This Onam will see the reunion of Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad after a long gap through Hridayapoorvam. The film also features a large ensemble cast, with Malavika Mohanan playing the female lead. However, when the first poster was released, the decision to cast her opposite Mohanlal drew criticism, particularly regarding the age difference between the two actors. Addressing the backlash in a promotional interview with Ginger Media Entertainments, Malavika urged audiences to withhold judgement until the film is released.
“I had replied to one such comment. It’s childish to make remarks without knowing the story or script of a film. Let the film release first. If, after watching it, you feel it’s an unusual subject, then comment on it. That’s fair. Everyone has the right to their opinions, but making comments without knowing anything is not right,” she said. She further explained that the film is not built on conventional romantic tropes. “Two complete strangers meet unexpectedly at a certain stage in their lives, and the story flows from there. It isn’t a typical love story,” Malavika said.
Premalu-fame actor-editor Sangeeth Prathap, who was also present during the interview, echoed her views and stressed that a film should be judged as a whole. “The content of a film is not in its opening but in where it ends. Whether it is the director or the writer, it’s all about how they choose to end it. You can’t judge from a poster, a synopsis or even the first few scenes. The progression finds its meaning only in the final scene or shot,” Sangeeth noted. He added that Sathyan Anthikad has taken a bold step with Hridayapoorvam. “It deals with something everyone can understand and relate to. By the time the film ends, the answers will be clear,” he said.
Hridayapoorvam is set to release in cinemas on August 28, clashing with Kalyani Priyadarshan-Naslen's Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra. Fahadh Faasil's Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira, also starring Kalyani, and Hridhu Haroon-Preity Mukhundhan's Main Pyar Kiya are also part of the Onam race this year.