After months of anticipation, Idhayam Murali has finally arrived in theatres and the first wave of audience reactions is largely positive. The film, whose title pays tribute to Atharvaa Murali’s late father Murali’s iconic 1991 classic Idhayam, has already generated encouraging word of mouth on social media.
Directed by Aakash Baskaran, the coming-of-age romantic drama has struck a chord with viewers through its nostalgic storytelling, emotional moments and simple yet heartfelt narrative. Let’s check out what audiences have to say about the film.
Idhayam Murali X Review
Early viewers have praised the film for its breezy narrative and emotional core. Many described it as a refreshing romantic entertainer that captures the innocence of school friendships and one-sided love.
One viewer wrote, “A healthy and satisfying feel-good entertainer. Atharvaa looks charming on screen and has done a neat performance. The bond of friendship, the fun moments in school & Sudhakar’s comedy work really well.”
#idhayamMurali
– A breezy and feel-good start with a nostalgic romantic vibe..😍🫶🏽
Atharvaa looks charming on screen and delivers a neat performance👏🏽
– Preeti Mukundan & Kayadu Lohar looks gorgeous and bring great charm to the screen❤️🥰
– The friendship bond, school fun… pic.twitter.com/NGj7iNp2WS— AROCKIA SELVAN (@Arockiaselvan3) July 10, 2026
Another user posted, “First half is good and engaging. Atharvaa is brilliant, and Kayadu Lohar and Preity Mukhundhan have done well. The story is simple, but the making and visuals are great.”
#IdhayamMurali ✈️♥️
First half is good & engaging 👏👏@Atharvaamurali super preformance. @11Lohar & #PreityMukhundhan heroines roles are good & #Sudhakar humor is nice. @MusicThaman Music is fantastic🤍🤍🤍. The story is a simple one line. Making and visuals are great…
— CineemaJunction™ _ Gateway of Cinema (@CineemaJunction) July 10, 2026
Several viewers also felt the film successfully recreates the charm of classic 90s romantic dramas, with its emotional writing and nostalgic atmosphere becoming one of its biggest strengths.
Fahadh Faasil’s Cameo Steal Spotlight
Apart from the performances, fans have showered praise on composer Thaman S. His background score and songs have emerged as one of the film’s biggest highlights, with many saying the music enhances the emotional impact of several scenes.
One reaction read, “The film’s biggest strengths are Thaman’s BGM and songs. The cinematography is brilliant, and there are no dull moments in the first half.”
#IdhayamMurali – A Superb First Half With No Dull Moments ✅#Atharvaa Looks Fresh 😁 Thaman’s BGM And Songs Are The Biggest Strengths Of The Film 👍Cinematography Sema 🎥
A Solid Setup For An Exciting Second Half. 🤝 https://t.co/sPAu0QxtGz
— Trendsetter Bala (@trendsetterbala) July 10, 2026
Another viewer shared, “The screenplay is interesting with its breezy tone, and the interval twist builds curiosity for the second half.”
#IdhayamMurali Interval – Fun, Pleasant and Nostalgic Rom-com so far..⭐ That Twist was..😃👌🔥 The Screenplay was Engaging with its Breezy Tone and Thaman’s score..🤝 Semma Rich packaging from #AakashBaskaran…⭐ pic.twitter.com/BTwHeVgwvk
— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) July 10, 2026
Fans were also pleasantly surprised by Fahadh Faasil’s special appearance, with many calling his cameo entertaining and a welcome addition to the story.
#IdhayamMurali [#ABRatings – 4/5]
– A Feel Good First half & followed by a superb wholesome second half ♥️
– Director Aakashbhaskaran scores in his debut film with a beautiful making & writing 👌
– FahadhFaasil’s extended Cameo was blast & film also has one more surprising… pic.twitter.com/rIQAZQQO4g— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) July 10, 2026
Beyond Atharvaa, the film stars Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, Natty Subramaniam, Niharika NM, Rakshan, Sudhakar, Pragya, Angeline, Dravid, and several others in pivotal roles. Interestingly, Thaman S also appears in a supporting role alongside composing the soundtrack.
What Is Idhayam Murali About?
Despite sharing its title with Murali’s beloved 1991 classic, Atharvaa had earlier clarified that Idhayam Murali is not a remake. Instead, it is an original coming-of-age romance centred on one-sided love, with the title serving as a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Produced and directed by Aakash Baskaran under the Dawn Pictures banner, the film features cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa and CH Sai, while Pradeep E Ragav handles the editing.
