Director Tharun Moorthy, while discussing his upcoming film Thudarum, starring Mohanlal and Shobana, shared insights into his deep bond with his father.

In an interview with I AM with Dhanya Varma, Moorthy revealed that his father Madhu D was a major influence on his journey to becoming a filmmaker, as he grew up watching him perform in dramas and later received his encouragement to pursue a career in filmmaking. He also revealed that he paid a perfect tribute to his father through Thudarum.

"Even though he was interested in drama, he never wanted to act. When I invited him to be part of Operation Java, he refused, saying he would be a liability and that I should find a more suitable artist for the role. But I was persistent and asked him to at least try. Later, my assistants convinced him, and he finally acted in the film," Moorthy said.

Moorthy also revealed that his father originally played a more significant role in Saudi Vellakka, but several of his scenes had to be trimmed. "He was cast as a peon who worked with the magistrate—a character I really liked while writing the script. But many of those scenes had to be trimmed. In Thudarum, he initially declined a role, saying that many senior artists were part of the film. Eventually, he agreed...My biggest tribute to him is a scene where he shares the screen with Mohanlal," he added.

Thudarum has generated immense excitement among Mohanlal’s fans. The movie marks the actor’s 56th collaboration with Shobana and the 14th production under Renjith’s Rajaputra Films banner. In Thudarum, Mohanlal plays the character of a taxi driver.

The film, written by K.S. Sunil and featuring cinematography by Shaji, also Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Nandu, Irshad Ali, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju in supporting roles.