The Malayalam action-crime thriller of 2025 titled Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy, has intrigued people around the globe with its intense story of revenge and family relationships, and the system of corruption. The movie, which featured Mohanlal and Shobana in a reunion after 15 years, was the 360th project that Mohanlal did and it turned into a big blockbuster. First shown theatrically on April 25, 2025, Thudarum was the highest-grossing Malayalam-language film of 2025. It is currently under streaming and the fans are waiting anxiously for its Thudarum OTT release.
Thudarum OTT Movie Overview
Ranni, a retired stuntman named Shanmugham (Benz in the movie, played by Mohanlal), resides peacefully in the small hill town of Perunad, in the silence of a taxi driver, together with his wife Lalitha (Shobana) and children. It is a tragic event when his son Pavi loses his life following a joy ride accident in the favorite Ambassador car of Benz. What started asan individual crisis turns into a nightmare of police corruption, honor killing, and devastating betrayal. Benz reveals dreadful secrets of CI George Mathan (Prakash Varma) and SI Benny (Binu Pappu), with the result of a crude, emotional search for justice. The movie is a great combination of suspense, family drama, and social comment that is an honor killing and it has a sad and sadder ending- Thudarum (To be continued).
Main Cast Table
| Role | Actor/Actress |
|---|---|
| Shanmugham “Benz” | Mohanlal |
| Lalitha Shanmugham | Shobana |
| CI George Mathan | Prakash Varma |
| SI Benny C. Kurian | Binu Pappu |
| Pavi Shanmugham (stepson) | Thomas Mathew (voice: Shebin Benson) |
| Pavithra Shanmugham | Amritha Varshini |
| CPO T.K. Sudheesh | Farhaan Faasil |
| Kuttychan | Maniyanpilla Raju |
| Shaji | Irshad |
| Mary Mathan | Aarsha Chandini Baiju |
| Maniyan | Abin Bino |
| Stunt Master Palani Swamy | Bharathiraja |
Supporting cast includes Sangeeth Prathap, Krishna Prabha, and cameos by Arjun Ashokan and Nishadh Yusuf.
Thudarum OTT Budget and Box Office
| Parameter | Amount |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹28 crore |
| Worldwide Gross | ₹234-235 crore |
| Kerala Gross | ₹118 crore (record-breaking) |
| Overseas Gross | ₹93.80 crore |
| Domestic Gross | ₹141.50 crore |
| Opening Day (WW) | ₹17.18 crore |
| Opening Weekend (WW) | ₹70 crore |
| Profit Verdict | All-Time Blockbuster (8x ROI) |
Thudarum achieved historic milestones: second-fastest Malayalam film to ₹100 crore WW (Day 6), first to gross ₹100 crore solely from Kerala (Day 19), and ranked 8th globally on Comscore’s opening weekend ($7.3M).
Thudarum Release Date and Thudarum OTT Release
- Theatrical Release: April 25, 2025 (Malayalam); Telugu (April 26); Tamil (Thodarum, May 9)
- Thudarum OTT Release Date: May 30, 2025 on JioHotstar (Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada dubs; U/A 16+ certified for violence)
- Runtime: 166-163 minutes
- Satellite Premiere: Asianet (Onam 2025, September 5)
The Thudarum OTT drop followed a 5-week theatrical run, allowing maximum cinema glory before digital access.
Critical Reception and Verdict
Thudarum earned universal acclaim (93% Rotten Tomatoes). Critics hailed it as a “masterpiece revenge thriller” with Mohanlal’s restrained intensity, Prakash Varma’s chilling debut, Shobana’s emotional depth, Shaji Kumar’s cinematography, Jakes Bejoy’s score, and taut editing. Highlights:
- The Indian Express (4/5): “Finest Indian revenge thrillers.”
- Gulf News (4.5/5): “Compelling unit.”
- Rediff (3.5/5): “Masterpiece for adults.”
- The Hindu: “Finely-crafted with emotional beats.”
Verdict: Blockbuster Hit – Commercial juggernaut (₹234cr on ₹28cr budget) with artistic excellence. One of 2025’s top Malayalam films.
Production Insights
Proclaimed as part of Mohanlal’s L360 (working title), written by Tharun Moorthy and K.R. Sunil (based on real events). Filmed in Thodupuzha, Ranni, Chennai and Theni (April-November 2024) in a total of over 99 days. Moorthy had the support of producer M. Renjith of the post-Saudi Vellakka success. Shobana was initially supposed to be played by Jyothika. Music singles: Kanmanipoove, Kadha Thudarum.
Where to Watch Thudarum OTT
On May 30, 2025, stream on JioHotstar. It is an ideal film that can be recommended to any fan of a thriller that wants to see the return of powerhouse Mohanlal.
Thudarum is not only a film, but it is also a cultural sensation that ensures mass appeal and message, making Tharun Moorthy a director to reckon with and reaffirming the marriage that was Mohanlal-Shobana.
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