Thammudu Review: Nithiin’s “Arjuna” fails to conquer the bad script maze
Thammudu (2025) is a film with high aspirations but little narrative muscle. It aims for mythic glory but is dragged down by weak writing and inconsistent execution. Despite strong performances from its cast, the film struggles to stay afloat in a maze of lacklustre storytelling.
Thammudu – The Premise
Director Sriram Venu attempts to modernize the metaphor of Arjuna escaping the padmavyuham, a classic tale of strategy and heroism, into a contemporary forest-set action drama. Nithiin plays Jai, a man caught in a layered trap (literal and metaphorical) as he fights to protect his sister and outwit a cunning antagonist.
What Works for Nithiin
Nithiin as Jai (Arjuna): The actor puts in a physically intense and emotionally sincere performance. He clearly shoulders the film with earnestness, though the material doesn’t fully support his efforts.
The Women Shine
Varsha Bollamma and Sapthami Gowda are revelations here, not just decorative presences but actual warriors in their own right. Their action scenes and emotional depth evoke heroines of folklore. Swasika’s character driven portrayal is well performed by her.
Laya makes a graceful return in a role that echoes her past strength (especially reminiscent of her Preminchu days), bringing warmth and resolve to her performance.
Technical Aspects: Cinematography captures the forest visuals well, and Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score adds weight, though the songs are forgettable.
What Fails
Writing & Screenplay: The film’s biggest flaw. The dialogues lack authenticity, the screenplay feels rushed and lacklustre, and the tone swings unsteadily between myth and masala.
Myth vs. Mass Confusion: Usually directors feel excited to bring the concept of Arjuna from Mahabharat successfully breach the padmavyuham. But the idea itself is not enough, writing a believable and engaging screenplay is the real challenge. Which Thammudu (2025) fails.
The script lacks the conviction and coherence needed to make the concept land. What could have been an epic becomes a confusing mix of genres, family drama, survival thriller, action movie, without mastering any of them.
Emotional Disconnect: For a story rooted in brother-sister love and sacrifice, the film is oddly emotionless. It talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.
Weak Antagonist: The villain starts off with an interesting premise (a character with a sound-based condition), but it fizzles into a generic menace with no real depth.
After thoughts
A grand concept alone cannot win the war. You need a good script to breach the padmavyuham.
Thammudu (2025) is inversely proportional to its cult predecessor Thammudu (1999). While the latter was scrappy, spirited, and soulful, this reboot feels like an over-produced yet undercooked attempt at mythologizing modern heroism.
There’s sincerity in performance, especially from Nithiin and the female leads. But sincerity without solid writing is like Arjuna without his bow, aimless.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of Nithiin or want to support Dil Raju, yes. But if you’re looking for gripping storytelling or emotional highs, this Thammudu might leave you feeling lost in the uninspiring boring storytelling.
Thammudu Movie Revie
Rating: 1.5/5
