Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Director Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum has drawn attention not just for its gripping storyline, but for bringing back the Mohanlal audiences have longed to see: an actor rooted in emotion rather than spectacle. With critics praising both the writing and performances, Thudarum has emerged as a memorable addition to Mohanlal’s long filmography, with reviewers calling it a return to form.
Across the board, reviewers highlight how the film presents Mohanlal as Shanmugham (nicknamed Benz), a humble taxi driver and former stuntman who now lives a quiet life in a Kerala village with his wife, played by Shobana, and two children. His prized possession is his old black Ambassador car, a gift from a mentor which becomes central to the plot when it’s unknowingly used, setting off a chain of devastating events.
What begins as a slice-of-life family drama slowly unravels into a thriller. Critics note the tonal shift is deliberate and effective. The first act is calm and intimate, allowing viewers to settle into the domestic world of Shanmugham, while the second half dives into more intense and emotionally charged territory. The transformation in both narrative and Mohanlal’s performance has been widely appreciated.
Reviewers also point out similarities to Drishyam, especially in the way an ordinary man is drawn into extraordinary circumstances to protect his family. But unlike the high-stakes, twist-heavy execution of that film, Thudarum leans more into the emotional consequences of its characters' actions.
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The chemistry between Mohanlal and Shobana, though more mature and subdued than their past outings, is another strong point. Supporting actors Binu Pappu and Prakash Varma have been praised for their roles as corrupt policemen, bringing menace without going over the top.
The writing by Tharun Moorthy and KR Sunil has been described as tight and layered. There are clever callbacks to Mohanlal’s earlier films, both iconic and obscure, and touches of self-aware humour. The cinematography and background score also received nods, particularly for how they enhance the film’s moody and melancholic tone.
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While some critics caution that the slow pace in the first half requires patience, the consensus is that Thudarum delivers a rewarding experience. As one reviewer noted, “Mohanlal in mundu, pathos in his eyes, and villains straight out of nightmares, Thudarum is the slow-burn thriller we didn’t know we needed.”
Ranveer Singh’s rugged new look anchors the high-energy music video.
Rapper Hanumankind makes his official Bollywood début with a fierce verse.
Modern take on the classic Punjabi folk tune 'Jogi'.
Glimpses of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in the mix.
The full trailer lands next month.
The Dhurandhar title track just hit the internet, and the noise around this spy thriller just went up a few notches. This is the track that pulls rapper Hanumankind into his first proper Bollywood playback moment. They have taken the old folk number 'Jogi' and built a power-packed version around it, a mix of earthy roots and straight-up aggressive energy that hits like a truck. It fits, honestly. It mirrors the film's whole gritty vibe and Ranveer Singh's battle-hardened look with that wild beard.
Hanumankind brings raw rap fire while Ranveer Singh owns 'Dhurandhar' music video Getty Images/ Youtube Screengrab/Saregama Music
What is the Dhurandhar title track about?
You get a proper blast of the film’s atmosphere from this track. The music video cuts fast between shots of a heavily bearded and muscular Ranveer Singh, looking every bit the part of a hardened operative. The video cuts to the other big names in the cast as well. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal are all there in what appears to be a tense, dark situation. The music includes traditional Punjabi folk with a stronger, cinematic rhythm.
How did Hanumankind get involved in the Dhurandhar song?
It turns out his involvement was a pretty organic, almost spontaneous thing. Music composer Shashwat Sachdev opened up about how the rap section came together. Apparently, it happened during a late-night studio session with director Aditya Dhar and Hanumankind himself. They captured an impromptu performance that just clicked, bringing what Sachdev called a "raw, instinctive fire" to the whole track. For an artist known for his independent work, this Dhurandhar feature is a major step into the mainstream film scene.
All this build-up is heading towards a definite date. The makers confirmed it right at the end of the title track video. Dhurandhar is locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 December of this year. For those who need more than a song to tide them over, the official trailer is promised for 12 November.
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