Hridayapoorvam (transl. Wholeheartedly), directed by Sathyan Anthikad, is a refreshing reminder of why Malayalam cinema has always thrived on stories rooted in emotion and humanity. With a screenplay by Sonu T. P. and a heartwarming story by Akhil Sathyan, the film carries the unmistakable stamp of the Anthikad school of filmmaking—lighthearted, sensitive, and filled with characters we instantly connect with.
Produced by Antony Perumbavoor for Aashirvad Cinemas, this romantic comedy-drama boasts a stellar cast led by Mohanlal, Malavika Mohanan, Sangita Madhavan Nair, and Sangeeth Prathap, with powerful support from Siddique, Lalu Alex, Janardhanan, Baburaj, and others.
Performances: A Cast That Breathes Life into the Story
Mohanlal, in the role of Sandeep Balakrishnan—a cloud kitchen entrepreneur and heart transplant recipient—delivers yet another nuanced performance. His journey from an emotionally detached man to someone who embraces relationships with warmth is portrayed with effortless charm.
Malavika Mohanan as Haritha brings sensitivity and grace, making her character’s arc from heartbreak to renewal believable and moving. Sangita Madhavan Nair, as Devika, offers a dignified and grounded performance that embodies the quiet resilience of a mother holding her family together.
The film’s surprise package, however, is Sangeeth Prathap as Jerry. With his impeccable comic timing and youthful energy, Jerry becomes the emotional buffer between the film’s heavier themes and its lighter moments. Supporting actors including Siddique, Baburaj, and Lalu Alex ensure that no moment feels out of place.
Story & Screenplay: Emotions Woven with Simplicity
The film rests on a poignant premise—a heart transplant that binds two families together. Rather than slipping into melodrama, Hridayapoorvam unfolds with tenderness, focusing on the subtleties of human emotion.
The screenplay balances grief, humor, and love with remarkable ease. From Sandeep’s initial insistence that “a heart is only an organ” to his gradual realization that it carries bonds and memories, the transformation is handled delicately. The writing avoids clichés, choosing instead to highlight everyday gestures, conversations, and silences that make the film relatable.
Direction & Technical Brilliance
Sathyan Anthikad, true to his legacy, proves once again that simplicity can be profoundly impactful. By staying away from exaggerated conflict, he creates a space where emotions breathe naturally. The influence of Akhil Sathyan’s story and Anoop Sathyan’s modern sensibilities is also evident, making the film appealing to both family audiences and younger viewers.
Cinematographer Anu Moothedath captures Pune and Kerala with breezy, feel-good frames that mirror the warmth of the narrative. Justin Prabhakaran’s music is soothing, with songs that blend seamlessly into the story, enhancing rather than interrupting the flow. The background score, gentle yet evocative, amplifies the film’s emotional resonance.
What Works & What Doesn’t
Hridayapoorvam works best because of Mohanlal’s magnetic screen presence, supported by heartfelt performances from Malavika Mohanan, Sangita Madhavan Nair, and Sangeeth Prathap. The sensitive handling of grief and healing, along with lighthearted humor that flows naturally into the drama, keeps the film engaging, while the cinematography and music add strong technical support. However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings—the pacing feels slow in parts, a few sequences and songs dilute the flow, and the resolution is fairly predictable with minimal surprises.
Conclusion: A Film Straight from the Heart
Hridayapoorvam may not be groundbreaking in its storytelling, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do—deliver a warm, feel-good family drama that touches the heart. Mohanlal’s presence, combined with an ensemble cast, ensures that the film never loses its charm, even when the pace slackens.
At a time when many films glorify violence or rely on excessive spectacle, Hridayapoorvam reminds us of the simple joy of cinema that celebrates life, love, and second chances. For audiences seeking comfort and sincerity, this film is truly “wholehearted.”
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
