Mohanlal, one of Malayalam cinema’s greatest icons, has achieved an unprecedented feat by delivering two back-to-back ₹200 crore blockbusters L2: Empuraan and Thudarum. While L2: Empuraan brought fans to the edge of their seats, Thudarum surpassed expectations, emerging as not only a bigger hit in Kerala but also the first film to cross the ₹100 crore mark solely within the state. The film has gone on to gross over ₹230 crore worldwide and now ranks among the top three highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
Given its spectacular box office run, the digital release of Thudarum was initially delayed. However, fans can finally rejoice as the makers have confirmed that the film will begin streaming on Jio Hotstar from May 30, 2025. The film will be available in Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada, ensuring a broad pan-Indian reach for the gripping thriller.
Thudarum OTT Release Date
Thudarum is all set to be premiered on 30 May 2025 on Jio Hotstar.
Thudarum has been nothing short of a phenomenon. In an era where theatrical success for regional films often remains geographically confined, Thudarum broke barriers. It outshined even L2: Empuraan a highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer in its home turf, Kerala.
With over ₹100 crore earned in Kerala alone and ₹230 crore globally, the film is still drawing audiences into theatres weeks after its release, which is a rare achievement in today’s OTT-dominated landscape.
Originally scheduled to release on OTT in mid-May, the makers postponed its digital debut to maximize the theatrical run. This decision paid off, reaffirming Mohanlal’s unmatched star power and the film’s strong word-of-mouth appeal.
Given the buzz and critical acclaim Thudarum received during its theatrical run, expectations are high for its OTT debut. Starting May 30, the movie will be available for streaming on Jio Hotstar, one of India’s leading OTT platforms.
When and Where to Watch Thudarum
You can watch this crime drama on Jio Hotstar from 30 May 2025.
In a significant move, the film will be released in five languages—Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. This multilingual release strategy reflects the growing popularity of Malayalam cinema beyond Kerala. Films like Drishyam, Kumbalangi Nights, and 2018 have already built solid followings in other regions, and Thudarum is expected to continue that trend.
Interestingly, while the movie saw a Telugu theatrical release, it did not garner significant footfalls in that market. However, with the convenience of OTT, Telugu-speaking audiences are eagerly waiting to watch it online. The accessibility of subtitles and dubbing will likely attract a large national audience.
As it makes its way to OTT, Thudarum is poised to reach an even wider audience, expanding its legacy beyond the box office. Whether you missed it in theatres or are planning a rewatch, May 30 is the date to mark.
Thudarum Movie Story
Thudarum tells the compelling story of Shanmughan, a former stuntman who now leads a quiet life as a taxi driver in the tranquil town of Perunad Ranni. But this isn’t just any taxi—he drives a vintage Ambassador, a vehicle that becomes a character in itself, evoking nostalgia and symbolizing a bygone era of simplicity and charm.
When his son Pavi, played by Thomas Mathew, is kidnapped under mysterious circumstances, Shanmughan finds himself forced back into a world of danger and deception.
What starts as a personal tragedy evolves into a larger narrative of crime, secrets, and sacrifice. As the story unravels, Shanmughan must confront his past and protect his family at all costs.
Mohanlal delivers one of his most nuanced performances in recent years. His portrayal of Shanmughan is filled with raw intensity, subtle emotional shifts, and the kind of restrained charisma that only an actor of his caliber can bring.
Whether he’s sharing tender moments with his wife Lalitha or engaging in high-stakes action sequences, Mohanlal embodies the role with remarkable authenticity. Shobana, making a memorable return to Malayalam cinema, plays Shanmughan’s wife Lalitha.
Her performance adds emotional gravity to the film, offering a counterbalance to the thriller’s tension. Thomas Mathew, as the son, captures the vulnerability and confusion of a young man trapped in dangerous circumstances.
The film also features a solid supporting ensemble including Maniyanpilla Raju, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Sangeeth Prathap, Binu Pappu, Farhaan Faasil, and Krishna Prabha. Each actor contributes meaningfully to the plot, enhancing the drama without detracting from the central narrative.
On the technical front, Thudarum boasts slick cinematography that contrasts the lush green landscapes of Kerala with the grittier urban sequences. The editing is tight, maintaining suspense throughout its runtime, while the background score enhances the thriller’s intensity, particularly during key emotional and action-driven moments.
Many have drawn comparisons between Thudarum and Drishyam, given both films center around a father protecting his family against impossible odds. However, Thudarum brings a fresh perspective through its backdrop, character dynamics, and the layered symbolism of the Ambassador car.
Where Drishyam was cerebral and focused on mind games, Thudarum leans more into emotional intensity and physicality. The film does not just ask “How far would you go to protect your family?” but also “How much of your past must you sacrifice to preserve your present?”
