The trend of South Indian hits translating to Bollywood success continues, with blockbuster director Tharun Moorthy confirming that discussions are actively underway for a Hindi remake of his critically acclaimed Malayalam film, Thudarum. The biggest revelation? Moorthy himself chose Bollywood star Ajay Devgn as the ideal candidate to step into the lead role, originally portrayed by the legendary Mohanlal.
Speaking candidly during a media interaction at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, Moorthy confirmed the immense interest from both Hindi and Telugu film industries for remaking Thudarum. While the director expressed his inability to helm the Hindi version immediately due to his tightly packed schedule, he dropped a major hint about the potential lead, citing a compelling emotional and professional connection.
Tharun Moorthy’s film, Thudarum (which translates to ‘To be continued’), was a massive critical and commercial success, earning over ₹235 crore globally for its grounded storytelling, high emotional quotient, and stellar performances. The plot centers on Shanmugham (Mohanlal), a former cinema stuntman who has settled into a quiet family life as a taxi driver, only for tragedy and systemic corruption to compel him back into action.
When asked by the media who he would like to see reprise Mohanlal’s challenging role in Hindi, Moorthy did not hesitate in naming Ajay Devgn. His reasoning was rooted in Devgn’s own history:
“He will be able to relate emotionally to the character,” Moorthy stated, citing Devgn’s extensive action background and the deep legacy of his late father, Veeru Devgan, who was one of Bollywood’s most celebrated action directors and stunt choreographers.
This personal connection, as noted by Moorthy, adds a crucial layer of authenticity, suggesting that Devgn can effortlessly capture the duality of the character: a humble family man haunted by a dangerous, physical past.
The Malayalam director further fuelled speculation by confirming that preliminary discussions are ongoing with the Bollywood camp. While Moorthy clarified that nothing has been finalized or signed yet for the Hindi remake, his confirmation of active talks suggests Devgn’s team has indeed expressed considerable interest in securing the rights.
Ajay Devgn has a proven track record with remaking Mohanlal’s films, having delivered the critically acclaimed and highly successful Hindi adaptations of the Drishyam franchise. This history gives producers confidence that Devgn possesses the gravitas and box office pull required to successfully translate Thudarum‘s unique narrative—a revenge drama built on grief and familial devotion—for the pan-India market.
However, the director is currently focused on his upcoming project, Torpedo, starring Fahadh Faasil, which prevents him from immediately taking on the Hindi directorial duties. The Hindi producers will now seek a fitting director who can do justice to Moorthy’s nuanced screenplay.
The tremendous success of Thudarum in 2025 solidified its status as a highly sought-after remake property. The film resonated across demographics for its raw, realistic portrayal of institutional corruption and a father’s relentless quest for justice.
The narrative’s core strength lies in the protagonist’s transformation—from a peace-loving, grounded taxi driver (a former stuntman) to a determined avenger fuelled by profound personal loss. This potent blend of domestic drama, social critique, and intense action sequences makes it a prime candidate for a mainstream Bollywood adaptation.
If the deal progresses, the Ajay Devgn-starrer Thudarum remake could become one of the most significant announcements of early 2026, marking another ambitious collaboration that bridges the gap between South Indian originality and Bollywood’s star power.
