Malayalam cinema’s 2025 blockbuster Thudarum, a gripping thriller starring Mohanlal that grossed over ₹235 crore worldwide, is now poised for a Hindi remake, with director Tharun Moorthy confirming active discussions with Bollywood heavyweights Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan. In a recent interview on December 3, 2025, the filmmaker revealed that his film, which became the fourth-highest-grossing Malayalam movie ever, has sparked interest from multiple industries.
“Teams from Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn have approached us. They wanted to understand how we made such a film on a small budget,” Moorthy shared, hinting at potential collaborations that could bring the story of a devoted taxi driver and his cherished Ambassador car to Hindi audiences.
From April Premiere to Remake Buzz
Released on April 25, 2025, Thudarum struck gold with its taut narrative of obsession, loss, and redemption, earning rave reviews and box-office dominance in Kerala—becoming the first film to cross ₹100 crore in the state. Directed by Moorthy in what has emerged as his breakout mainstream hit, the film features Mohanlal as Benz, a man whose life revolves around his vintage car, alongside an ensemble cast including Shobana, Prakash Varma, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, Aarsha Chandini Baiju, Thomas Mathew, Krishna Praba and Aravind.
The film’s thunderous success prompted immediate remake inquiries from Telugu and Hindi producers. “The Hindi version discussions are progressing, but nothing is finalised yet,” Moorthy cautioned, even as the buzz continues to build.
Moorthy’s Preferred Choice: Ajay Devgn as Lead
When pressed on casting, Moorthy openly tipped Ajay Devgn as his ideal choice to step into Mohanlal’s shoes. “Ajay has that stuntman heritage from his father Veeru Devgan, and he’s brilliant at expressing emotions—it would take plenty of effort, but he’d be perfect,” the director enthused.
According to Moorthy, Aamir Khan’s team has also shown keen interest in the story’s scale and emotional depth. However, the director’s packed schedule—including Torpedo with Fahadh Faasil and another reunion project with Mohanlal—could delay his own involvement in the Hindi version. “I was asked to direct the Hindi remake, but my commitments are back-to-back,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Telugu producers are also believed to be in advanced talks, underscoring Thudarum’s pan-India appeal and its potential to travel across languages.
Fan Frenzy: A Cross-Industry Crossover Awaits
On social media, the casting chatter has already turned feverish. One viral comment summed up fan sentiment: “Ajay as Benz in the Thudarum remake? Mohanlal magic meets Devgn dynamite—yes, please!” The film’s blend of thriller elements and heartfelt drama has fans confidently predicting a ₹300 crore+ run for a well-mounted Hindi adaptation.
In a cinematic landscape that spans over 780 languages, Moorthy’s success with Thudarum signals Malayalam cinema’s growing export power—where local stories, rooted in specific geographies, are increasingly being seen as high-value IP for national and even global remakes.
A Remake’s Radiant Rise
Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum tease isn’t mere rumour—it’s a quiet renaissance in motion. As Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan circle the Hindi remake, the question rings loud: Can regional roars resonate nationwide?
Moorthy’s soaring thriller suggests the answer is yes, scripting a saga where stories outgrow a single language and geography, and where a taxi driver, his beloved Ambassador and a Malayalam blockbuster could soon be reborn on Bollywood’s biggest stage.
– By Manoj H