Hridayapoorvam Review: A Warm Family Drama That Charms Despite Familiarity ★★★½ (3.6/5)
From the moment Hridayapoorvam began, we sensed we were in for a gentle, heartfelt experience. Sathyan Anthikad’s direction leans into the everyday rhythms of life, and with Mohanlal at the center, the story feels rooted, familiar, and reassuring. The film follows Sandeep, a heart transplant recipient whose journey takes him to Pune, where he meets Haritha and her mother. What starts as an obligation soon becomes a tale of healing, laughter, and unexpected belonging.
We were drawn into the first half almost instantly. The light comedy, anchored by Mohanlal’s effortless timing, felt natural and unforced. His interactions with Sangeeth Prathap added energy and rhythm, creating stretches of genuine laughter. Malavika Mohanan, as Haritha, complements the narrative with warmth and subtlety, while the ensemble cast provides depth and balance to the unfolding family drama.
Visually, the film carries a quiet elegance. Anu Moothedath’s cinematography captures the calm of Kochi and the vibrancy of Pune without ever overwhelming the narrative. The camera lingers just enough to let us breathe with the characters. Justin Prabhakaran’s music underscores the mood beautifully, with the song Venmathi standing out as a melodic highlight that lingers long after.
Yet, as much as the film succeeds in creating comfort, it doesn’t fully escape the weight of familiarity. Certain stretches feel too predictable, and the pacing in the second half loses some of the momentum established early on. There are moments where we wished the emotional arcs had been explored more deeply instead of leaning on safe storytelling choices. Still, these shortcomings never strip the film of its sincerity.
By the time the credits rolled, we left with the sense of having spent time with a story told from the heart. Hridayapoorvam may not reinvent the genre, but it succeeds in offering warmth, charm, and a reminder of the power of simple storytelling. It is a film that resonates because it speaks softly yet with conviction, much like the director’s best works in the past.
Final Rating: ★★★½ (3.6/5)
