“Thudarum” Becomes Kerala’s New Political Mood. How LDF in Kerala is Setting the Tone for 2026 with Moment Marketing Mastery
In Kerala, politics is not just a game of power, it’s a cultural phenomenon. With a politically aware population and an ever-watchful media, even the smallest political move echoes across the state. As Kerala inches closer to the next Assembly elections, the political atmosphere is heating up, and campaigns have already started taking shape. Recently, the LDF took a clever, brilliant leap into the world of moment marketing, a strategy long owned by brands, now finding resonance in political campaigns.
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What made the move iconic? One word: “LDF Thudarum”.
Moment marketing involves using current events or trending topics to make messaging more relevant, relatable, and engaging.
The LDF’s use of the tagline “LDF Thudarum”, borrowed from the title of a successful Mohanlal movie, perfectly captured this strategy.
By aligning their narrative with the sentiment of the film, a story of resilience, struggle, and hope, the LDF was able to emotionally connect with both the masses and youth of Kerala. Mohanlal is not just a superstar; he is a cultural icon whose on-screen emotions resonate deeply with Malayalis across generations. And “Thudarum” as a word signifies continuity, endurance, and progress messages that align with LDF’s ideological identity. Also, this movie is considered a powerful comeback for Mohanlal, and his journey will continue. So just like that, LDF says they will continue the success and will be the ruling government for the third time in history.
The Execution
The LDF strategically released social media creatives and posters right after the film’s box office success. They paired iconic imagery of party leaders and mass movements with the bold tagline “Thudarum”, implying that their journey of resistance, reform, and relevance is far from over, campaigns against fascism, and everything was stitched together with this one powerful phrase.
And it worked. The campaign quickly went viral, drawing praise even from those outside the party fold. Social media was flooded with memes, reels, and stories using the word “Thudarum”, transforming it from a film tagline into a political statement.
Why It Worked
- Cultural Relevance: Kerala’s political landscape is deeply rooted in cinema and popular culture. By tapping into a recent blockbuster and a beloved actor, LDF merged emotion with ideology.
- Perfect Timing: The campaign was launched at the peak of the movie’s success, when people were emotionally invested and conversations were ongoing.
- Consistency in Narrative: “Thudarum” wasn’t just a word, it became a campaign theme.
- Digital proficiency: LDF’s media team effectively utilized platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, employing striking visuals, dynamic graphics, and local language captions to resonate with Gen Z and Millennials.
Final Thoughts
Moment marketing is no longer just a tool for corporate brands, it’s a weapon for ideologically driven movements. LDF understood this, and with a single word “Thudarum”. They tapped into nostalgia, emotion, and political continuity. Whether one supports them or not, it’s hard to ignore the brilliance of that moment. LDF’s “Thudarum” campaign is a masterclass in how political parties can use moment marketing to stay relevant, inspire, and lead. And in Kerala, where every voter is politically alert and socially active, emotionally intelligent campaigning wins hearts.