Idhayam Murali Movie Review: A nostalgic entertainer filled with love, friendship and emotions

Idhayam Murali marks the directorial debut of producer Aakash Baskaran. The film follows Idhaya (Atharvaa), a typical 90s youngster who struggles to express his love. As the story moves through different stages of his life, it explores friendship, romance, missed opportunities, and destiny. The result is a warm coming-of-age drama that connects through simple emotions and relatable situations.

The first half is the film’s strongest stretch. It is packed with humor, nostalgia, and youthful energy. From a schoolboy crush on a teacher to teenage romance and carefree friendships, the film captures many memories that 90s kids will instantly recognize. Atharvaa delivers a charming performance and carries the narrative with ease. The gang featuring Parithabangal Sudhakar, Dravid, Rakshan, Angelin, Thaman, and Niharika keeps the fun quotient alive throughout. Preity Mukundhan and Kayadu Lohar add charm to the proceedings, while the pre-interval sequence, built around a classic yesteryear song, becomes a delightful nostalgic moment.

The second half takes a more emotional route. It focuses on Idhaya’s professional life, his engagement to another woman (played by a leading heroine), and the confusion that arises when his unresolved feelings resurface. The narrative slows down in a few places, but the emotional scenes land well. From the pre-climax onward, the film regains its playful energy and moves toward a wholesome and satisfying ending.

Atharvaa is an apt choice for Idhaya and delivers one of his most relatable performances. Fahadh Faasil appears in an extended cameo and leaves a strong impact despite the limited screen time. His pre-climax song placement becomes a major crowd pleasing moment in theatres. Natty performs convincingly as Idhaya’s uncle and adds emotional weight to the story. Preity Mukundhan and Kayadu Lohar impress with their screen presence, and the supporting cast contributes effectively throughout the film.

On the technical side, Manoj Paramahamsa and Sai’s cinematography stands out immediately. The colorful frames and polished visuals enhance the nostalgic mood beautifully. Thaman’s music is another major strength. The songs work well within the narrative, and the background score supports both the emotional and entertaining moments. Director Aakash Baskaran deserves appreciation for turning a simple story into an engaging theatrical experience. The film may not reinvent the genre, but its sincerity, rich production values, and strong 90s connect make it enjoyable for most parts.

Overall, Idhayam Murali is a heartwarming entertainer that blends nostalgia, friendship, romance, and emotion with confidence. The first half is consistently fun, the second half adds emotional depth, and the film ends on a satisfying note. For youngsters and especially 90s kids, it offers a pleasant and memorable theatrical experience. Though familiar in its storytelling, the film wins with its charm, sincerity, and feel-good nature.

Idhayam Murali Movie Rating: 3.5/5