Idhayam Murali
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Aakash Baskaran
Screenplay by
  • Aakash Baskaran
  • S. Ramana Girivasan
Dialogue by Dravid Selvam
Story by Aakash Baskaran
Produced by Aakash Baskaran
Starring
  • Atharvaa
  • Fahadh Faasil
  • Preity Mukhundhan
  • Kayadu Lohar
Cinematography Manoj Paramahamsa
CH Sai
Edited by Pradeep E. Ragav
Music by Thaman S
Production
company
Dawn Pictures
Distributed by Red Giant Movies
Release date
  • 10 July 2026 (2026-07-10)
Running time
164 minutes[1]
Country India
Language Tamil

Idhayam Murali (transl. Heart Murali,[a] also marketed as Idhayam Murali – The One Side) is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age romantic drama film directed, co-written and produced by Aakash Baskaran under Dawn Pictures. The film stars Atharvaa in titular role, Fahadh Faasil, Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, Malavika Mohanan, Natty Subramaniam, Ramki, Thaman S, Rakshan, Dravid Selvam, Sudhakar and Niharika NM. It is the directorial debut of Aakash and also marks Thaman's return to acting after 22 years. The film was titled Idhayam Murali so as to honour Atharvaa's father Murali since he also has acted in the one sided love film Idhayam (1991).

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

Idhayam Murali was released in theatres on 10 July 2026 and received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences.

Plot

Idhaya, a successful television network CEO based in New York, returns to India for his arranged wedding. During the flight, he accidentally swaps phones with a stranger and recounts the story of his life, revealing a lifelong pattern of missed romantic opportunities.

As a child, Idhaya develops an innocent crush on his pregnant schoolteacher, Geetha. Years later in high school, he falls for his classmate Samantha, only to discover she has an identical twin sister, Samyuktha, leaving him too confused to confess his feelings. In college, he falls in love with doctor Amudha after she treats him following an injury, but once again loses his chance by failing to confess before she leaves the city.

In 2019, while attending the wedding of his senior Sachin, Idhaya reunites with Samantha, now a NASA astronaut, and falls in love with her again. He rushes to the airport to confess before she leaves for New York, but a series of comical mishaps—including a chase by bodyguards and an unexpected reunion with an old friend—cause him to miss her flight.

By 2024, Idhaya is engaged to Adhithi. After learning that Amudha had once loved him, he travels to New York for his bachelor party hoping to finally confess to Samantha. However, Samantha discovers that he concealed his engagement and angrily leaves before he can explain.

Back in the present, Idhaya begins to regret his arranged marriage. As his friends unsuccessfully attempt to stop the wedding, the stranger from the flight convinces Idhaya’s uncle to cancel the ceremony after hearing his story. Moments later, the stranger reveals that the woman believed to be Samantha was actually her identical twin, Samyuktha, whose resemblance had unintentionally fooled everyone.

Several months later, Samantha contacts Idhaya from aboard a spacecraft and gives him one final chance to confess his love. However, despite having only forty seconds before the communication window ends, Idhaya once again fails to say the words before the call disconnects, leaving his romantic journey humorously unresolved.

Cast

  • Atharvaa as Idhayam Murali (Idhayaa)
    • Master Kesav as Young Idhayaa
  • Kayadu Lohar as Amudha (Voice dubbed by Chinmayi)
  • Preity Mukhundhan in a dual role as:
    • Samantha
    • Samyuktha
  • Thaman S as Sachin
  • Rakshan as Prabhu
  • Dravid Selvam as Khaja
  • Sudhakar as Juju
  • Niharika NM as Lara "Lado" Dominic
  • Angeline B as Prabhu's wife
  • Fahadh Faasil as Suriya
  • Malavika Mohanan as Adhithi
  • Natty Subramaniam as Thanga, Murali's uncle
  • Jonita Gandhi as Geetha, Suriya's wife and Idhaya's English teacher
  • Anju Kurian as Thulasi, Sachin's wife
  • FEFSI Vijayan as Tennis coach
  • Ramki as Amudha's father
  • Chinni Jayanth as Chinni
  • Jayakumar as Samantha and Samyuktha's father
  • Yashashree Rao as Sam's Friend
  • Madhankumar Dhakshinamoorthy as Rajangam Tuition Teacher
  • Soundarya Saravanan as Nurse
  • Kaali Venkat as Auto Driver
  • Aadukalam Naren as Aditi's father
  • Babloo Prithiveeraj
  • Lollu Sabha Maaran
  • Raiza Wilson
  • Bagavathi Perumal
  • Adithya Kathir
  • Rahul (Adharva’s Friend)
  • John Mahendran
  • Bharathi Kannan
  • Saravana Subbiah

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 in the lead roles.[2] The following December, Atharvaa confirmed the project and also 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, by Dawn Pictures, with the film named in honour of Atharvaa's father, Murali in the 1991 film Idhayam.[3] Atharvaa completed dubbing his lines in June 2026.[4]

Music

Idhayam Murali
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released 29 June 2025
Recorded May 2024
Studio Studio Uno Records, Chennai
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Language Tamil
Label Think Music
Producer Thaman S
Thaman S chronology
Lenin
(2026)		 Idhayam Murali
(2026)		 Sigma
(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 and Aakash.[3] The first single "Idhayaa" released on 21 March 2025.[5] The second single "Thangame Thangame" released on 28 January 2026.[6] The third single "Vaan Vaan" was released on 13 February 2026.[7]The fourth single "Vaama Vaama" was released on 16 June 2026.[8] The fifth single "Kattazhagi" was released on 1 July 2026.[9]The entire soundtrack album was released on 10 July 2026 after the film's release.[10]

Track listing
No. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length
1. "Idhayaa" Vivek Vishal Mishra 2:10
2. "Thangame Thangame" Vivek Dheeraj, Sahithi, Adviteeya, Prakruthi, Pranati, Rajini and Sruthi 5:03
3. "Vaan Vaan" Vivek Mohit Chauhan 4:38
4. "Vaama Vaama" Adesh Krishna Dhanush 4:23
5. "Kattazhagi" Vivek Thaman S 4:07
6. "Idhayaa Extended" Vivek Vishal Mishra 3:50
7. "Idhayame Idhayame" Vivek Manojna 4:30
8. "Vaan Vaan" (New York Edition) Vivek Thaman S 4:43
Total length: 33:23

Release

Theatrical

Idhayam Murali was released in theatres on 10 July 2026. Although director Sudha Kongara appealed to the Madras High Court to stall the film's release over her unpaid dues owed by Dawn Pictures for Parasakthi (2026),[11] the release date was ultimately unaffected. Later after the issues solved, Idhayam Murali got released on the same date on 10 July and received a good responses from audiences.[12]

Distribution

Idhayam Murali was distributed by Red Giant Movies in Tamil Nadu.[13] Mythri Movie Makers acquired the film's theatrical rights in the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana).[14] The distribution rights were acquired by Bhavana Release and Future RunUp Films in Kerala.[15] The Karnataka distribution rights were acquired by Swagath Enterprises.[16] Phars Film acquired the overseas theatrical rights.[citation needed]

The overseas distribution rights in United Kingdom and Europe were acquired by Boleyn Cinema and Ahimsa Entertainment.[17][18] The distribution rights in Sri Lanka were acquired by SAS Plaza.[19] The Malaysia distribution rights were acquired by Malik Streams Corporation.[20] The theatrical rights in the Canada were acquired by York Cinemas.[21] The distribution rights in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were acquired by Home Screen Entertainment.[22] The distribution rights in United States were acquired by Prime Media.[23]

Home media

The post-theatrical digital streaming rights were acquired by Netflix.[24]

Reception

Idhayam Murali received mixed to positive reviews from critics, praising its music, cast performances, nostalgic atmosphere, visuals, themes, and humor, but criticized its action sequences, familiarity, length, and predictability.[25][26][27][28]

Notes

  1. ^ Also the title character

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. ^ a b 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. ^ "The heart of #IdhayamMurali now plays in full. ❤️ The complete album is out now on all your favourite audio streaming platforms. A @MusicThaman magical 🥳". X. 10 July 2026.
  11. ^ "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.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ 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).
  15. ^ 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).
  16. ^ 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).
  17. ^ 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).
  18. ^ 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).
  19. ^ 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).
  20. ^ 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).
  21. ^ @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).
  22. ^ 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).
  23. ^ 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).
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ Vallavan, Prashanth (10 July 2026). "Idhayam Murali Movie Review: A wholesome yearner's fantasy". Cinema Express. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ K, Janani (10 July 2026). "Idhayam Murali review: Atharvaa's love story fails to confess its own feelings". India Today. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  28. ^ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (10 July 2026). "'Idhayam Murali' movie review: Atharvaa and gang charm through a breezy yet underwritten film". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 July 2026.