Hridayapoorvam Review: Feel-Good Magic from Mohanlal

Rating: 7/10 ⭐️

After a rather disappointing 2024 that left many Mohanlal fans yearning for something better, 2025 has emerged as a remarkable comeback year for the superstar, and Hridayapoorvam completes what can only be called a perfect hat-trick alongside Thudarum and L2: Empuraan. What makes this achievement even sweeter is that all three films have managed to strike that elusive balance between box office success and critical acclaim, proving that quality cinema can indeed find its audience. The anticipation for Hridayapoorvam was particularly high for me, not just because of Mohanlal's recent winning streak, but because it marked the long-awaited reunion between the actor and director Sathyan Anthikad after nearly a decade – a collaboration that has given us timeless classics like Nadodikkattu and Pattanapravesham, films I never skip whenever they appear on television.

The beauty of Hridayapoorvam lies in its refreshingly simple premise that somehow manages to feel both familiar and touching. Mohanlal plays Sandeep Balakrishnan, a man who receives a heart transplant and finds himself invited by Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of his heart donor, to attend her wedding reception in Pune so she can feel closer to her late father. What begins as a straightforward journey becomes something deeper when an unexpected accident extends their stay, allowing the film to explore themes of loss, gratitude, and the healing power of human connections. The narrative unfolds with the kind of gentle pacing that Sathyan Anthikad has mastered over the years, never rushing toward dramatic peaks but instead finding profound meaning in quiet moments and everyday interactions.

Where the film truly shines is in the chemistry between Mohanlal and Sangeeth Prathap, who plays Jerry, Sandeep's home nurse and caretaker. Sangeeth Prathap brings exceptional comedic timing to every scene, transforming what could have been a standard sidekick role into something genuinely delightful. Their dynamic provides both the film's heartiest laughs and some of its most touching moments, as Jerry serves not just as comic relief but as the emotional anchor that helps Sandeep navigate his second chance at life. I was particularly invested in Jerry's character arc, and by the film's end, I found myself genuinely relieved that he doesn't end up going to Germany. Mohanlal, meanwhile, delivers one of his more understated performances in recent years, allowing the character's vulnerability and gradual healing to unfold naturally without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental.

What struck me most about Hridayapoorvam is how it manages to be a feel-good movie without ever feeling saccharine. Sathyan Anthikad's direction maintains that signature lightness of touch that made his earlier collaborations with Mohanlal so memorable, creating space for both laughter and reflection without ever losing sight of the film's emotional core. The extended stay in Pune becomes a journey of unexpected connections, not just for Sandeep with Haritha and her family, but for the audience with these characters who feel lived-in and genuine. While I couldn't help but wish for at least a tiny cameo from Sreenivasan whose presence alongside Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad always brings that extra layer of nostalgic charm.

Watching Hridayapoorvam with my family turned into exactly the kind of shared viewing experience that has become increasingly rare in today's fragmented entertainment landscape. This is cinema that brings people together, that works across generations, and that leaves you feeling a little warmer about human nature than when you walked in.