‘Drishyam was a trendsetter, but I haven’t tried to follow that trend’: Tharun Moorthy on Thudarum

The highly anticipated Malayalam film ‘Thudarum’ has captured the attention of cinephiles, not least because it marks the much-awaited reunion of legendary actors Mohanlal and Shobana after several years. The film is helmed by director Tharun Moorthy, best known for his critically acclaimed works Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka. Thudarum marks his third directorial venture.

In an earlier interview, comments made by Mohanlal regarding the film sparked intense speculation, with many assuming that Thudarum might follow in the footsteps of the iconic thriller Drishyam. This led to discussions about whether the film would echo the suspenseful, layered storytelling that made Drishyam a cult classic in Malayalam cinema.

However, director Tharun Moorthy has now clarified the genre and tone of Thudarum in a recent interview with Saina South Plus. He dismissed the assumption that the film is a ‘feel-good’ entertainer or a mystery thriller.

“Thudarum is not a feel-good film. I’ve conceived and directed it as a family drama,” said Tharun. “There are significant dramatic elements to the events that unfold in the story. Many are comparing it to Drishyam, especially when they see the posters. They expect something major to occur in the second half, much like in Drishyam. But let me be clear – Drishyam is a cult classic and a trendsetter in Malayalam cinema. I’m not trying to follow that trend. Thudarum is not an attempt to recreate Drishyam in any form.”

Tharun further elaborated that the film explores a segment of an individual’s life, portraying a few significant days filled with emotion, humour, sorrow, and even some surprises. Despite these elements, he was firm in stating that Thudarum cannot be categorised as an investigation drama or mystery thriller.

“It tells the story of a man and the events that take place over a few days in his life. There’s humour, sadness, moments of shock, and some thrill, but none of it aligns with what would typically be called a mystery or an investigative thriller. People should come to watch the film based on the promotion we’re doing. Reading too much into it beyond that might not serve them or the film well,” he added.

With a powerhouse cast and an experienced director steering away from conventional genre templates, Thudarum is shaping up to be an intriguing entry in contemporary Malayalam cinema. Whether it will subvert expectations or surprise with its simplicity, remains to be seen.