Hridayapoorvam is a Malayalam romantic comedy-drama helmed by director Sathyan Anthikad, featuring prominent actors Mohanlal, Malavika Mohanan, and Sangita Madhavan Nair.
Story
The narrative centers on Sandeep (Mohanlal), a man in his middle age who has just received a heart transplant. He is approached by Haritha (Malavika Mohanan), the daughter of Colonel Ravindranath—the donor of his new heart—who invites him to her engagement in Pune. When Sandeep arrives, the situation takes an unexpected twist as the engagement is unexpectedly canceled. In the ensuing upheaval, Sandeep sustains injuries during a confrontation and is advised to refrain from traveling for a couple of weeks. This leads to him staying with Haritha and her mother, Devika (Sangita Madhavan Nair). Gradually, he forms a connection with both women, setting the stage for an atypical emotional dynamic.
An astrologer’s prior prediction about Sandeep meeting two significant women simultaneously begins to manifest in intriguing ways. The film teases the emergence of a tender connection between Sandeep, Haritha, and Devika, yet it refrains from diving into genuine romance or deep emotional exploration. This unexpressed tension becomes central to the plot, leaving viewers pondering Sandeep’s true affections and loyalties.
Performances
In terms of performances, Mohanlal continues to demonstrate his reliability as an actor, infusing Sandeep with sophistication, warmth, and understated humor. The film opens strong with a fantastic introduction; however, an unnecessary fight scene near the end seems out of place given the film’s otherwise grounded narrative.
Malavika Mohanan portrays Haritha with charm and authenticity, despite her character lacking depth in the script. Sangita Madhavan Nair delivers a well-balanced performance as Devika, embodying both strength and fragility.
Among the supporting cast, Sangeeth Prathap offers comic insight, though his storyline is not consistently engaging. Siddique makes a chaotic yet entertaining cameo, while Nishan and other actors provide decent support.
Behind the scenes
From a technical perspective, Hridayapoorvam is adequately polished but doesn’t stand out significantly. The cinematography effectively captures the film’s moods, though it lacks memorability. The editing excels in the first half but falters in the second, causing the film’s pacing to lag.
The screenplay features some bright moments worth revisiting—including Mohanlal’s playful banter with a Fahadh Faasil fan, humorously defending seasoned actors, and his subtle reactions to Haritha’s concerns. While a few dialogues resonate well, the script fails to maintain this quality consistently.
Final Verdict
Written by Akhil Sathyan, Hridayapoorvam launches with the promise of a mature romantic comedy. By the halfway mark, it seems poised to balance humor, emotion, and warmth effectively. Unfortunately, the latter half stumbles, losing momentum and failing to deliver impactful dramatic elements, resulting in a lackluster climax. Viewers may find themselves yearning for deeper substance, as the film offers only fragmented moments.
As for Sathyan Anthikad’s direction, he possesses all the right components—a veteran lead like Mohanlal, two capable actresses, and a premise rich with emotional potential. Regrettably, the execution falls short. The storytelling appears tentative, avoiding risks and ultimately providing a safe yet forgettable experience. What could have been a profoundly moving tale of friendship, desire, and human connection ends up feeling mediocre.
In conclusion, while Hridayapoorvam is not a poor film, it fails to be the memorable romantic comedy it aspired to be. It contains moments of tenderness, lighthearted humor, and emotional peaks but does not reach the heights of classics like Thoovanathumbikal. In the current cinematic environment, where filmmakers often prefer safer narratives over deeper, bolder themes, Hridayapoorvam stands as another case of lost potential. With stronger writing and a more daring directorial approach, it could have evolved into a poignant and unforgettable story. Instead, it remains a half-hearted attempt, falling short of the audience expectations.
