Hridayapoorvam Movie Review: A Gentle Family Drama That Speaks from the Heart

The Onam season has always been special for Malayalam cinema, and this year, audiences are being treated to Hridayapoorvam, a film that brings back the magic of two familiar names—Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad. Known for their timeless collaborations, the duo returns after nearly a decade with a story that feels tender, charming, and deeply rooted in the everyday emotions of family and belonging.

A Story of Second Chances and Emotional Bonds

At the heart of Hridayapoorvam lies the journey of Sandeep Balakrishnan, a cloud-kitchen owner navigating the fragile balance of life after undergoing a heart transplant. When he receives an invitation to attend the engagement of his donor’s daughter in Pune, he sets out to honour the memory of the life he carries within him.

What begins as a simple act of gratitude slowly unfolds into a story layered with emotion, humour, and quiet reflection. Sandeep’s stay with the donor’s family opens a doorway into grief, acceptance, and unexpected new connections. The film doesn’t rush to create drama—it instead flows like life itself, with gentle conversations, light-hearted moments, and undercurrents of loss and healing.

Mohanlal Anchors the Narrative with Subtle Grace

Mohanlal, in the role of Sandeep, proves once again why he continues to be one of Malayalam cinema’s most reliable performers. His portrayal is neither loud nor theatrical—he embodies a man carrying invisible weight yet slowly learning to embrace life again. His restrained expressions and soft humour make Sandeep relatable, especially for viewers who know the feeling of carrying unspoken burdens.

Alongside him, Sangeeth Prathap shines as Jerry, Sandeep’s caretaker and companion. His natural comic timing adds freshness and balance to the narrative, ensuring that the emotional beats never feel too heavy. The camaraderie between Mohanlal and Sangeeth provides some of the most delightful moments in the film.

Malavika Mohanan delivers a memorable performance as Haritha, the donor’s daughter. Her role demands subtlety, switching between grief and resilience, and she pulls it off with quiet dignity. Her effortless use of different languages and natural screen presence adds authenticity to the character.

Supporting roles by Sangita, Siddique, Lalu Alex, and others enrich the film, though a few of the cameos feel more ornamental than essential. Still, their presence contributes to the warmth of the film’s family atmosphere.

A Film with Lightness, but Not Without Flaws

Hridayapoorvam is strongest in its first half, where humour, emotion, and charm flow together seamlessly. The film moves breezily, inviting the audience to settle into its world. Many viewers have especially appreciated the playful banter between Sandeep and Jerry, calling it the heart of the movie.

However, the second half doesn’t quite hold the same momentum. The pacing slows down noticeably, and certain character arcs feel underdeveloped. Some of the comedic bits stretch longer than needed, slightly diluting the impact of the emotional story. That said, the sincerity in its intent ensures that the film never loses its connection with the audience.

Sathyan Anthikad’s Signature Storytelling

Director Sathyan Anthikad brings his trademark simplicity back to the big screen—an ability to tell deeply human stories without exaggeration. Instead of creating spectacle, he relies on familiar domestic settings, gentle humour, and tender dialogues to make his point. This is a film where silence speaks as loudly as words, and where the little moments matter more than the big twists.

Cinematography by Anu Moothedath enhances this tone, using natural light and soft visuals to create an atmosphere of intimacy. Every frame feels lived-in, inviting the audience into the warmth of the household. The music by Justin Prabhakaran complements this world beautifully, with breezy, hummable tunes that leave an impression even after the film ends.

A Festival Release That Feels Like Home

As an Onam release, Hridayapoorvam fits the mood perfectly—it is festive without being flashy, emotional without being heavy, and entertaining without being overwhelming. It is a film that you can watch with your entire family, smiling together, laughing together, and maybe even shedding a quiet tear together.

While it may not be flawless, its imperfections don’t overshadow its heart. What the film offers is sincerity—something increasingly rare in a world of spectacle-driven cinema.

Final Verdict

Hridayapoorvam is not a grand cinematic experiment, nor does it pretend to be one. Instead, it is a heartfelt family entertainer that delivers exactly what its title promises—something straight from the heart. With Mohanlal’s grounded performance, Sangeeth Prathap’s humour, and Malavika Mohanan’s understated grace, the film becomes a gentle reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories leave the deepest impact.

For audiences looking for a comforting, feel-good experience this festive season, Hridayapoorvam is a warm embrace in cinematic form.