Mohanlal’s Thudarum, the Malayalam crime thriller that took the box office by storm, is set to premiere on JioHotstar on May 30, 2025. The film, directed by Tharun Moorthy, has already made history by becoming the first Malayalam movie to cross ₹100 crore in Kerala alone. Globally, it has earned over ₹231 crore, ranking as the third highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.
The OTT release comes just over a month after its theatrical debut on April 25, 2025. Fans worldwide can watch the film in its original Malayalam version, as well as in dubbed Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The streaming platform announced the release date on social media, sparking excitement among fans who missed the theatrical run.
“#Thudarum storms into the record books with its first 100 crore mark exclusively at the Kerala box office! A milestone that we created together! Thank you, Kerala,” Mohanlal shared on Instagram. The film’s success has been a major boost for Malayalam cinema, expanding its reach beyond regional audiences.
Thudarum’s Story and Cast
The film follows Shanmugham “Benz” (Mohanlal), a former stuntman turned taxi driver whose peaceful life shatters when his beloved vintage car gets entangled in a criminal investigation. The story explores themes of injustice, resilience, and a father’s fight for justice after a tragic twist involving his son.
Alongside Mohanlal, the film features Shobana as his wife, along with a strong supporting cast including Prakash Varma (in a standout villainous role), Farhaan Faasil, Binu Pappu, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju. Prakash Varma’s performance as the corrupt cop George Mathan has been widely praised, with critics calling it one of the film’s highlights.
Comparisons to Drishyam and Fan Reactions
Given its family-centric crime thriller theme, Thudarum has drawn comparisons to Mohanlal’s 2013 blockbuster Drishyam. While both films feature a common man battling systemic corruption, Thudarum leans more into raw emotional drama and revenge.
Fans have flooded social media with praise, with some calling it “Drishyam ka Baap” (Drishyam’s father) for its intense narrative.
“DRISHYAM KA BAAP!!! No review coz no words JUST MIND FCK!!!! Performer Mohanlal Peaked. Music Peaked. Technical side Peaked.”* – one fan wrote on X.
Another user added, “Mohanlal as an actor god mode. One of the beautiful movies, which we missed in lalettan career in the last many years.”
Technical Brilliance and Behind-the-Scenes
The film’s technical team includes Jakes Bejoy (music), Shaji Kumar (cinematography), and editors Nishadh Yusuf and Shafeeque V.B. The background score has been noted for amplifying the film’s emotional depth, though some critics pointed out occasional overpowering of dialogues.
Interestingly, Mohanlal was simultaneously shooting for Thudarum and L2: Empuraan, playing two vastly different roles—a humble family man and a powerful don. Director Tharun Moorthy praised the actor’s versatility, saying, “He slipped into Shanmughan, the common man, from Khureshi Ab’raam, the don, with so much ease. That comes from 47 years of experience.”
Box Office Milestones and Industry Impact
Thudarum’s success has set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema:
- First Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore in Kerala.
- Third highest-grossing Malayalam film worldwide (₹231 crore).
- Strong performance in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi markets post-dubbing.
The film’s producer, M. Renjith of Rejaputhra Visual Media, has been instrumental in backing high-quality Malayalam cinema. Thudarum’s OTT release is expected to further widen its audience base, especially among non-Malayali viewers.
Where and When to Watch
- Streaming Platform: JioHotstar
- Release Date: May 30, 2025
- Languages Available: Malayalam (original), Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
For those who missed the theatrical experience, this is a chance to witness one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest hits of 2025.
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