Hridayapoorvam review: A calm and heartfelt journey of the heart and its matters
Hridayapoorvam review by Kausalya Rachavelpula
A story written by the heart: At the centre of Hridayapoorvam lies a tale both tender and deeply human. A retired army man passes away, and his heart finds a new home in Sandeep Balakrishnan, a man in his forties who has battled heart complications all his life. His fragile health has shaped the course of his existence, he has avoided marriage, distanced himself from deeper attachments, and chosen a life of restraint, fearing that sharing his condition would only bring suffering to others.
Life takes an unexpected turn when Sandeep meets the family of his heart donor. Circumstances compel him to stay with them for a while, bringing him face-to-face with the donor’s grieving mother and daughter. What begins as an awkward and uneasy situation slowly transforms into a journey of connection, healing, and rediscovery.
The layers of Sandeep Balakrishnan
Sandeep is not a simple character. On the surface, he is often irritable, sometimes even harsh, but beneath that exterior lies a man with a kind and generous heart. His treatment of those who work with him shows his quiet compassion. Yet, his philosophy — that “the heart is only an organ” — becomes both his shield and his weakness. It gives him the courage to endure physical frailty, but it also locks him away from the possibility of love, intimacy, and vulnerability.
The film gently unravels these layers. As Sandeep spends time with his donor’s family, life presents him with moments that force him to question his rigid belief. He begins to understand that the heart is not just a mechanical organ beating inside the chest — it is also a symbol of emotions, memories, and bonds that transcend the physical.
Mohanlal’s brave choice
In a world where cinema often celebrates invincible heroes, it is refreshing to see Mohanlal embrace the vulnerability of a physically weak protagonist. It has been a long time since Indian cinema gave us a hero who is not larger than life but fragile, flawed, and achingly real. Mohanlal delivers this role with remarkable subtlety, proving once again that true superstardom lies not in grandeur but in the courage to portray humanity with honesty. His presence gives Hridayapoorvam a quiet dignity, redefining what audiences can expect from a superstar, regardless of age or stature.
A calm and soothing mood
The film lives up to its name not only in its story but also in its mood. The music flows like a gentle stream, weaving seamlessly with each scene and amplifying the emotions without overwhelming them. The background score is calm, understated, and deeply soothing, leaving viewers with a sense of peace as the narrative unfolds.
The lag factor
That said, Hridayapoorvam is not without its flaws. The pacing is deliberately slow, and at times, the film feels like it lingers a little too long in certain moments. Some viewers may find this lag testing, and it does risk pulling the story into monotony in patches. However, the unhurried rhythm also allows the film to breathe. It creates space for silence, reflection, and the kind of emotional depth that faster narratives often miss. In the end, the calmness outweighs the impatience, and the lingering pace becomes part of the film’s gentle charm.
Hridayapoorvam review: Verdict
Hridayapoorvam is an experience of the heart. It tells us that healing comes not only from medicine but also from love, connection, and acceptance. Despite its occasional lag, the film succeeds in delivering a soulful, heartwarming journey that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
True to its name, Hridayapoorvam is calm, heartfelt, and quietly powerful, a reminder that sometimes the softest stories leave the strongest impressions.
