Idhayam Murali

Idhayam Murali
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAakash Baskaran
Screenplay by
  • Aakash Baskaran
  • S. Ramana Girivasan
Dialogue byDravid Selvam
Story byAakash Baskaran
Produced byAakash Baskaran
Starring
CinematographyManoj Paramahamsa
CH Sai
Edited byPradeep E. Ragav
Music byThaman S
Production
company
Dawn Pictures
Distributed bysee below
Release date
  • 10 July 2026 (2026-07-10)
Running time
164 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Idhayam Murali (lit. 'Heart Murali') is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age romantic drama film directed, co-written and produced by debutant Aakash Baskaran under Dawn Pictures. The film stars Atharvaa in titular role alongside Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, Natty Subramaniam, with Fahadh Faasil in an extended cameo appearance. The film marked Thaman's first film appearance in 22 years. The film was titled in honour of Atharvaa's father Murali who had acted in the film Idhayam (1991).

The film was officially announced in February 2025 and principal photography commenced in May. The film has music composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by Manoj Paramahamsa and CH Sai and editing by Pradeep E. Ragav.

The film released in theatres on 10 July 2026 and received mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

The film opens on the eve of a wedding, as Idhaya and his friends rush from New York City to India. During the flight, Idhaya accidentally switches phones with a stranger and begins recounting his life story with him. From childhood through adulthood, Idhaya repeatedly falls in love but fails to confess his feelings. His first crush is his teacher Geetha, followed by Samantha, a girl from his school years whose identical twin Samyuktha leaves him unsure of whom he truly loves. Years later, he falls for a doctor, Amudha, but once again lacks the courage to tell her before she moves away.

In 2019, he reunites with Samantha, and old feelings return, but he misses another chance to confess his love when he fails to reach her flight. In 2024, after learning from Amudha that she once loved him too, Idhaya realizes how often his hesitation has cost him happiness. During a bachelor trip to New York, he reconnects with Samantha, but lies about being single; when she discovers the truth, she angrily leaves before he can explain.

Back in India, Idhaya arrives at the wedding hall and begins having doubts about marrying Adhithi. He asks his uncle to stop the wedding so he can pursue a life with Samantha, but his uncle refuses. Idhaya's friends attempt to intervene, only for the plan to fail until the mysterious stranger from the flight arrives with someone who appears to be Samantha. The stranger convinces Idhaya's uncle to stop the wedding, just as Idhaya is about to marry Adhithi. However, a comic twist reveals that the woman brought to the wedding was actually Samyuktha, not Samantha.

Months later, Samantha, now aboard a spacecraft, tells Idhaya that if he truly wants to marry her, he must finally look her in the eye and confess his love. As Idhaya struggles to find the courage, she warns that their call will end in 40 seconds. The film ends humorously with the call cutting off before Idhaya can finally say that he loves her.

Cast

  • Atharvaa as Idhaya
    • Keshav as young Idhaya
  • Fahadh Faasil as Surya (extended cameo appearance)
  • Preity Mukhundhan in a dual role as:
    • Samantha "Sam"
    • Samyuktha
  • Kayadu Lohar as Amudha (voice dubbed by Chinmayi)
  • Natty Subramaniam as Thanga, Idhaya's uncle
  • Thaman S as Sachin
    • Ruthvik Sai as young Sachin
  • Rakshan as Prabhu
    • Niirav as young Prabhu
  • Dravid Selvam as Dravid
    • M Prithviraj as young Dravid
  • Sudhakar as Juju
  • Jonita Gandhi as Geetha, Surya's wife and Idhaya's English teacher
  • Niharika NM as Lara "Lado" Dominic
  • Angeline B as Priya, Prabhu's wife
  • Yashashree Rao as Catherine, Samantha and Samyuktha's friend
  • Ramki as Amudha's father
  • Chinni Jayanth as Chinni
  • Saravana Subbiah as minister Parandhaman
  • Babloo Prithiveeraj as minister Parandhaman's henchmen
  • FEFSI Vijayan as a tennis coach
  • Kaali Venkat as an auto driver
  • Lollu Sabha Maaran as a bus driver
  • Madhankumar Dhakshinamoorthy as tuition master Rajangam
  • Bagavathi Perumal as Idhaya's school teacher
  • Aadukalam Naren as Adhithi's father
  • Adithya Kathir as Esakki, Samantha's uncle
  • John Mahendran as chief minister
  • Bharathi Kannan as Adithi's uncle
  • Thangadurai as a cricket commentator
  • Jayakumar as Samantha and Samyuktha's father
  • Deepa Mukhundhan as Samantha and Samyuktha's mother
  • Nandhitha as Adithi's mother
  • Padam Kumar as Sachin's father
  • Rajalakshmi as Sachin's mother
  • Monisha Ravishankar as Idhaya's friend
  • Janani Ashok Kumar as a doctor
  • Soundarya Saravanan as a nurse
  • Muruganandam as a police inspector
  • Anandhi Ajay as Rajangam's wife
  • Sameera as an astronaut
Cameo appearances

Production

In late May 2024, it was reported that producer Aakash Baskaran would make his directorial debut with a project starring Atharvaa, Thaman S, and Mamitha Baiju.[2] In December 2025, Atharvaa confirmed the project and stated that principal photography had already commenced with the shoot of a promotional teaser. The teaser was released on 13 February 2025, announcing the project officially. The film was named in honour of Atharvaa's father, Murali, who had starred in the 1991 film Idhayam.[3] Atharvaa completed dubbing his lines in June 2026.[4]

Music

Idhayam Murali
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released5 June 2026
RecordedMay 2024
StudiosStudio Uno Records, Chennai
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageTamil
LabelThink Music
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Lenin
(2026)		 Idhayam Murali
(2026)		 Korean Kanakaraju
(2026)
Singles from Idhayam Murali
  1. "Idhayaa"
    Released: 21 March 2025
  2. "Thangame Thangame"
    Released: 28 January 2026
  3. "Vaan Vaan"
    Released: 13 February 2026
  4. "Vaama Vaama"
    Released: 16 June 2026
  5. "Kattazhagi"
    Released: 1 July 2026

The soundtrack is composed by Thaman S, in his first collaboration with Atharvaa.[3] The first track "Idhayaa" was released on 21 March 2025,[5] and "Thangame Thangame" released on 28 January 2026.[6] The third track "Vaan Vaan" was released on 13 February 2026,[7] and "Vaama Vaama" released on 16 June 2026.[8] The fifth single "Kattazhagi" was released on 1 July 2026, and the entire soundtrack album was released on 10 July 2026.[9]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Idhayaa"VivekVishal Mishra2:10
2."Thangame Thangame"VivekDheeraj, Sahithi, Adviteeya, Prakruthi, Pranati, Rajini and Sruthi5:03
3."Vaan Vaan"VivekMohit Chauhan4:38
4."Vaama Vaama"Adesh KrishnaDhanush4:23
5."Kattazhagi"VivekThaman S4:07
6."Idhayaa Extended"VivekVishal Mishra3:50
7."Idhayame Idhayame"VivekManojna4:30
8."Vaan Vaan" (New York Edition)VivekThaman S4:43
Total length:33:23

Release

Theatrical

The film was planned to be released in theatres on 10 July 2026. Director Sudha Kongara filed a case in the Madras High Court to stop the release as the film produces, Dawn Pictures, had not paid her the dues owed for the film Parasakthi (2026).[10] However, the court allowed the film to be released and the film was released on 10 July.[11]

Distribution

Idhayam Murali was distributed by Red Giant Movies in Tamil Nadu.[12] Mythri Movie Makers acquired the film's theatrical rights for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[13] The distribution rights were acquired by Bhavana Release and Future RunUp Films in Kerala.[14] The Karnataka distribution rights were acquired by Swagath Enterprises.[15]

Phars Film acquired the overseas theatrical rights. The overseas distribution rights in United Kingdom and Europe were acquired by Boleyn Cinema and Ahimsa Entertainment.[16][17] The distribution rights in Sri Lanka were acquired by SAS Plaza.[18] The Malaysia distribution rights were acquired by Malik Streams Corporation.[19] The theatrical rights in the Canada were acquired by York Cinemas.[20] The distribution rights in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were acquired by Home Screen Entertainment.[21] The distribution rights in United States were acquired by Prime Media.[22]

Home Media

The post-theatrical digital streaming rights were acquired by Netflix.[23]

Reception

Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu said that "While the film understands the feeling of unrequited love, it never builds the emotional depth needed to make those moments linger. Idhayam's Murali, a poet at heart, had a song do it for him, but Idhayam Murali needed more."[24] Janani K. of the India Today rated the film 2.5/5 and remarked that "Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography is one of Idhayam Murali's genuine pleasures. Idhayam Murali is fun when it doesn't take itself seriously. The moment it veers into its story, it exposes its problems rather than playing to its strengths."[25]

Prashanth Vallavan of Cinema Express rated the film 3/5 and said wrote "If Idhayam (1991) was all about showing the pathos of an anxious yearner, Idhayam Murali is a rose-tinted fantasy. Idhayam Murali isn't perfect, but aren't fairytale love stories more about the “happily ever after” than the messy dragon-infested road they took to get there?"[26] Latha Srinivasan of NDTV gave the film 3/5 and wrote that it is a "somewhat satisfying romance that thrives on nostalgia, delivering a breezy, feel-good watch even if it doesn't always strike a deep emotional chord".[27]

References

  1. ↑ "Idhayam Murali". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 10 July 2026. Retrieved 8 July 2026.
  2. ↑ "Mamitha Baiju to star opposite Atharvaa in Akash Baskaran's debut film; Fans await another surprise". The Times of India. 30 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 November 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  3. 1 2 S, Ashwin (7 February 2025). "Atharvaa's next titled Idhayam Murali". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
  4. ↑ "Atharvaa Murali wraps up dubbing for 'Idhayam Murali'". DT Next. IANS. 8 June 2026. Archived from the original on 11 June 2026. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  5. ↑ "தமன் இசையில் 'இதயம் முரளி' படத்தின் முதல் பாடல்..!". Dinamani (in Tamil). 21 March 2025. Archived from the original on 23 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  6. ↑ Kumar, Akshay (28 January 2026). "'Thangame Thangame' from Atharvaa starrer Idhayam Murali out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 29 January 2026. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
  7. ↑ "'Vaan Vaan' from Atharvaa's Idhayam Murali is an energetic romantic number". Cinema Express. 13 February 2026. Archived from the original on 8 March 2026. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  8. ↑ "Dhanush lends his voice to 'Vaama Vaama' song from Atharvaa's Idhayam Murali". Cinema Express. 15 June 2026. Archived from the original on 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  9. ↑ "'இதயம் முரளி' படத்திலிருந்து 'கட்டழகி' என்ற பாடல் வெளியீடு". Dina Thanthi (in Tamil). 1 July 2026. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "Sudha Kongara moves Madras High Court to stay the release of Idhayam Murali; here's why". Cinema Express. 30 June 2026. Archived from the original on 6 July 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "Madras High Court clears the decks for release of Idhayam Murali". The Hindu. 10 July 2026. Archived from the original on 10 July 2026. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Red Giant Movies to release Idhayam Murali, which stays on course for July 10". Cinema Express. 3 July 2026. Archived from the original on 4 July 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  13. ↑ DawnPictures [@DawnPicturesOff] (3 July 2026). "The fun and love ensues in our neighboring states too #HrudayamMurali — Telugu release by @MythriOfficial #HrudayamMurali in theatres from July 10" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  14. ↑ DawnPictures [@DawnPicturesOff] (6 July 2026). "Release by @BhavanaRelease & @FutureRunup films, get ready for a ride through life! #IdhayamMurali lands in Kerala on July 10" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  15. ↑ DawnPictures [@DawnPicturesOff] (8 July 2026). "A new chapter begins in Karnataka! #IdhayamMurali joins hands with @SwagathOffl for its theatrical release across the state from July 10. #IdhayamMurali in cinemas July 10" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  16. ↑ Phars Film Co LLC [@PharsFilm] (1 July 2026). "Get ready for a heartfelt big-screen journey Boleyn Cinema- Official distribution partner in Europe & UK. #IdhayamMurali- Releasing worldwide on 10 July, 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  17. ↑ Ahimsa Entertainment [@ahimsafilms] (8 July 2026). "Only 2 days left before love finds its way to the big screen #IdhayamMurali in cinemas July 10" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  18. ↑ Phars Film Co LLC [@PharsFilm] (1 July 2026). "The one-side love story is coming to Sri Lanka. SAS Plaza- Official distribution partner in Sri Lanka. #IdhayamMurali- Releasing worldwide on 10 July, 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  19. ↑ Phars Film Co LLC [@PharsFilm] (1 July 2026). "Get ready to experience Idhayam Murali on the big screen. Malik Streams Corporation- Official distribution partner in Malaysia #IdhayamMurali- Releasing worldwide on 10 July, 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  20. ↑ @PharsFilm (1 July 2026). "Canada, get ready for love, music and emotions on the big screen. York Cinemas- Official distribution partner in Canada #IdhayamMurali- Releasing worldwide on 10 July, 2026" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  21. ↑ Phars Film Co LLC [@PharsFilm] (1 July 2026). "One story. Three beautiful destinations. Endless emotions. Home Screen Entertainment- Official distribution partner in Australia, New Zealand & Singapore #IdhayamMurali- Releasing worldwide on 10 July, 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  22. ↑ Phars Film Co LLC [@PharsFilm] (9 July 2026). "USA listings are out! Check your nearest theatre and book now. #IdhayamMurali in theatres worldwide from July 10" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  23. ↑ "Netflix India South unveils 2026 Tamil slate including Suriya 46, Marshal, D55, Idhayam Murali and Gatta Kusthi 2". DT Next. 15 January 2026. Archived from the original on 26 June 2026. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
  24. ↑ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (10 July 2026). "'Idhayam Murali' movie review: Atharvaa and gang charm through a breezy yet underwritten film". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 July 2026. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  25. ↑ K, Janani (20 July 2026). "Idhayam Murali review: Atharvaa's love story fails to confess its own feelings". India Today. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  26. ↑ Vallavan, Prashanth (10 July 2026). "Idhayam Murali Movie Review: A wholesome yearner's fantasy". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  27. ↑ Srinivasan, Latha (10 July 2026). "Idhayam Murali Review: A Breezy Rom-Com That Entertains In Parts". NDTV. Archived from the original on 11 July 2026. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
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