Thudarum Movie Review : Thudaram lacks nuance in script and acting

Thudarum has the same-ish mood of Drishyam, with a father - and Mohanlal, at that - trying to protect his family, but Tharun Moorthy’s revenge drama lacks any of the cleverness of the Jeetu Joseph film.

Taxi driver Shanmugham (Mohanlal), known as Benz among family and friends, is a former film stunt assistant and a loving family man, whose adoration for his Mark 1 Ambassador is well-known. In fact, misusing his car once is the only reason for him to get angry with his son, Pavi, in an incident which spirals to an emotional storyline in the revenge drama.

Benz’s car gets taken in by the Ranni police over a drug smuggling issue that he isn’t involved in. After he uses various methods to get it back, the inspector and his subordinate (Prakash Varma and Binu Pappu) finally return it, but also engage him for a ride. After attending a night wedding party, the policemen coax him to drive through the forest and gradually, tell an angry and shocked Benz what has brought them there. Why was Benz engaged for this drive? How is he going to get out of the knots that the unscrupulous police have tied him in?

After the homely beginning, showing scenes of domestic bliss, once the predicament starts, the script by KR Sunil and Tharun is predictable at every step. And the resolution lacks any finesse. In the manner of Malayalam cinema this year, violence is the answer, rather than mind games, which would have made the premise of the film much more enjoyable. The only satisfaction is that the villains are made to pay mercilessly; but ultimately, it is unrealistic and a bit in your face.

Jakes Bejoy’s music elevates the scenes, making a real impact in the storytelling. Shaji Kumar’s cinematography is excellent and it is perfectly coordinated with the edits by Shafeeque VB and Nishadh Yusuf. Their collective work lay the ground for the mood of the film.

Tharun, whose last film Saudi Vellakka won a National Awards, could have done better to have created a more subtle story; this very much has an ‘80s-’90s feel. For Mohanlal fans, his raw magnetism might be exciting, but with its loud and overwritten scenes, the acting lacks nuance all around.