Hridayapoorvam Review: Mohanlal’s Heartfelt Onam Drama
The Malayalam film industry started this Onam season with a wave of excitement. The reason was clear: Hridayapoorvam. The movie brought back one of the most beloved combinations in Malayalam cinema – Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad. This duo has worked together for decades and given the audience many memorable family dramas. After ten years, they reunited, and naturally, expectations ran sky high. The film released on 28 August 2025, just in time for the festival, and quickly became one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
Story and Premise
The story follows Sandeep Balakrishnan, played by Mohanlal. He is a heart-transplant survivor who carries a mix of gratitude, guilt, and hope inside him. After his recovery, he decides to visit the family of his donor in Pune. His aim is simple – he wants to pay respect to the man who gave him a new lease of life. He meets Haritha, the donor’s daughter, played by Malavika Mohanan.
An unexpected injury forces Sandeep to extend his stay with Haritha’s family. Slowly, he becomes a part of their lives. He shares laughter, tears, and quiet moments with them. Through these interactions, the film talks about human kindness, the pain of loss, and the joy of second chances.
Characters and Performances
- Mohanlal as Sandeep Balakrishnan: He carries the movie on his shoulders. His performance shows warmth, dignity, and a touch of humour. In emotional scenes, he holds the screen with ease. In lighter scenes, he displays his natural comic timing.
- Malavika Mohanan as Haritha: She plays the role of a daughter who struggles with grief but opens her heart slowly to Sandeep. Her chemistry with Mohanlal feels natural and moving.
- Sangeeth Prathap as Jerry: He adds humour to the film. His friendship with Sandeep brings several light-hearted moments that keep the first half lively.
- Sangita Madhavan Nair as Devika (Haritha’s mother): She makes the audience feel the silent pain of a mother who lost her husband but still holds her family together.
- Supporting Cast: Actors like Siddique, Lalu Alex, Janardhanan, Baburaj, and Nishan play small but important roles. They give depth and credibility to the family setup.
Direction and Writing
Sathyan Anthikad always believed in simple storytelling. In Hridayapoorvam, he continues with the same style. He does not depend on heavy twists or artificial drama. Instead, he builds the story around everyday emotions and relatable characters. His son, Akhil Sathyan, gave the story, while Sonu T. P. wrote the screenplay. Together, they created a film that feels rooted in real life but still carries cinematic charm.
The director focuses on small details – a smile, a pause, or a household conversation. These details bring out the warmth that people expect from an Anthikad film. However, the narrative sometimes slows down in the second half. A few scenes feel stretched, and the humour looks forced at times.
Music and Technical Aspects
Justin Prabhakaran composed the music. The songs sound soft and pleasant. They flow naturally with the story and do not break the mood. The background score gently lifts emotional scenes without becoming loud.
Anu Moothedath handled the cinematography. His camera captures the beauty of both Kerala and Pune. The family interiors, green landscapes, and city roads look fresh and colourful. Editor K. Rajagopal keeps the flow smooth, though some viewers may feel the length in the latter half.
Strengths of the Film
- Mohanlal’s Performance: His acting remains the strongest point. He brings energy and grace to every scene.
- Chemistry Between Characters: The bond between Mohanlal and Sangeeth Prathap offers charm. The relationship between Mohanlal and Malavika Mohanan feels tender and genuine.
- Family Values: The film celebrates togetherness, kindness, and empathy. It makes the audience think about how one act of sacrifice can change many lives.
- Humour and Emotions: The first half balances comedy and emotions well.
Weaknesses of the Film
- Slow Second Half: The pace dips after the interval. Some scenes could have been trimmed.
- Predictability: The story follows a familiar path. Viewers who expect strong twists may feel disappointed.
- Outdated Elements: A few jokes and situations feel old-fashioned, which might not connect with younger viewers.
Audience Reactions
The film received a mixed but largely positive response. Many fans called it a perfect Onam entertainer. They praised Mohanlal’s natural performance and the simple, feel-good storytelling. Some people felt the movie gave them peace of mind and reminded them of old family classics.
However, a section of the audience felt the film leaned too heavily on nostalgia. They pointed out that the second half dragged and lacked the spark of the first. On social media, opinions ranged from “heartwarming” to “dated,” showing that the film divided younger and older viewers.
Critics’ Opinions
Critics also shared mixed views. Some praised the film for being warm, emotional, and true to Anthikad’s style. They highlighted the balance of humour and sentiment in the first half. Others criticized the lack of strong narrative flow, especially in the later portions. One leading publication gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and called it a “light-hearted entertainer with genuine laughs.” Another critic gave it 2 stars out of 5, calling it “confusing and slow.”
Box Office Performance
Hridayapoorvam opened strongly because of the Onam festival. Trade experts predicted that the film could earn around 7 to 8 crore rupees on its first day in India. The festival season, Mohanlal’s star power, and the family-friendly theme worked in its favour. Competition from other Onam releases did not hurt it much, as those films catered to different audiences.
Director’s Words
Sathyan Anthikad spoke proudly about working again with Mohanlal. He said Mohanlal makes acting look effortless and called him a “wonder.” His words show the respect and friendship that keeps their collaboration strong even after so many years.
Overall Experience
Watching Hridayapoorvam feels like revisiting an old friend. The film does not try to shock or surprise. Instead, it gently tells a story of life, death, and second chances. It speaks to the heart more than the mind. The humour, the emotional warmth, and the presence of Mohanlal give the movie its strength.
Yes, the second half drags, and yes, the story feels familiar. But the film offers a comforting experience. Families who look for clean entertainment during festivals will enjoy it the most. Younger viewers who expect fast-paced drama might feel restless, but even they cannot deny the charm Mohanlal brings on screen.
Conclusion
Hridayapoorvam is not a perfect film. It carries flaws, but it also carries heart. Mohanlal shines once again, reminding everyone why he remains one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. Sathyan Anthikad stays true to his style and gives audiences a movie that feels warm, simple, and deeply human.
As an Onam release, the film delivers joy, laughter, and emotion. It may not become a path-breaking film, but it will stay in memory as a gentle reminder of how cinema can touch lives without loudness. For fans of Mohanlal and lovers of family dramas, Hridayapoorvam works as a heartfelt festival treat.
