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Drama thriller

Thudarum (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Thudarum (2025) movie poster

Thudarum is a 2025 drama thriller directed by Tharun Moorthy, starring Mohanlal as Shanmughan, Shobana and Thomas Mathew. It runs 2 hours 44 minutes and earned $6.2 million worldwide. IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
worldwide gross
$6.2M
Echo Score
87
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Thudarum (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 44m (164 min)
Director
Tharun Moorthy
Genres
Drama , Action , Thriller
Original language
Malayalam
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Thudarum About?

The premise of Thudarum without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Set in the tranquil hill town of Ranni, Shanmughan is a modest taxi driver whose greatest pride is his long‑standing Ambassador car. When circumstances threaten to take it away, he confronts the challenge head‑on, demonstrating the lengths he will go to protect the vehicle he cherishes above all else.

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Cast & crew

Thudarum Cast & Characters

Mohanlal leads the cast as Shanmughan, with Shobana as Lalitha Shanmughan and Thomas Mathew as Pavi Shanmughan. Directed by Tharun Moorthy; 28 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Thudarum

· 24 more
Show all 28 cast members
From the director

More from Tharun Moorthy

One more film directed by Tharun Moorthy: Saudi Vellakka.

Full filmography
Ratings

Thudarum Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Thudarum 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (75).

87 /100

Thudarum Echo Score Breakdown

Thudarum delivers a compelling blend of emotional family drama and tense thriller elements, anchored by Mohanlal’s nuanced performance and a competent direction that balances modest visuals with effective pacing in the latter half. While the cinematography and soundtrack enhance the atmospheric tone, some critics note predictable plot turns and occasional pacing lulls. Nonetheless, the film’s strong character work and resonant themes give it lasting appeal for repeat viewings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual craft, Thudarum benefits from Tharun Moorthy’s steady helm and restrained cinematography that captures Kerala’s locales with atmospheric lighting. The editing maintains tension through tight cuts, though a few reviewers cite sluggish pacing in early sequences. Overall, the production design supports the film’s realistic tone.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When evaluating character work, Mohanlal’s portrayal of Shanmugham is consistently described as layered and authentic, avoiding melodrama. Shobana provides understated strength, while Prakash Varma’s antagonist delivers a compelling, charismatic presence. Supporting actors are noted for solid contributions, resulting in a well‑realized ensemble that anchors the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 75

    The film’s narrative follows a modest‑budget family thriller structure, with an initial calm that escalates into a tense police showdown. Reviewers commend the unexpected twists and emotional stakes, yet some criticize the plot’s reliance on familiar tropes and occasional predictability, leading to uneven engagement across the storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Thudarum’s sensory palette is marked by a restrained soundtrack that underscores tension without overwhelming scenes, and sound design that accentuates ambient realism. Visuals benefit from effective framing and atmospheric lighting, though a few critics mention sub‑par CGI early in the film. Overall the auditory‑visual elements reinforce the movie’s grounded aesthetic.

  • Rewatch Factor 88

    Regarding rewatch value, the film’s combination of strong performances, a resonant emotional core, and a satisfying climax encourage repeat viewings. While pacing inconsistencies and predictable moments are noted, the overall experience remains engaging enough that many audiences report a desire to revisit the story and its characters.

Plot

Thudarum Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Thudarum from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the peaceful hill town of Perunad, Ranni, Mohanlal plays Shanmugham, affectionately called Benz, who has settled into a simple life as a taxi driver. His past is marked by fame as a stuntman in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, but he left the film industry after a tragic on-set accident that resulted in the death of his close friend, Vijay Sethupathi who played Anbu. Now, Benz finds solace in his quiet routine, surrounded by his loving wife Lalitha, played by Shobana, their two children, and his prized possession—a classic black Ambassador Mark 1.

Full summary

The whole story of Thudarum, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Thudarum Box Office

Thudarum grossed $6.2 million worldwide.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$6.2M

International
$6.2M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Thudarum?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the taxi driver protagonist played by Mohanlal?

Details

Thudarum Also Known As

Also known as “يتبع”.

Also known as
  • يتبع

Seen Thudarum?

FAQ

Thudarum FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Thudarum, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Thudarum?

Thudarum runs 2 hours 44 minutes (164 minutes).

When was Thudarum released?

Thudarum was released on April 23, 2025.

Who directed Thudarum?

Thudarum was directed by Tharun Moorthy.

More films by Tharun Moorthy

Who is in the cast of Thudarum?

Thudarum stars Mohanlal as Shanmughan, Shobana as Lalitha Shanmughan and Thomas Mathew as Pavi Shanmughan, among 28 credited actors.

How much did Thudarum make at the box office?

Thudarum grossed $6.2 million worldwide.

How is Thudarum rated?

Thudarum has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 74% on TMDB and 3.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Thudarum have a post-credit scene?

No. Thudarum has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Thudarum in?

The original language of Thudarum is Malayalam.

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