Hridayapoorvam Movie Review | Vishal Menon | THR India

Vishal Menon, reviewing for The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel, offers a warm and nuanced take on Sathyan Anthikad's latest directorial venture, Hridayapoorvam. Vishal describes the film as a "delightfully old school comedy about life's second chances" that perfectly embodies what he calls a typical Sathyan movie - unambitious in scope but charming in execution. His review highlights how the film cleverly blends two classic Anthikad templates: the outsider-as-savior narrative and the transformation of a privileged man through a strong woman's influence. Vishal particularly praises the unique premise where Mohanlal's character Sandeep, a heart transplant recipient, forms a deep connection with his donor's family, creating what the reviewer ingeniously describes as "a ghost movie but in the sweetest way possible."

While acknowledging the film's typical Malayalam cinema pitfalls - including a meandering second half, awkward song sequences, and forced subplots - Vishal remains largely positive about the viewing experience. He commends the "crackling chemistry" between Mohanlal, Malavika Mohanan, and Sangeetha Prathap, noting that Mohanlal lifts the complexities of his character "as though it's made of feathers." Though Vishal admits Hridayapoorvam may not rank among the best Sathyan-Mohanlal collaborations given their formidable legacy, he concludes that the film "feels like home" in the most familiar and comforting way possible, making it a worthy addition to their long-standing partnership.