The Curated Corner

Since the time I can remember, Malayalam movies have held a certain kind of magic for me. They’ve always portrayed characters that feel real — people you see around you and situations you could very well end up in yourself. The dialogues from these films have seeped into our daily lives, proof of how deeply they’ve connected with us.

Yes, when we rewatch many of the 70s movies, the misogyny becomes hard to ignore, but by the 80s and 90s, things began to change—though not entirely. Still, these movies showcased organic relationships, both good and bad, and audiences never took offense; they saw it as the director’s vision and the actor’s craft.

Films like Vellanakalude Naadu, Sandesham, Bharatham, Varavelpu, Thalayana Manthram, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu, T. P. Balagopalan M.A., and the outrageously hilarious Nadodikkattu trilogy stand testament to this golden era.

It’s no surprise then that I’ve been a lifelong admirer of Sathyan Anthikkad sir—a pioneer who has given us films with heart, humour, and slices of true life that hit you right in the gut. His comedy is never forced; it flows naturally, adding insight to his characters rather than existing merely for laughs.

The yesteryear directors ensured that their films didn’t rot our brains. They encouraged us to expect better with every new release and never hesitated to call out what was problematic. They also listened to criticism and grew with their audience. That mutual evolution has kept Malayalam cinema relevant even amid the big-budget spectacles of other industries—productions our small yet mighty industry might not afford even twenty years from now.

With all that reverence in mind, I went to the theatres (with my mom) to watch the latest gem from Anthikkad’s repertoire. His last outing, Njan Prakashan (2018), was already brilliant, and I was eager to see if Hridyapoorvam carried forward that legacy. It absolutely did.

A Story That Flows Like a River

The movie flowed like a river—calm on the surface, with emotions churning underneath. Every scene and every character served a purpose. The relationships felt real. The kitchen staff, in particular, were delightful; their chemistry with Sandeep (played by Mohanlal, our Lalettan) was believable and heartwarming. Even Sandeep’s discomfort with his family was depicted hilariously, without him even being on screen.

Standout Performances

Sangita as Devika (Haritha’s Mother)

Sangita delivered a strong performance in limited screen time. As a concerned mother who doesn’t entirely understand her daughter—and perhaps resents her a little for “taking away” her husband’s affection—she struck a delicate balance between warmth and bitterness.

Malavika Mohanan as Haritha

Malavika was impressive, especially in her emotional moments. Each time she spoke of her father, her pain was palpable. Losing a parent is devastating enough, but losing one suddenly without closure leaves a wound that never quite heals—and she made us feel that ache.

Siddique as O.K. Panicker

No one plays the manipulative relative quite like Siddique. His portrayal of the greedy brother-in-law—oozing false affection and frustration when his schemes backfire—was a masterclass. The Pune POA scene had me silently yelling, “Don’t fall for it, Sandeep!” And when the tables turned, it was deeply satisfying. Siddique’s ability to blend menace and humour makes him one of the finest actors in our industry.

Sangeeth Prathap as Jerry (The Nurse)

Let me confess—I haven’t watched Premalu yet! But I noticed Sangeeth first in Thudarum, and even in a few short scenes, he was unforgettable. Here, as Jerry, he’s phenomenal. His interactions with Sandeep feel heartfelt and genuine.

He’s not just a nurse; he’s a quiet companion who truly cares. Even when speaking to his unseen mother over the phone, his timing, pauses, and tone are so natural that you forget there’s no one on the other end. His character dreams of a better life but also fears losing the comfort of home—a sentiment many young Malayalis will relate to. His maturity, restraint, and respect for boundaries are refreshing. Honestly, everyone needs a “Jerry” in their life.

And Then There’s Mohanlal as Sandeep Balakrishnan

What can one say about Mohanlal that hasn’t already been said? He disappears into Sandeep so completely that the superstar vanishes from view. His easy camaraderie with the kitchen staff, his awkwardness with Haritha and her mother, his subtle physicality—especially the way he walks with back pain—all of it is so meticulously real.

Sandeep’s relationship with Haritha is handled beautifully. There was so much potential for it to slip into sleaze or sentimentality, but Anthikkad and Lalettan never let that happen. His affection is misdirected but human. When he realizes the truth through the Colonel’s audio messages, the emotional impact hits hard. That single line — “No one in the world is as lucky as you to be loved so much by a parent”—broke me completely.

That’s when Sandeep understands it wasn’t love he felt—it was the warmth and care he’d been missing for years. The realization is profound, and Lalettan conveys it with such understated brilliance that words fall short.

The film ends on a hopeful note—emotional yet uplifting—with a gentle touch of humour and the promise of new beginnings.

Final Thoughts

Throughout Hridyapoorvam, I found myself smiling—sometimes laughing, sometimes tearing up. My mom loved it too (she’s taken notes on all of Malavika’s outfits, which she insists I start wearing!).

For both of us, it was a reminder of why we fell in love with Malayalam cinema in the first place.

Sathyan Anthikkad once again proves that you don’t need spectacle to create magic—all you need is heart. And Hridyapoorvam has it in abundance.

Verdict: ❤️ Hridyapoorvam Is Pure Sathyan Anthikkad Magic

• Direction: 5/5
• Performances: 5/5
• Emotional Depth: 5/5
• Rewatch Value: 5/5

A film that reminds you of home, heart, and humanity.