Movie Review: Idhayam Murali (2026) – A Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Romance Filled with Nostalgia
Directed by Aakash Baskaran, Idhayam Murali is a feel-good coming-of-age romantic drama that beautifully captures first love, friendship, family bonds, and self-discovery. Headlined by Atharvaa, alongside Kayadu Lohar and Preity Mukhundhan, the film has been praised for its nostalgic storytelling, lively humor, soulful music, and emotionally satisfying climax. It also serves as a touching tribute to Atharvaa’s late father, actor Murali, through its title and themes. (The Times of India)
Quick Review Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Aakash Baskaran |
| Lead Cast | Atharvaa, Kayadu Lohar, Preity Mukhundhan |
| Supporting Cast | Natty Subramaniam, Rakshan, Niharika NM, Sudhakar |
| Special Appearance | Fahadh Faasil |
| Music Composer | Thaman S |
| Genre | Coming-of-Age / Romantic Drama |
| Runtime | 2 Hours 46 Minutes |
| Where to Watch | Streaming on Netflix after its theatrical run. (The Times of India) |
Storyline: A Journey Through Love, Friendship, and Growing Up
Idhayam Murali follows Murali (Atharvaa), an ordinary young man whose life revolves around friendship, family, and his dream of finding true love. As he navigates college life, heartbreak, and unexpected relationships, Murali slowly discovers that growing up is about much more than romance.
The film blends nostalgic moments with modern-day emotions, portraying how unspoken feelings, missed opportunities, and personal growth shape one’s life. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to connect deeply with its relatable characters and heartfelt moments. Critics have described it as a wholesome romantic comedy with plenty of nostalgia and emotional warmth. (The New Indian Express)
Character Performances: A Delightful Ensemble
The emotional strength of Idhayam Murali comes from its well-balanced cast, with every major character leaving a lasting impression.
- Atharvaa (as Murali): Atharvaa delivers one of his most charming performances in recent years. His effortless portrayal of a lovable, imperfect young man makes Murali instantly relatable, while his emotional scenes land with sincerity.
- Kayadu Lohar: Kayadu brings grace, confidence, and warmth to her role, sharing natural chemistry with Atharvaa throughout the film.
- Preity Mukhundhan: Preity adds emotional depth and plays a significant role in Murali’s coming-of-age journey with a convincing performance.
- Natty Subramaniam and Rakshan: Both provide memorable supporting performances, balancing comedy and emotion with ease.
- Niharika NM: The social media star makes a confident transition to the big screen, contributing several entertaining moments.
- Special Appearance – Fahadh Faasil: Though brief, Fahadh’s cameo became one of the film’s biggest talking points and was warmly received by audiences. (The Economic Times)
Technical Craft & Direction: Nostalgic Yet Fresh
Director Aakash Baskaran succeeds in creating a wholesome entertainer that celebrates youth and emotional growth without resorting to excessive melodrama.
- Cinematography: The visuals beautifully capture college life, cityscapes, and vibrant international locations, giving the film a fresh and youthful look.
- Music & Background Score: Thaman S delivers one of his best recent soundtracks, with memorable songs and an emotionally uplifting background score that elevates every major scene.
- Editing: Despite its lengthy runtime, the film maintains a breezy pace, particularly during the entertaining first half and emotionally satisfying finale. (IMDb)
Critical Analysis: Feel-Good Cinema Done Right
Idhayam Murali doesn’t attempt to reinvent the romantic genre, but it succeeds by embracing simplicity. Its biggest strengths are its nostalgic atmosphere, relatable characters, engaging humor, and emotionally satisfying storytelling.
Some viewers may find parts of the romance predictable, and the film occasionally stretches familiar coming-of-age tropes. However, its sincerity, lively performances, and heartfelt emotions make these shortcomings easy to overlook. Critics have generally praised the film as a wholesome entertainer, while audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, especially for its music, comedy, and feel-good nature. (The New Indian Express)
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
Idhayam Murali is a delightful coming-of-age romantic drama that celebrates friendship, first love, and personal growth with honesty and warmth. Powered by an endearing performance from Atharvaa, strong support from Kayadu Lohar, Preity Mukhundhan, and a memorable soundtrack by Thaman S, the film delivers exactly what it promises—a wholesome, feel-good cinematic experience.
Whether you missed it in theaters or plan to stream it on Netflix, Idhayam Murali is a perfect weekend watch for fans of heartfelt romantic dramas.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ / 5
