Atharvaa’s Idhayam Murali arrives in theatres carrying the emotional weight of a title borrowed from his late father Murali’s 1991 classic Idhayam — and it uses that legacy to tell a fresh, generation-spanning story about a man who simply cannot say “I love you.” Directed by debutant Aakash Baskaran under Dawn Pictures, the film blends nostalgia, situational comedy, and a starry cameo roster to deliver a coming-of-age romantic drama that is equal parts charming and uneven, anchored by a sincere lead performance and a delightful supporting cast.
Idhayam Murali tells the story of Idhaya, a young man raised by his uncle Thanga, who inherits a peculiar family trait — the inability to confess his feelings to the people he loves. As Idhaya stumbles through different phases of romance with two very different women in his life, the film leans heavily on humour, nostalgia, and a scene-stealing cameo from Fahadh Faasil to keep the audience invested. Atharvaa delivers a heartfelt performance as the emotionally reserved protagonist, while Kayadu Lohar and Preity Mukhundhan bring warmth and depth to their respective roles.
Cast & Crew
| Department | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Aakash Baskaran |
| Co-Director | Senthil Kumar Kesavan |
| Producer | Aakash Baskaran (Dawn Pictures) |
| Story & Screenplay | Aakash Baskaran, Ramana Girivasan |
| Lead Cast | Atharvaa, Kayadu Lohar, Preity Mukhundhan |
| Supporting Cast | Natarajan Subramaniam (Natty), Thaman S, Niharika NM, Rakshan, Dravid Selvam, Sudhakar, Pragya Nagra, Angeline, Yashashree |
| Special Appearance | Fahadh Faasil |
| Music Composer | Thaman S |
| Cinematography | Manoj Paramahamsa, CH Sai |
| Editor | Pradeep E. Ragav |
| Runtime | 166 minutes |
| Release Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Genre | Romantic Drama, Coming-of-Age |
| Language | Tamil |
Plot Summary
Idhaya (Atharvaa) grows up under the care of his uncle Thanga (Natarajan Subramaniam), inheriting a family trait of emotional silence that leaves him unable to express his true feelings — especially in matters of love. The film traces Idhaya’s journey from childhood confusion about affection to his adult struggles with romance, weaving in flashbacks narrated through a memorable cameo from Fahadh Faasil, who plays a version of the audience’s own inner voice. As Idhaya crosses paths with two women — the career-driven Samyuktha (Preity Mukhundhan) and a warm, memorable presence played by Kayadu Lohar — his inability to voice his emotions repeatedly complicates his relationships. Supported by a lively gang of friends, Idhaya’s story becomes a gentle, humour-laced meditation on what it truly means to fall in love and how words often fail us when they matter most.
Performances
Atharvaa as Idhaya
Atharvaa carries the film on his shoulders with a performance full of sincerity and vulnerability. He captures the awkwardness and inner turmoil of a man who cannot articulate his emotions, making Idhaya’s journey believable and relatable despite the character’s frustrating passivity. It’s a committed, emotionally transparent performance that anchors the film.
Kayadu Lohar
Even in a brief appearance, Kayadu Lohar leaves a lasting impression. Her post-interval emotional sequence stands out as one of the film’s quieter, more affecting moments, showcasing her ability to convey depth with minimal screen time.
Preity Mukhundhan
Preity Mukhundhan brings freshness and quiet confidence to her role as a career-oriented woman navigating a complicated romance. She handles her character’s emotional beats with maturity, adding a grounded energy to her scenes with Atharvaa.
Natarajan Subramaniam (Natty) as Thanga
Natarajan Subramaniam brings warmth and gravity to the role of Idhaya’s uncle, portraying a guardian figure who is loving yet emotionally guarded himself. His presence adds a layer of generational continuity to the film’s central theme.
Fahadh Faasil (Cameo)
Fahadh Faasil is an absolute delight in his cameo, injecting sharp wit and meta-humour into the narrative. His running gags and audience-mirroring commentary make him one of the most memorable elements of the film, elevating every scene he’s part of.
Thaman S
Marking his acting comeback after over two decades, Thaman S impresses as part of Idhaya’s friend circle, bringing effortless charm and comic timing that blends seamlessly with the ensemble.
Sudhakar
Sudhakar is a scene-stealer, delivering some of the film’s biggest laughs through his expressions and impeccable comic timing. His contribution to the film’s lighter moments is invaluable.
Niharika NM, Rakshan, Dravid Selvam, Pragya Nagra, Angeline, and Yashashree
The extended friend group brings vibrant energy to the film, with each actor contributing distinct comic and emotional beats that make Idhaya’s world feel full and lived-in. Their camaraderie forms the beating heart of the film’s lighter, breezier stretches.
Technical Craft
Direction
Aakash Baskaran, in his directorial debut, shows a confident grip on tone, successfully balancing nostalgia, comedy, and romance. His writing shines in the film’s comic setpieces and cameo-driven sequences, even as the emotional core of the story could have used tighter plotting.
Cinematography
Manoj Paramahamsa and CH Sai deliver visually rich, atmospheric frames that beautifully capture the essence of Trichy, Madurai, and New York, giving the film a polished, cinematic look throughout.
Music
Thaman S’s soundtrack adds pleasant texture to the film’s romantic and nostalgic moments, complementing the visuals without overshadowing the narrative.
Editing
Pradeep E. Ragav’s editing keeps the comic segments crisp and well-timed, contributing to the film’s breezy, entertaining pace in its stronger portions.
Strengths
- Atharvaa’s earnest, emotionally grounded performance
- Fahadh Faasil’s scene-stealing cameo and sharp comic writing
- Strong situational comedy, especially from Sudhakar and the friend group
- Gorgeous cinematography across three distinct locations
- A warm, nostalgic connection to Tamil cinema history through its title and theme
- Thaman S’s charming return to acting after 22 years
Weaknesses
- The film’s single-note premise stretches thin across its 166-minute runtime
- Some character arcs, especially the female leads, could have been given more depth
- The protagonist’s lack of visible transformation may leave some viewers wanting more resolution
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Idhayam Murali is a warm, nostalgic, and largely entertaining romantic drama that works best when it leans into its comic energy and stellar supporting cast. Atharvaa delivers a heartfelt performance, and the film’s technical polish — from its cinematography to its cameo-driven storytelling — makes it a satisfying watch for fans of clean, feel-good romance dramas.
What is the age rating of Idhayam Murali?
Idhayam Murali has been rated U/A, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance for younger viewers.
Is Idhayam Murali suitable for children?
Yes, the film is largely family-friendly, with its romantic themes handled tastefully, making it appropriate for children accompanied by parents or guardians.
Is Idhayam Murali based on a true story?
No, Idhayam Murali is a fictional romantic drama, though its title pays homage to the 1991 film Idhayam, which starred Atharvaa’s late father, actor Murali.
