By Aakash Baskaran on Idhayam Murali with Atharvaa: ‘It Will Have the Vibe of Dil Chahta Hai’
Atharvaa’s upcoming romantic comedy has been titled Idhayam Murali, a name that pays homage to his late father, veteran actor Murali’s 1991 film Idhayam. The film’s debut director, Aakash Baskaran, explains the significance of the title, saying, “Idhayam Murali perfectly captures the essence of our film, as it has a strong feel-good vibe. When people think of one-sided love, they immediately recall Idhayam Murali. My protagonist shares similarities with Murali sir’s character from that film. Since Atharvaa is playing the lead, the connection becomes even more personal.”
However, Aakash clarifies that the story isn’t solely about unrequited love. “It’s a mix of emotions—betrayal, friendship, heartbreak, fun, and more. The film will be in the same zone as Dil Chahta Hai, blending these elements into a refreshing romcom,” he elaborates.
The film features Preity Mukhundhan and Kayadu Lohar as the female leads, with Pragya Nagra also playing a pivotal role. Describing the movie, Aakash says, “It’s a feel-good romcom that celebrates friendships.”
An interesting addition to the cast is celebrated music composer Thaman S, marking his return to acting after 22 years. Thaman, who last acted in Shankar’s Boys (2003), was initially hesitant about taking up the role. Aakash shares, “Thaman was unsure at first, but after hearing the script, he agreed. He plays Atharvaa’s friend and will appear in almost every scene.”
Another notable casting choice is popular singer Jonita Gandhi, who was originally set to make her acting debut in Walking Talking Strawberry Icecream, announced in 2021. However, with that film currently stalled, Idhayam Murali will now be her first big-screen appearance. In addition, well-known influencer Niharika NM has also joined the cast. Aakash expresses confidence in their acting abilities, saying, “We have all seen Jonita and Niharika perform in reels and on social media. I was sure they would bring their characters to life, and that’s exactly what they did.”
The film’s production is already well underway, with about 40-50% of the shoot completed. The team has also filmed two songs, including an elaborate wedding song featuring the entire cast. Atharvaa, who is currently busy shooting for Parasakthi, will soon rejoin the team to continue filming.
Looking ahead, the production team is gearing up for a 20-day shoot in New York scheduled for April. Speaking about managing both directorial and production responsibilities, Aakash admits it is challenging. “A director has big creative visions, but bringing those dreams to life requires a substantial budget. As the producer, I have to find a balance between the two roles and make sure everything runs smoothly,” he shares.
With its exciting cast, engaging storyline, and vibrant shooting locations, Idhayam Murali promises to be an entertaining film filled with love, laughter, and friendships.
