Athiradi cleared with U certificate; Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas film set for May 14 release
Synopsis
Athiradi, the first on-screen pairing of Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan, has cleared CBFC with a U certificate. The mass action entertainer directed by debutant Arun Anirudhan hits screens 14 May, reuniting the creative team behind the hit superhero film Minnal Murali.
Key Takeaways
'Athiradi' has received U certificate clearance from the CBFC for theatrical release.
The film stars Basil Joseph , Tovino Thomas , and Vineeth Sreenivasan in their first on-screen collaboration.
Release date: 14 May ; runtime: 2 hours 37 minutes .
Directed by debutant Arun Anirudhan , who co-wrote the script with Paulson Skaria .
Reunites the team behind 'Minnal Murali' : Basil Joseph , Tovino Thomas , Sameer Thahir , and Arun Anirudhan .
Positioned as a mass action entertainer with music by Vishnu Vijay and cinematography by Samuel Henry .
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly cleared director Arun Anirudhan's Malayalam film 'Athiradi' for theatrical release with a U certificate, according to industry sources. The film, headlined by Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan, carries a runtime of 2 hours 37 minutes and is slated to hit screens on 14 May.
The film's production journey
Production wrapped in January this year, with Tovino Thomas announcing the milestone on social media with a video of the unit forming the words "Pack Up". The film marks the first on-screen collaboration of the three lead actors, a pairing that has generated significant anticipation among Malayalam film enthusiasts.
Plot and genre signals
A teaser released by the makers positions 'Athiradi' as a mass action entertainer. The teaser introduces each protagonist with distinct visual identities and personality traits, hinting at a power-packed theatrical experience. The film's punchline suggests an ensemble-driven narrative centred on high-octane sequences.
Behind-the-camera team
Arun Anirudhan, making his directorial debut, co-wrote the script with Paulson Skaria. Anirudhan previously served as a screenwriter on the Malayalam superhero film 'Minnal Murali', which was directed by Basil Joseph. The film's technical crew includes cinematographer Samuel Henry, music composer Vishnu Vijay, editor Chaman Chacko, and costume designer Mashar Hamsa.
Production and financing
'Athiradi' is produced by Basil Joseph Entertainments and Doctor Ananthu Entertainments, with Sameer Thahir and Tovino Thomas serving as co-producers. The project reunites Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Sameer Thahir following their collaboration on 'Minnal Murali'.
What's next
With CBFC clearance confirmed, the film is on track for its scheduled 14 May release. Industry observers will be tracking opening-weekend performance, given the novelty of the three-actor pairing and the film's positioning as a mass entertainer in a competitive summer season.
Point of View
But the real test lies ahead. The Malayalam film market has grown crowded with ensemble-cast action entertainers, and a U certificate suggests the makers prioritized mass appeal over edge — a calculated bet given Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas's cross-demographic draw. The novelty of the three-actor pairing is genuine, but novelty alone does not guarantee box-office traction. Execution and word-of-mouth will determine whether this becomes a summer breakout or a mid-tier performer.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Athiradi and when is it releasing?
Athiradi is a Malayalam mass action entertainer directed by debutant Arun Anirudhan, starring Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan. It is set to release on 14 May with a runtime of 2 hours 37 minutes.
What is the significance of this film?
Athiradi marks the first on-screen collaboration of the three lead actors, a pairing that has generated significant anticipation. The film reunites the creative team behind the hit superhero film Minnal Murali.
Why did the CBFC clearance matter?
The U certificate clearance confirms that the film contains no objectionable content and is suitable for all audiences, removing regulatory barriers to theatrical release and allowing the scheduled 14 May release date to proceed.
Who is directing Athiradi?
Athiradi is directed by debutant filmmaker Arun Anirudhan, who previously served as a screenwriter on Minnal Murali. He co-wrote the script with Paulson Skaria.
What genre is Athiradi?
Athiradi is positioned as a mass action entertainer. The teaser hints at high-octane sequences and a power-packed theatrical experience with distinct character arcs for each of the three leads.
