Thudarum (transl. To Be Continued) is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language drama thriller film directed by Tharun Moorthy, who co-wrote the screenplay with K. R. Sunil. The film was produced by M. Renjith through Rejaputhra Visual Media. It stars Mohanlal and Shobana, alongside Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba, and Aravind in supporting roles .
🎬 Storyline
Set in the tranquil hill town of Ranni, the film follows Shanmugham, a humble taxi driver who treasures his aging Ambassador car. When the local police chief engages him for a ride, Shanmugham finds himself in a shocking predicament that threatens his family’s safety. The car, once a source of livelihood, becomes a symbol of his entrapment, drawing him deeper into a world where trust is fragile and fear looms large. As tensions escalate, he is forced to confront forces far beyond his understanding, fighting desperately to protect the very family that once gave meaning to his simple, contented existence .
🌟 Cast & Crew
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Mohanlal as Shanmugham
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Shobana as Lalitha
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Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba, and Aravind in supporting roles
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Director: Tharun Moorthy
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Producer: M. Renjith
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Music: Jakes Bejoy
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Cinematography: Shaji Kumar
📅 Release & Box Office
Released on April 25, 2025, Thudarum opened to a massive response, shattering previous records. It amassed a worldwide gross of ₹70 crore, making it the second-highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025, just behind L2: Empuraan .
📝 Critical Reception
Thudarum received a mix of reviews from critics and audiences alike.
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The Indian Express praised the film as a “nearly flawless revenge thriller,” highlighting Mohanlal’s performance and Tharun Moorthy’s direction .
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Hindustan Times commended the film as a “wonderful treat not just for vintage Mohanlal fans but for all audiences,” noting the outstanding music by Jakes Bejoy and cinematography by Shaji Kumar .
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Times of India offered a more critical view, stating that while the film has a similar mood to Drishyam, it “lacks nuance in script and acting” .
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Rediff.com described Thudarum as a “masterpiece for adults,” appreciating its serious yet self-aware approach to storytelling .
🎵 Music & Technical Aspects
The film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, received acclaim for its emotional depth and complement to the narrative. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography was also lauded for capturing the essence of the hill town setting, adding to the film’s immersive experience .
🔚 Final Verdict
Thudarum stands out as a compelling drama thriller that showcases Mohanlal’s versatility and Tharun Moorthy’s directorial prowess. While it draws comparisons to films like Drishyam, Thudarum carves its own path with a unique storyline and strong performances. It’s a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema and those who appreciate intense, character-driven narratives.