Thudarum director Tharun Moorthy’s next with Asif Ali; to be set in Bengaluru

Tharun Moorthy is currently the man of the hour in Malayalam cinema. The 3-film-old director is being hailed for his craftsmanship in putting together Thudarum, a film that has given Malayalam film audiences a full dose of vintage Mohanlal the complete actor, which they are lapping up and how.

Tharun, who began his filmmaking journey with Operation Java , a film about real-life cyber crime case investigations, which he followed up with the courtroom drama Saudi Vellakka, that went on to win a National Award for Best Malayalam film, has now done Thudarum, a family drama thriller that reunited Mohanlal with his Thenmavin Kombathu co-star Shobana.

One common factor of all of Tharun’s films so far has been actor Binu Pappu, the son of late actor Kuthiravattam Pappu. Binu had pivotal roles in all three films, with his cop character in Thudarum receiving a lot of praise from audiences. Tharun’s fourth directorial venture has already been decided, which he and Binu had announced during an interview.

Tharun Moorthy's film with Asif Ali to go on floors by end of 2025

Tharun will direct a film based on a story by Binu that Asif Ali will lead. Reports suggest that the film, an action entertainer, will be set in Bengaluru, where Binu lives and worked for many years before turning to a career in cinema. Produced by Ashiq Usman, it is likely to go on floors by the end of 2025, with pre-production beginning in May.

In Thudarum, meanwhile, Binu served not only as actor, but also handled the production logistics, while stepping in as Tharun’s creative sounding board as well. The actor, who has served as associate director on several Malayalam movies, does not rule out turning director, but that will only be after his next project with Tharun.

Thudarum released in theatres on April 25 to blockbuster reviews. It is Mohanlal’s second release of the year, after L2 Empuraan, which, incidentally, dropped on OTT a day before Thudarum hit theatres.