Idhayam Murali makers release BTS video for Atharvaa's birthday, Fahadh Faasil joins cast
Synopsis
Idhayam Murali, an eagerly awaited Tamil romantic drama, just got a major boost: Malayalam superstar Fahadh Faasil has joined the cast. On lead actor Atharvaa Murali's birthday, makers released a BTS video showcasing on-set moments. Dedicated to one-sided love and featuring music director S. Thaman in his acting comeback, the film is positioned as one of this summer's biggest releases.
Key Takeaways
Idhayam Murali makers released a BTS video on Atharvaa Murali's birthday, May 7 , featuring behind-the-scenes clips from the film.
Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has joined the cast, significantly raising the film's profile.
The film is dedicated to one-sided love, with Atharvaa dedicating it to all those experiencing unrequited romance.
Thaman marks his acting return in this film and has also composed the music.
The romantic drama is slated for release this summer and is among the year's most anticipated releases.
The makers of director Aakash Baskaran's romantic drama Idhayam Murali released a Behind The Scenes (BTS) video featuring lead actor Atharvaa Murali on the occasion of his birthday on Thursday, May 7. Production house Dawn Pictures shared the clip on Instagram with the caption, "Wishing our ever charming and beloved Idhaya @atharvaamurali a very Happy Birthday."
Fahadh Faasil joins the cast
In a recent development, the makers disclosed that Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has come onboard the film. Dawn Pictures announced the news on X, writing, "When FaFa illuminated the sets of #IdhayamMurali. The one and only #FahadhFaasil features in the @AakashBaskaran directorial, coming to cinemas this summer." The production house released a video clip showing Fahadh Faasil on set and interacting with the crew, adding significant star power to the ensemble cast.
A film dedicated to one-sided love
At the film's title launch event held at St Joseph's Institute of Technology in Chennai, Atharvaa dedicated the film to those experiencing one-sided love. Addressing a gathering of students, he asked, "How many of you are in one-side love?" He elaborated, "To be honest, the joy, the sadness, the disappointment that one experiences in one-side love is much more significant than what one experiences in a double-side love relationship and is unforgettable in life. We wanted to showcase all this and dedicate a film to one-side love."
The title's deeper meaning
The title Idhayam Murali evokes the cult classic Idhayam, a major hit starring Atharvaa's father, actor Murali. However, Atharvaa clarified that the title was not chosen merely as a tribute. "In the film, I have an Idhayam Murali within me. I have a one-side love," he said. "Beyond Laila-Majnu, Romeo-Juliet, if there is recognition for one-side love, it is Idhayam Murali. I dedicate this film to all the one-side lovers out here."
Plot and production details
According to the teaser, Atharvaa plays the titular character Idhayam Murali, who is based in the US and receives a wedding call from his uncle while watching a friend's proposal video. The narrative follows his journey as he rushes back to India. The film marks the return to acting of renowned music director S. Thaman, who last appeared as a lead in director Shankar's film Boys. Thaman has also composed the music for Idhayam Murali. The cast includes Preity Mukundhan, Kayadu Lohar, Natty, Niharika NM, Rakshan, Dravid, Angeline, Pragya, Sudhakar, and Yashashree. Cinematography is by Manoj Paramahamsa, editing by Pradeep E Ragav, and co-direction by Senthilkumar Kesavan. Dialogues are credited to Ramanagirivasan, Aakash Baskaran, and Dravid Selvam.
The film is slated for release this summer and has emerged as one of the most eagerly awaited entertainers of the year.
Point of View
And the one-sided-love narrative positions itself as a modern homage to classic romance cinema. With Fahadh Faasil's addition and S. Thaman's acting return, the film is attempting to straddle indie sensibility and mainstream appeal. Whether it lands depends on execution: the teaser suggests a familiar rom-com structure, but the thematic focus on unrequited love could differentiate it if handled with nuance rather than melodrama.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idhayam Murali about?
Idhayam Murali is a romantic drama directed by Aakash Baskaran, dedicated to the theme of one-sided love. The film follows the titular character, played by Atharvaa Murali, who is based in the US and receives an urgent wedding call from his uncle, setting off a journey back to India. The narrative explores the emotional complexities of unrequited love.
Who is in the cast of Idhayam Murali?
The film stars Atharvaa Murali in the lead, alongside Preity Mukundhan, Kayadu Lohar, and music director S. Thaman in his acting comeback. The ensemble also includes Natty, Niharika NM, Rakshan, Dravid, Angeline, Pragya, Sudhakar, and Yashashree.
When will Idhayam Murali release?
Idhayam Murali is slated for release this summer. The exact release date has not been announced yet, but the film is among the most eagerly awaited entertainers of the year.
Why is S. Thaman's involvement significant?
S. Thaman, a renowned music director in South Indian cinema, is returning to acting with this film after appearing in director Shankar's film Boys. He has also composed the music for Idhayam Murali, making him a dual contributor to the project.
What is the connection between Idhayam Murali and the classic film Idhayam?
The title Idhayam Murali evokes the cult classic Idhayam, which was a major hit starring Atharvaa's father, actor Murali. However, Atharvaa clarified that the title was chosen thematically rather than as a mere tribute, as his character in the film embodies the essence of one-sided love.
