Hridayapoorvam Review: A Heartfelt Malayalam Film

Sandeep Balakrishnan (Mohanlal) is a middle-aged bachelor who has just received a heart transplant - a gift that, quite literally, changes his life. His heart donor was a retired Colonel, an adventurer with a zest for life that Sandeep never possessed. Driven by a sense of gratitude and curiosity, Sandeep travels to Pune to attend the engagement of the donor’s daughter, Haritha (Malavika Mohanan). But on the very day of the ceremony, the engagement collapses, and as if fate isn’t done throwing punches, Sandeep injures his back. Forced to stay in Pune for a few weeks, he ends up living in the very house where the Colonel once lived - surrounded by the donor’s family, memories, and the lingering spirit of a man who lived fully. What follows is a gentle comedy of adjustment, with Sandeep navigating the estranged relationships within the family, particularly between Haritha and her mother Devika (Sangita), while discovering that his new heart might be pointing him toward an unexpected love.

From the opening frames, Hridayapoorvam announces itself as an Anthikad film through and through. There are the familiar long shots of suburban backyards, characters who talk in unhurried paragraphs, and a soundtrack that feels like a warm blanket. Mohanlal, as Sandeep, delivers a performance that is deceptively simple. He doesn’t chew the scenery; he lets his expressive eyes do the heavy lifting, especially in scenes where he’s silently reacting to the chaos around him. It’s a reminder that the actor’s greatest strength has always been his ability to make the ordinary feel profound.

Malavika Mohanan brings a quiet dignity to Haritha, a woman bruised by a broken engagement but not broken. Her chemistry with Mohanlal is less about fireworks and more about the slow, awkward dance of two people learning to trust again. Sangita, as Devika, is terrific - her portrayal of a mother torn between pride and grief adds real emotional weight. Siddique, as the ever-enthusiastic family friend Omanakuttan (nicknamed O. K. Panicker, in typical Anthikad fashion), provides comic relief that lands more often than it misses. Lalu Alex, Janardhanan, Baburaj - the ensemble is a who’s-who of Malayalam cinema’s reliable character actors, and they each get a moment to shine.

Where the film falters is in its pacing. At 151 minutes, it’s about fifteen minutes too long. The middle section, set almost entirely inside the Colonel’s house, meanders through a series of family squabbles and meal scenes that, while charming, begin to feel repetitive. The romantic subplot also takes a backseat for too long, leaving the audience waiting for a payoff that feels rushed in the finale. Anthikad’s trademark gentle touch occasionally borders on the languid, and some lines of dialogue - translated from Malayalam - like “A heart doesn’t just pump blood, it pumps memories” - feel a little on the nose.

Still, the film’s heart - pun intended - is in the right place. It asks a question worth pondering: can a transplanted organ carry the essence of its donor? And it answers it with warmth, humour, and a few genuinely touching moments. The climax, where Sandeep finally embraces his own second chance, is beautifully staged, with Mohanlal delivering a monologue that will likely linger long after the credits roll.

Pros

• Mohanlal’s restrained, masterful performance anchors the entire film.
• Strong supporting cast with memorable turns from Sangita and Siddique.
• Director Sathyan Anthikad’s signature warmth and gentle humour remain intact.
• The premise - a heart transplant leading to emotional and romantic renewal - is fresh and effectively explored.
• Excellent cinematography that captures Pune’s quieter corners with affection.

Cons

• The 151-minute runtime feels stretched in the second act.
• The romantic development between Sandeep and Haritha is too slow and then too rushed.
• A few dialogues drift into melodramatic territory, weakening otherwise subtle scenes.
• The comedy, while mostly effective, occasionally relies on repetitive situational gags.

Hridayapoorvam is not Sathyan Anthikad’s magnum opus - that honour still belongs to films like Nadodikkattu and Manassinakkare - but it is a warm, sincere addition to his filmography. It celebrates the idea that life, like a heart, can start beating anew even after the hardest stops. Mohanlal’s performance alone makes it worth watching, and the family dynamic provides enough emotional sustenance to carry through the slower patches. If you’re in the mood for a film that doesn’t shout but rather whispers its truths, this one will find a place in your own heart. Recommended for a quiet evening, preferably with a cup of tea and a box of tissues nearby.