People fall in love with their favourite things, places, or foods. It is a natural tendency to develop an attachment towards the personal belongings that represent milestones or emotional value. Highlighting this emotional element, the director Tharun Moorthy has crafted the film “Thudarum”. Set against the backdrop of the tranquil hill town of Ranni, the film walks you through the mundane lifestyle of Shanmugham, popularly known as Benz, a taxi driver.
Unbeknown
Benz’s love for his car is unmatchable, while he embraces the calm of daily simplicity, his son feels ashamed of his behaviour and old-school way of thinking. One day, upon returning from a trip, Benz discovers that the police have seized his car in connection with a drug smuggling case. Unbeknownst to the circumstances, Benz explores a horrific journey to retrieve his car from the Police. Before leaving this mess, Benz entangles himself in a complicated situation, leaving his family’s life in jeopardy.
Breakdown
The plot gains momentum when Benz’s missing son is found dead in the trunk of Benz’s car. The real reason propels Benz’s rage, and to uncover the truth and seek justice, he embarks on a mission, ultimately leading him to confront and kill those responsible for his son’s murder.
Ensemble Cast
Thudarum has an ensemble cast, but the leading story focuses on Shanmugham, as Benz, played by Mohanlal, Lalitha as Benz’s wife, played by Shobana, Pavi, played by Thomas Mathew as Benz’s son, and Amritha Varshini as Benz’s daughter.
Director’s Cut
The director Moorthy, opted for a slow-paced approach while balancing suspense and mystery. The film’s strength lies in its precise storytelling and characteristic performances by actors. This allowed the audience to resonate closely with Benz’s condition. The screenplay, while remaining grounded in genre expectations, creates a trademark when compared to other thriller films.
Mix and Match
Thudarum adopts softer hues and exceptional cinematography to reinforce the story’s theme of tension and emotional risks. The background score sublimely enhances the narrative without overshadowing it, maintaining the film’s grounded tone.
Thudarum, a Malayalam film, sets the stage on fire with its compelling story and ideas that resonate with viewers. Apart from the story, Mohanlal and Shobana fans will enjoy this pair working together once again, and this will leave a significant impact on the audience.
Written By: Tejaswini Prasad
