Hridayapoorvam Movie Review: Mohanlal, Malavika, Sangeeth Shine in Emotionally Rich But Disjointed Drama

Hridayapoorvam is among the most confusing movies in recent years—not because of a convoluted narrative or a psychological mystery, but owing to its strangely disjointed narrative. Nearly every scene is a standalone short film, isolated from the one preceding it or following it. This separation makes it a disorienting experience, and therefore it is hard for the audience to adjust to the mood of the film. Most disappointing is to see experienced director Sathyan Anthikad, who had hitherto been able to insert humour easily into the texture of day-to-day life, inserting gag sequences into a plot that needs subtlety and candour in a bumbling fashion. The narrative is simple but brimful of emotions.

The story is uncomplicated but emotionally dense. Sandeep Balakrishnan (played superbly by Mohanlal) is an older bachelor operating a cloud kitchen in Kochi. Following a heart transplant, he starts his gradual recovery with the assistance of his caregiver, Jerry (a noteworthy performance by Sangeeth Prathap). One day, Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the architect daughter of the heart donor from Pune, pays him a visit. She requests Sandeep's presence at her engagement, expecting his presence to be a tribute to her late father. Sandeep is reluctant at first but ultimately agrees and goes with Jerry. But the romance disintegrates suddenly, causing Sandeep and Haritha tensions and landing Sandeep with a back sprain that makes him have to prolong his visit. In the process, he develops an unplanned emotional bond with Haritha and Devika (Sangita Madhavan Nair), her mother.

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The movie excels at some points. Performances, particularly those of Mohanlal, Sangeeth, and Sangita, are extremely poignant. The emotional heart of the tale—how loss, memory, and surprise friendship define healing—is new and aching.

But all these strengths are undermined by the film's glaring faults. The screenplay by Sonu TP is confused and lethargic. Random subplots and comedic asides—like an idiotic sequence involving aspiring filmmakers and a baker—slug the film out of order and serve no thematic value. Not just do they undermine the emotional gravity, but also make the film overlong and rudderless.

Overall, Hridayapoorvam could have been a moving drama, but is marred by uneven storytelling and strained humour. For all its fine cast and idea, it leaves people more perplexed than affected.