Hridayapoorvam Review – Sathyan Anthikad and Mohanlal Deliver a Breezy, Familiar Comfort Film

August 28, 2025 admin

After almost three years since his last film Makal (2022), director Sathyan Anthikad returns with Hridayapoorvam, teaming up once again with Mohanlal. This time, the story comes from Akhil Sathyan (Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum), with the screenplay penned by newcomer Sonu TP.

At its core, Hridayapoorvam is Sathyan Anthikad’s attempt to adapt his signature style to a modern storytelling sensibility. While he doesn’t completely shed the conventions associated with his films, the movie finds its comfort zone in humor, warmth, and Mohanlal’s effortless charm.

Plot

The film follows Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal), a restaurant owner in Kochi who has recently undergone a heart transplant. His donor was Col. Ravindran, and during Sandeep’s recovery, Ravindran’s daughter Haritha (Malavika Mohanan) invites him to attend her engagement in Pune.

What unfolds is a mix of humorous events and emotional exchanges as Sandeep navigates life after surgery, the cultural dynamics of a new city, and the connections he forges during his stay. The film balances its serious premise with a light-hearted tone, leaning on Sathyan Anthikad’s familiar “goodness package.”

Direction and Writing

Sathyan Anthikad is clearly aware of the generational shift in storytelling. With Sonu TP assisting in dialogue and language, the film tries to sound contemporary while still retaining Anthikad’s old-school flavor.

However, the film occasionally struggles where sentimental clichés clash with modern sensibilities. In emotional moments, the director often plays it safe, falling back on predictable structures. The humor, on the other hand, works better, especially in scenes tailored to Mohanlal’s age, physique, and timing.

The story itself has echoes of Akhil Sathyan’s Pachu, with structural similarities in character arcs and even in the mountain-top emotional moment. While this gives the film a sense of déjà vu, it also ensures a comforting familiarity for fans of the genre.

Performances

Mohanlal as Sandeep Balakrishnan – Effortless, witty, and charming. His defensive humor and subdued emotional beats keep the film afloat, even when the story feels predictable.
Malavika Mohanan as Haritha – A solid casting choice, especially with her fluency in both Marathi and Malayalam. Her performance feels authentic as the film transitions to Pune.
Sangeeth Prathap – The film’s comic relief. Though not essential to the story, his energy keeps things lively and prevents the film from slipping into monotony.
Sangeetha (with Bhagyalakshmi’s dubbing) – Delivers her part neatly, though the character is not deeply explored.
Siddique – Some of his comedy lands, but his track, along with a few side characters, feels disjointed from the main narrative.

Cameos and supporting roles contribute to the film’s breezy tone, though not all are equally effective.

Technical Aspects

Cinematography: Anu Moothedath keeps the visuals vibrant, in line with the film’s feel-good mood. The production design complements this lively palette.
Music: Justin Prabhakaran delivers soulful tracks that echo the warmth of Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum. The background score gently supports both humor and emotion.
Sound Design: The use of sync sound adds authenticity, especially in Mohanlal’s climax speech where even natural imperfections are retained.

Strengths

Mohanlal’s effortless performance and humor.
Light, breezy tone that avoids heavy melodrama.
Sync sound lending authenticity.
Humor sequences that work better than expected.

Weaknesses

Predictable structure with shades of déjà vu.
Some side tracks feel unnecessary and slow down the pace.
Could have achieved the same impact with a shorter runtime.

Final Verdict

Hridayapoorvam doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it sits comfortably in what can be described as the “neo-Sathyan Anthikad” style – predictable yet pleasant, safe yet sincere. For viewers who enjoyed Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, this film offers a similar sense of comfort, anchored by Mohanlal’s natural ease and humor.

It may not blow your mind with freshness, but it will leave you smiling, making it a breezy, feel-good watch.

⭐ Rating: 3/5 – A familiar but heartwarming drama, elevated by Mohanlal’s charm.