a finely-crafted film with the right emotional beats.”
- Manjusha Radhakrishnan (Gulf News) was very impressed, awarding 4.5 out of 5 stars and praising both Mohanlal’s restrained brilliance and the film’s “dark, macabre villains.”
Other reviewers also had positive things to say:
- Arjun Menon (Rediff) gave 3.5 stars and called Thudarum “a masterpiece for adults” with something for everyone.
- Latha Srinivasan (Hindustan Times) also gave 3.5 stars, noting that “a top-form Mohanlal shines in Tharun Moorthy’s gripping directorial.”
- Vignesh Madhu (The New Indian Express) rated it 3.5 stars, appreciating the film’s emotional depth and high moments.
- Sanjith Sidharthan (OTTplay) gave 4 stars, highlighting the suspense and the standout performances of Prakash Varma and Binu Pappu.
Some critics offered balanced perspectives:
- Anna Mathews (The Times of India) gave 3 stars, feeling that “Thudarum lacks nuance in script and acting.”
- Sajin Shrijith (The Week) rated it 3.5 stars, appreciating the film’s ability to deliver catharsis even in its darkest moments.
- Sanjay Ponappa (India Today) also gave 3.5 stars, calling it “a good mix of thrills and punches.”
- Cris (News Minute) praised the film’s clean execution and especially noted Shaji Kumar’s cinematography, which beautifully captured the forest setting.
- Athulya Nambiar (Mid Day) highlighted Shobana’s “quiet strength and grace” and Prakash Varma’s impressive debut.
- Princy Alexander (OnManorama) described the film as director Tharun Moorthy’s tribute to Mohanlal, with fun references to other stars like Mammootty and Rajinikanth.
Thudarum has received praise for Mohanlal’s nuanced performance and Tharun Moorthy’s direction, which balances personal drama with broader societal issues57. The film’s deliberate pacing, nostalgic references, and emotional storytelling have resonated with viewers, making it a standout in contemporary Malayalam cinema57.
Why It’s Trending
- Relevant Social Themes: The film’s exploration of justice, corruption, and family resonates with current societal conversations.
- Star Power: Mohanlal’s compelling performance draws both fans and new viewers57.
- Emotional Impact: The story’s blend of suspense, emotion, and moral complexity keeps audiences engaged457.
Thudarum: When Justice Fails, A Father Strikes Back is a must-watch for those who appreciate powerful storytelling, strong performances, and films that hold a mirror to society’s flaws while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
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