Hridayapoorvam Review: Mohanlal's Rom-Com is Not Thoovanathumbikal & is Mostly Half Baked

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ 2/5*

Hridayapoorvam Review Movie Talkies:

A few moments in Hridayapoorvam may remind cinephiles of Mohanlal’s classic Thoovanathumbikal (1987), especially since both films feature a male protagonist entangled with two women. But that’s where the resemblance ends. Unlike the earlier film, Mohanlal’s Sandeep is not romantically involved with either woman in the conventional sense. Instead, the narrative weaves in a slice-of-life subplot, aiming to distance itself from comparisons to the 1987 cult favorite. Unfortunately, the effort remains half-baked on both ends. Neither does it bloom into a full-fledged romantic triangle, nor does it emerge as a heartwarming slice-of-life drama. Both strands are left undercooked, leaving the film pleasant in parts but hollow overall.

Hridayapoorvam Story:

The story follows Sandeep (Mohanlal), a middle-aged man who has recently undergone a heart transplant. Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of Colonel Ravindranath—the very man whose heart now beats in Sandeep’s body—comes to meet him and invites him to her engagement ceremony in Pune. When Sandeep travels there, events take a dramatic turn as the engagement is called off. Amidst the chaos, Sandeep is injured in a scuffle and advised not to travel for a couple of weeks. This forces him to stay with Haritha and her mother, Devika (Sangita Madhavan Nair). Gradually, Sandeep begins to bond with both women, setting the stage for an unusual emotional triangle.

An astrologer’s earlier prediction—that Sandeep would meet two important women at the same time—begins to play out in curious ways. The film hints at a tender bond forming between Sandeep, Haritha, and Devika, though it never quite takes the leap into either romance or a profound emotional exploration. This unspoken phase becomes the heart of the narrative, with the audience left wondering where his loyalties or affections will ultimately lie.

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Written by Akhil Sathyan, Hridayapoorvam begins with the promise of a mature rom-com. By the interval, it appears poised to strike a balance between humor, emotions, and warmth. Sadly, the second half falters. The momentum slows, dramatic beats feel underwhelming, and the climax lacks spark. As a viewer, you are left craving something more substantial on the cinematic platter, but the film serves only scattered morsels.

It’s not always about logic or realism in cinema—sometimes a dash of cinematic exaggeration can work wonders. Here, however, the writing neither embraces realism fully nor indulges in cinematic drama enough to sweep you away. Sandeep’s final decision is portrayed as wise and age-appropriate, but the surrounding characters never reciprocate with equal emotional weight. His teary farewell from Devika and Haritha’s house feels overwrought, especially since he has stayed there for barely a few weeks. While losing companionship can indeed be painful, the dramatization of his exit doesn’t feel entirely plausible for such a mature, level-headed character. That said, the brief exchanges of emotions among the trio are heartfelt in the moment, and those flashes do carry some resonance.

Hridayapoorvam Cast:

In terms of performances, Mohanlal once again proves why he continues to be a dependable actor. He embodies Sandeep with grace, lending the role maturity, warmth, and subtle humor. The intro card is amazing. However, the unnecessary fight sequence towards the end could have been easily avoided, as it felt out of sync with the otherwise grounded tone. Malavika Mohanan brings charm and beauty to Haritha, performing her part with honesty even if the script doesn’t offer her much depth. Sangita Madhavan Nair, as Devika, delivers a finely balanced performance, portraying both dignity and vulnerability. Among the supporting cast, Sangeeth Prathap provides comic relief, though his track isn’t always engaging. Siddique appears in a chaotic yet amusing cameo, while Nishan and other actors lend decent support.

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Hridayapoorvam Movie Review:

On the technical front, Hridayapoorvam is reasonably polished, though not particularly outstanding. Cinematography captures the moods effectively without ever becoming memorable. Editing shines in the first half but loses grip in the latter portion, contributing to the film’s drag. The screenplay does hold a few sparkling moments that could be revisited—like Mohanlal’s witty exchanges with a Fahadh Faasil fan, where he cheekily defends senior actors, or his understated reactions to Haritha’s concerns. A handful of dialogues work well, but the script doesn’t maintain that consistency throughout.

As for direction, Sathyan Anthikad had all the right elements—a veteran star in Mohanlal, two competent actresses, and a premise ripe with emotional potential. Sadly, the execution doesn’t rise to the occasion. The narrative feels hesitant, as though unwilling to take risks, and ends up delivering something safe yet forgettable. The film could have been a deeply moving story of companionship, longing, and human connections, but it settles for mediocrity.

Ultimately, Hridayapoorvam is not a bad film, but it is not the memorable rom-com it promised to be either. It has moments of tenderness, scattered humor, and a few emotional highs, but it never achieves the impact of classics like Thoovanathumbikal. In today’s cinematic landscape, where filmmakers often shy away from deeper explorations in favor of safer, more formulaic storytelling, Hridayapoorvam sadly becomes another example of wasted potential. With stronger writing and bolder direction, this could have been a touching and unforgettable tale. Instead, it lingers as a half-baked attempt, leaving the audience wishing for what could have been.

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