Hridayapoorvam (2025) Movie Review: A Heartwarming Ode to Second ChancesReleased on August 28, 2025, Hridayapoorvam, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, is a Malayalam family drama that delivers a warm, nostalgic embrace to audiences. Starring Mohanlal as Sandeep Balakrishnan, alongside Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Prathap, and Sangita Madhavan Nair, this 2-hour-32-minute film explores themes of grief, human connection, and second chances through the lens of a heart transplant survivor. With its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and Sathyan Anthikad’s signature storytelling, Hridayapoorvam is a feel-good entertainer that resonates with family audiences.
Introduction: A Return to Classic Malayalam CinemaSathyan Anthikad and Mohanlal, a duo synonymous with Malayalam cinema’s golden era, reunite after a decade for Hridayapoorvam, a film that lives up to its title, meaning “from the heart.” Known for classics like Nadodikkattu and Rasathanthram, their collaboration has long defined the emotional core of Malayali audiences. This latest offering, written by Akhil Sathyan and scripted by Sonu T.P., centers on Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal), a heart transplant survivor who forms an unexpected bond with his donor’s family. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Pune and Kerala, the film balances light-hearted comedy with poignant emotions, making it a perfect festive watch for Onam 2025. While not groundbreaking, its sincerity and charm make it a crowd-pleaser, as evidenced by its ₹3.25 crore opening and glowing social media buzz.
Plot and Themes: A Tale of Bonds and RenewalHridayapoorvam follows Sandeep, a middle-aged, reclusive cloud kitchen owner in Kochi recovering from a heart transplant. His donor, Colonel Ravindranath, leaves behind a grieving family, including daughter Haritha (Malavika Mohanan) and widow Devika (Sangita Madhavan Nair). Haritha visits Sandeep to invite him to her engagement in Pune, hoping to feel her father’s presence through the man who carries his heart. An unexpected back injury forces Sandeep to extend his stay, drawing him into the family’s lives. Accompanied by his quirky nurse Jerry (Sangeeth Prathap), Sandeep navigates awkward interactions that blossom into deep connections, exploring themes of grief, familial bonds, and personal transformation.The film’s strength lies in its simplicity, avoiding melodrama while addressing mortality and second chances. Sandeep’s journey from a loner to someone who finds purpose in relationships mirrors the family’s healing process. However, the narrative, while heartfelt, follows a predictable arc, reminiscent of Anthikad’s earlier works like Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum. The second half slows, with some scenes—like a superfluous subplot involving aspiring filmmakers—feeling disconnected, as noted by critics. Despite this, the film’s emotional climax, particularly Sandeep’s monologue, ties the story together with warmth and sincerity.
Performances: Mohanlal and Sangeeth Steal the ShowMohanlal delivers a masterful performance as Sandeep, blending vulnerability, humor, and quiet strength. His expressive eyes and subtle antics make Sandeep relatable and endearing, reminding audiences why he remains a Malayalam cinema icon. His chemistry with Sangeeth Prathap, who plays Jerry, is the film’s heartbeat, injecting humor and energy into every scene. Sangeeth’s impeccable comic timing, honed in Premalu, adds a Gen Z flair, balancing Mohanlal’s old-school charm. Their bromance, as fans on Reddit noted, is a highlight, evoking laughter that resonates across age groups.Malavika Mohanan, as Haritha, brings grace and emotional depth, portraying a daughter grappling with loss while finding solace in Sandeep. Sangita Madhavan Nair, as Devika, delivers a nuanced performance, capturing a widow’s quiet strength and longing to be seen. Supporting actors like Siddique and Lalu Alex add humor but are underutilized, with some of their scenes feeling forced, as critics pointed out. Despite this, the ensemble’s chemistry creates a lived-in feel, making the family dynamics believable and touching.
Technical Craft: A Visual and Emotional SymphonyAnu Moothedath’s cinematography is a standout, capturing Pune’s vibrancy and Kerala’s serene landscapes with elegance. The visuals complement the film’s breezy tone, using warm hues to enhance its emotional warmth. Justin Prabhakaran’s music, while soulful, is understated, with two songs acting as minor speed-breakers, as noted by India Today. The background score, however, adds emotional weight without being manipulative. Sameera Saneesh’s costumes, particularly for Malavika, are stylish yet grounded, enhancing the characters’ relatability.The film’s sync sound approach, capturing live performances, adds authenticity, though Sangita’s dubbing by Bhagyalakshmi feels slightly off, as some IMDb reviews mentioned. Editing is generally smooth, but the second half’s pacing issues stem from uneven scene transitions, a critique echoed by The Indian Express. Despite these flaws, the technical elements align with Anthikad’s vision of a simple, heartwarming narrative.
Direction and Execution: Sathyan Anthikad’s Comfort ZoneSathyan Anthikad, a veteran of feel-good dramas, sticks to his strengths in Hridayapoorvam. His ability to weave humor into everyday moments, as seen in classics like Manassinakkare, shines through, particularly in the first half, which is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. However, the film doesn’t break new ground, relying on familiar tropes, as Rediff.com noted. Anthikad’s attempt to modernize his storytelling, with Sonu T.P.’s contemporary dialogue, connects with younger audiences, but some “boomer” moments feel out of place.The film’s predictable arc and occasional narrative drift prevent it from matching Anthikad’s iconic works. Yet, his restraint in avoiding melodrama and focus on human connections make it a comforting watch. The absence of regulars like Innocent and KPAC Lalitha, as noted by IMDb users, is felt, but Anthikad compensates with fresh faces like Sangeeth.
Audience Appeal and ImpactWith a U/A certificate and a 2-hour-32-minute runtime, Hridayapoorvam is ideal for family audiences, especially during the Onam season. Its 7.2/10 IMDb rating and positive social media reactions, including Reddit posts praising its humor, reflect strong reception. The film’s ₹3.25 crore opening day collection signals commercial success, with its upcoming OTT release likely to expand its reach. Fans of Anthikad’s feel-good formula and Mohanlal’s charm will find it delightful, though those seeking innovation may find it familiar.
Conclusion: A Warm, Nostalgic HugHridayapoorvam is a gentle, heartwarming drama that celebrates life’s simple joys. Mohanlal’s effortless performance, Sangeeth’s comic brilliance, and Anthikad’s sincere storytelling make it a comforting watch, despite pacing issues and a predictable plot. It’s not a cinematic milestone, but its warmth and relatability make it a perfect family entertainer. For those craving a nostalgic, feel-good experience, Hridayapoorvam delivers a warm hug that lingers. Catch it in theaters or await its OTT release for a dose of heartfelt cinema.
Rating: 3.5/5
Introduction: A Return to Classic Malayalam CinemaSathyan Anthikad and Mohanlal, a duo synonymous with Malayalam cinema’s golden era, reunite after a decade for Hridayapoorvam, a film that lives up to its title, meaning “from the heart.” Known for classics like Nadodikkattu and Rasathanthram, their collaboration has long defined the emotional core of Malayali audiences. This latest offering, written by Akhil Sathyan and scripted by Sonu T.P., centers on Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal), a heart transplant survivor who forms an unexpected bond with his donor’s family. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Pune and Kerala, the film balances light-hearted comedy with poignant emotions, making it a perfect festive watch for Onam 2025. While not groundbreaking, its sincerity and charm make it a crowd-pleaser, as evidenced by its ₹3.25 crore opening and glowing social media buzz.
Plot and Themes: A Tale of Bonds and RenewalHridayapoorvam follows Sandeep, a middle-aged, reclusive cloud kitchen owner in Kochi recovering from a heart transplant. His donor, Colonel Ravindranath, leaves behind a grieving family, including daughter Haritha (Malavika Mohanan) and widow Devika (Sangita Madhavan Nair). Haritha visits Sandeep to invite him to her engagement in Pune, hoping to feel her father’s presence through the man who carries his heart. An unexpected back injury forces Sandeep to extend his stay, drawing him into the family’s lives. Accompanied by his quirky nurse Jerry (Sangeeth Prathap), Sandeep navigates awkward interactions that blossom into deep connections, exploring themes of grief, familial bonds, and personal transformation.The film’s strength lies in its simplicity, avoiding melodrama while addressing mortality and second chances. Sandeep’s journey from a loner to someone who finds purpose in relationships mirrors the family’s healing process. However, the narrative, while heartfelt, follows a predictable arc, reminiscent of Anthikad’s earlier works like Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum. The second half slows, with some scenes—like a superfluous subplot involving aspiring filmmakers—feeling disconnected, as noted by critics. Despite this, the film’s emotional climax, particularly Sandeep’s monologue, ties the story together with warmth and sincerity.
Performances: Mohanlal and Sangeeth Steal the ShowMohanlal delivers a masterful performance as Sandeep, blending vulnerability, humor, and quiet strength. His expressive eyes and subtle antics make Sandeep relatable and endearing, reminding audiences why he remains a Malayalam cinema icon. His chemistry with Sangeeth Prathap, who plays Jerry, is the film’s heartbeat, injecting humor and energy into every scene. Sangeeth’s impeccable comic timing, honed in Premalu, adds a Gen Z flair, balancing Mohanlal’s old-school charm. Their bromance, as fans on Reddit noted, is a highlight, evoking laughter that resonates across age groups.Malavika Mohanan, as Haritha, brings grace and emotional depth, portraying a daughter grappling with loss while finding solace in Sandeep. Sangita Madhavan Nair, as Devika, delivers a nuanced performance, capturing a widow’s quiet strength and longing to be seen. Supporting actors like Siddique and Lalu Alex add humor but are underutilized, with some of their scenes feeling forced, as critics pointed out. Despite this, the ensemble’s chemistry creates a lived-in feel, making the family dynamics believable and touching.
Technical Craft: A Visual and Emotional SymphonyAnu Moothedath’s cinematography is a standout, capturing Pune’s vibrancy and Kerala’s serene landscapes with elegance. The visuals complement the film’s breezy tone, using warm hues to enhance its emotional warmth. Justin Prabhakaran’s music, while soulful, is understated, with two songs acting as minor speed-breakers, as noted by India Today. The background score, however, adds emotional weight without being manipulative. Sameera Saneesh’s costumes, particularly for Malavika, are stylish yet grounded, enhancing the characters’ relatability.The film’s sync sound approach, capturing live performances, adds authenticity, though Sangita’s dubbing by Bhagyalakshmi feels slightly off, as some IMDb reviews mentioned. Editing is generally smooth, but the second half’s pacing issues stem from uneven scene transitions, a critique echoed by The Indian Express. Despite these flaws, the technical elements align with Anthikad’s vision of a simple, heartwarming narrative.
Direction and Execution: Sathyan Anthikad’s Comfort ZoneSathyan Anthikad, a veteran of feel-good dramas, sticks to his strengths in Hridayapoorvam. His ability to weave humor into everyday moments, as seen in classics like Manassinakkare, shines through, particularly in the first half, which is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. However, the film doesn’t break new ground, relying on familiar tropes, as Rediff.com noted. Anthikad’s attempt to modernize his storytelling, with Sonu T.P.’s contemporary dialogue, connects with younger audiences, but some “boomer” moments feel out of place.The film’s predictable arc and occasional narrative drift prevent it from matching Anthikad’s iconic works. Yet, his restraint in avoiding melodrama and focus on human connections make it a comforting watch. The absence of regulars like Innocent and KPAC Lalitha, as noted by IMDb users, is felt, but Anthikad compensates with fresh faces like Sangeeth.
Audience Appeal and ImpactWith a U/A certificate and a 2-hour-32-minute runtime, Hridayapoorvam is ideal for family audiences, especially during the Onam season. Its 7.2/10 IMDb rating and positive social media reactions, including Reddit posts praising its humor, reflect strong reception. The film’s ₹3.25 crore opening day collection signals commercial success, with its upcoming OTT release likely to expand its reach. Fans of Anthikad’s feel-good formula and Mohanlal’s charm will find it delightful, though those seeking innovation may find it familiar.
Conclusion: A Warm, Nostalgic HugHridayapoorvam is a gentle, heartwarming drama that celebrates life’s simple joys. Mohanlal’s effortless performance, Sangeeth’s comic brilliance, and Anthikad’s sincere storytelling make it a comforting watch, despite pacing issues and a predictable plot. It’s not a cinematic milestone, but its warmth and relatability make it a perfect family entertainer. For those craving a nostalgic, feel-good experience, Hridayapoorvam delivers a warm hug that lingers. Catch it in theaters or await its OTT release for a dose of heartfelt cinema.
Rating: 3.5/5