Thudarum OTT Release is a poignant Malayalam emotional thriller that marks the powerful reunion of legendary actors Mohanlal and Shobana. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the film follows the story of Shanmughan, an aging taxi driver affectionately called “Benz,” whose life takes a dark turn when his beloved car is wrongly linked to a drug case. What begins as a quiet man’s search for justice unfolds into a gripping tale of dignity, betrayal, and emotional resilience. With stunning visuals, soulful music, and deeply moving performances, Thudarum stands out as a slow-burning, character-driven narrative that lingers in your heart long after it ends.
Streaming Now On: JioHotstar
Directed By: Tharun Moorthy
Starring: Mohanlal, Shobana, Prakash Varma, Binu Pappu, Mathew Thomas
Genre: Emotional Thriller | Crime Drama
Language: Malayalam (with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi)
Release Date: May 30, 2025
When two icons come back to the screen, the anticipation is huge — and Thudarum meets it with elegance, muscle, and heart. After being apart for years, Mohanlal and Shobana are once again together in a movie that doesn’t bank on flashy tricks or loud action. Instead, it holds you tight, with its emotional gravity and exquisitely contained acting.
Directed by Tharun Moorthy, the visionary behind classics like Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, Thudarum is no ordinary revenge thriller. It’s an emotionally rich story of dignity, betrayal, and inner strength — presented in a suspenseful, slow-burning narrative.
Mohanlal acts as Shanmughan, fondly called “Benz” in his quaint hill-town society in Ranni. He’s an unassuming, old taxi driver whose universe is the white Ambassador — not only a vehicle, but an icon of love, memories, and lost time.
But all this comes to an end when his favorite car is seized by the police in a drug raid. Benz, who leads a humble and truthful life, suddenly finds himself accused, entangled in court proceedings, and humiliated.
Reluctant to believe in his guilt, he sets out to discover a web of lies and corruption — drawing him into a grim, unforeseen plot. Each fact that he discovers has a cost to himself. And still, Benz refuses to sacrifice his honour, even when the world turns its back on him.
This is a film of restraint. Mohanlal doesn’t require high-pitched drama to make a lasting impression. With minimal lines and understated expressions, he crafts a character that lingers even after the screen goes dark.
Shobana, returning to Malayalam cinema with her usual poise, is a picture of elegance. Her rapport with Mohanlal — seasoned, nuanced, and based on years of on-screen sorcery — is pure joy for fans of yesteryear.
Prakash Varma infuses intensity in the role of CI George Mathen, balancing duty and darkness. Small-town actors like Binu Pappu and Mathew Thomas fill supporting roles with authenticity, bringing reality to each scene.
Direction: Tharun Moorthy is quiet about his confidence in handling the story. He does not hurry the audience but rather makes them wait, allowing emotions to build until they overflow.
Cinematography: Shaji Kumar’s camera documents the foggy allure of Ranni in poetic calm. Every frame is alive.
Music: Jakes Bejoy’s eerie background score and MG Sreekumar’s nostalgic ballad “Kanmanipoove” give the film its soul.
Editing: A little slow in the first half, but by design. The second half has an emotional payoff that rewards each lingering shot.
“An expertly performed emotional thriller… Mohanlal is heart-stoppingly good.” – Gulf News (4.5/5)
“A well-made slow-burner with a mix of emotion and tension.” – Indian Express (4/5)
Mohanlal’s understated, poignant performance in years
Shobana’s comeback as a performer in a film is a gift to cinema
Thriller driven by emotion with a heart
Superb visual storytelling and background score
No cliches — simply pure, earthy storytelling
If you are a fan of fast-paced, commercial thrillers, Thudarum can be slow. But if you want to feel something, if you’re someone who believes that cinema is about feeling something – this film is your cup of tea.
It’s not explosions or punchlines. It’s about silent strength, about standing firm in a falling world. And seeing Mohanlal do that with such subtlety is a Malayalam cinema gift.
FAQ Related Thudarum OTT Release-
1 How can I stream Thudarum online?
You can stream Thudarum, featuring Mohanlal and Shobana, only on JioHotstar. It’s in the original Malayalam language as well as dubbed versions available in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi to reach out to a broader audience.
2. Is Thudarum a good watch on OTT?
Yes — and not only “worth it,” but unmissable if you are a fan of great storytelling. Thudarum is more than a film; it’s an emotional journey that unfolds with depth, nuance, and emotion. Mohanlal’s subtle yet masterful performance alone is worth the watch.
3. What is Thudarum about?
Thudarum tracks the emotional odyssey of Shanmughan aka Benz, an elderly taxi driver whose quiet life is disrupted by his much-loved vehicle being confiscated in a drug-related case. While he struggles to prove himself innocent, a sinister conspiracy starts unravelling — one that challenges his patience, pride, and humanness.
4. Is Thudarum a run-of-the-mill Mohanlal movie with action and mass appeal?
No. Thudarum is a slow-burning, deep emotional thriller, not a typical high-octane commercial film. It’s closer to realistic drama, man vs. man conflict, and understated emotional storytelling than to high-tension mass entertainment.
5. Why is Thudarum different from the rest of the Malayalam thrillers?
Three things:
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