Hridayapoorvam, now running in theatres, brings back the trusted duo of Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad in a film that mixes humour, warmth, and emotional drama. While the storyline often feels stretched and uneven, the performances—especially Mohanlal’s—keep the film engaging.
A Familiar Sathyan Anthikad Space
For over four decades, Sathyan Anthikad has been known for family dramas that balance humour and light emotion. Hridayapoorvam doesn’t stray far from this template. At its centre is Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal), a bachelor who undergoes a heart transplant. His new lease of life connects him to the family of his donor, Colonel Ravindranath, whose daughter Haritha (Malavika Mohanan) is set to get engaged. Sandeep’s visit to Pune for the occasion takes an unexpected turn, extending his stay and drawing him into the family’s complicated dynamics.
The film leans on the long-favoured theme of heart donations and emotional ties, but instead of diving into heavy drama, Anthikad opts for a breezy, light-hearted approach. This keeps the viewing pleasant, though it comes at the cost of depth.
Storytelling: Heartfelt but Scattered
The screenplay—by Sonu TP from Akhil Sathyan’s story—starts with promise but soon begins to feel fragmented. Some scenes feel self-contained, almost like standalone skits, with humour inserted more for relief than narrative progress. A few subplots, like Sandeep’s old fiancée re-entering his life or side gags with supporting characters, do little to enrich the core story.
At the same time, there are flourishes that reveal Anthikad’s knack for human detail: the quiet ways in which Sandeep’s loneliness is contrasted against the warmth he finds in Haritha’s family, or the subtle bonds he develops with Haritha’s mother, Devika (Sangita). These moments, though underexplored, suggest a more powerful film beneath the surface.
Performances: Mohanlal and Sangeeth Steal the Show
The film rests heavily on Mohanlal’s shoulders, and he delivers with ease—balancing understated humour, emotional restraint, and a charm that keeps even slower stretches watchable. His camaraderie with Sangeeth Prathap (as Jerry, his caregiver) is a highlight, producing many of the film’s funniest and most natural scenes.
Malavika Mohanan as Haritha does what the role demands, though her pairing with Mohanlal feels less organic. Sangita, despite limited screen space, brings quiet dignity to Devika, and her interactions with Mohanlal hint at a more compelling angle the film never fully explores.
Supporting actors like Siddique and Baburaj add familiar Anthikad-world touches, though some of their tracks feel misplaced.
Technical Side: Warm Visuals, Comforting Music
Cinematographer Anu Moothedath captures Pune with a mix of calm and bustle that matches the film’s tone. Justin Prabhakaran’s music is soothing, complementing the emotional undercurrent without overpowering the narrative.
Verdict: Comforting but Safe
Hridayapoorvam is exactly what one expects from a Sathyan Anthikad-Mohanlal outing—light, warm, and filled with everyday humour. But by playing too safe, it misses the chance to become something deeper and more layered. For viewers seeking a cosy, feel-good watch with Mohanlal in top form, it works. For those hoping for a fresh take on its interesting premise, it might feel underwhelming.
Bullseye Rating:★★★½ (3.5/5 stars)
Hridayapoorvam is a light-hearted family drama powered by Mohanlal’s effortless charm and Sathyan Anthikad’s familiar storytelling style. While the film often feels stretched and uneven, its humour and emotional warmth make it a pleasant theatrical watch.
