Following his appearance in the grand spectacle of "L2: Empuraan," Mohanlal takes a more grounded route with "Thudarum," a film releasing simultaneously in both Malayalam and Telugu. This smaller-scale offering, directed by Tharun Moorthy, hinges on the veteran actor's compelling portrayal. Here's our assessment of the film.
The Narrative:
Shanmugam, affectionately known as Benz (Mohanlal), is a humble taxi driver whose prized possession is his vintage black Ambassador, a vehicle he cherishes like family. His life with his wife Lalitha (Shobana), son Pavan (Thomas Mathew), and daughter (Amritha Varshini) is simple yet fulfilling. However, when his car is damaged in an accident, the mechanic's misuse of it for illicit activities throws his world into turmoil. Desperate to reclaim his livelihood, Benz seeks help from SI Benny (Binu Pappu). But the intervention of CI George Mathen (Prakash Varma) sets in motion a series of unsettling events. Benz finds himself tasked with driving the officers to a wedding and subsequently to a secluded forest, where a startling truth awaits. What transpired, and are the officers entangled in something far more sinister? "Thudarum" slowly unravels these mysteries.
Strengths:
Mohanlal once again demonstrates his mastery, delivering a deeply layered and nuanced performance. He perfectly embodies the quiet dignity and simplicity of an ordinary man, effortlessly drawing the audience into Benz's unassuming existence.
The second half, in particular, showcases his restrained emotional depth and expressive acting, reaffirming his status as one of Indian cinema's finest. His commitment to the role, devoid of any superstar posturing, speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft.
Prakash Varma delivers a standout performance as the cunning and calculating officer. His portrayal is so convincing that it effectively generates palpable anger in the viewer, a testament to his skill.
Despite limited screen time, Sobhana leaves a lasting impression with her composed and graceful presence. Binu Pappu, Thomas Mathew, and the rest of the supporting cast also contribute effectively to the narrative.
Weaknesses:
The core premise of the story feels somewhat familiar, lacking significant novelty. Seasoned film enthusiasts might find the narrative arc predictable. While writer K R Sunil and director Tharun Moorthy establish a solid foundation, a more intricate and surprising script could have significantly elevated the film's impact.
The first half, while setting the stage, gradually loses its momentum and feels somewhat drawn out. Even after the intermission, the film takes a while to regain its pace. This uneven rhythm might test the patience of some viewers.
While the film commendably avoids resorting to over-the-top commercial elements, the absence of truly high-impact moments leaves certain stretches feeling a bit subdued.
Several plot points and the central twist might evoke a sense of déjà vu for those familiar with the genre. A tighter and more original screenplay could have mitigated this feeling.
Technical Aspects:
Tharun Moorthy's direction shows glimpses of competence but struggles with maintaining a consistently engaging tempo. A more dynamic and gripping narrative flow could have significantly enhanced the film's overall effectiveness.
Shaji Kumar's cinematography is visually pleasing, effectively capturing the various moods and settings. Jakes Bejoy's background score subtly enhances key emotional moments without overpowering the narrative. However, the editing could have been sharper, particularly in the first half, where tighter cuts would have created a more engaging and crisp viewing experience.
The production values are adequate, and the Telugu dubbing is reasonably well-done. However, a noticeable oversight is the Telugu version's title, which contains a spelling error compared to its initial promotion. Additionally, several spelling mistakes appear even in the opening credits, indicating a lack of attention to detail in the Telugu release.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, "Thudarum" is a modest revenge tale primarily carried by Mohanlal's heartfelt and nuanced performance. However, the somewhat predictable storyline, deliberate pacing, and lack of significant emotional peaks prevent it from fully realizing its potential. It's a watchable film, particularly for Mohanlal enthusiasts and those who appreciate slow-burning dramas, but general audiences should manage their expectations accordingly.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
