Thudarum Review

 

Hello people! It’s been a while since I wrote something but here we are. 

"Thudarum" is a film directed by Tharun Moorthy Casting Mohanlal, Shobana, Prakash varma and others. From the posters and initial impressions the film seemed like a family drama, but it quickly turned into something much more. What I ended up watching was a well crafted thriller that keeps you guessing similar to the way "Drishyam" does. The film cleverly deceives the audience with its seemingly simple premise, pulling you into a suspense that is throughout.

The casting is spot on with Mohanlal playing the protagonist. His performance is restrained but impactful. Then there is Prakash Varma, the antagonist who manages to stay in your head for a long time. His portrayal is exactly what the movie needed irritating, sinister and effective in creating tension against the strength of Mohanlal's character.

The suspense element in "Thudarum" is another strong point. Throughout the film, I found myself constantly asking "What?" "Who?" and "Why?"questions. The movie keeps you on your toes by never giving too much away too soon and that is what makes it so engaging.

The music in "Thudarum" also plays a key role in enhancing the mood. The background score is subtle yet effective that builds tension without overshadowing the story. The songs fit perfectly within the narrative that adds emotional depth where needed and complementing the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.

There is also a nice touch of satire in between which gives you small moments of relief in an otherwise tense narrative. Those moments do not feel out of place instead they make the film breathe a little by offering space between the intensity.

Spoilers ahead:

Now coming to the flaws. There are a few. One particular scene where the body is taken out of the trunk feels clumsy. Earlier shots show the trunk opened to sit and chill and suddenly the body appears later which feels like a continuity error. Possibly a cut paste issue in post production. And then there is the motive, while honor killings do exist, the way it is presented here feels weak. There is also a confusing bit where a guy ends up in the police station without explanation and another character goes missing with no follow up.

The second half leans a little too much into commercial territory. The tension and pace gets slow as it tries to mix in familiar mass elements. The director also seems unsure of how to close the story, which leads to an ending that relies on a commercial fight scene instead of a more fitting conclusion. Still with all that said "Thudarum" is a well made thriller with good performances. Definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 7/10 ⭐️