'Idhayam Murali': A nostalgic journey of love and friendship

Idhayam Murali is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that perfectly balances relatability and dreaminess. The movie, which opens in India on the eve of a wedding, follows a group of friends in New York as they are awakened by the groom, Idhaya (played by Atharva). They soon meet Suriya (Fahadh Faasil), and the conversation leads them on a journey through Idhaya's life from 1998 onwards.

The film revisits pivotal moments in Idhaya's life, including childhood crushes like his teacher Geetha (Jonita Gandhi), heartbreak in high school with Sam (Preity Mukhandhan), and missed chances in college with Amudha (Kayadu Lohar). Throughout the decades, Idhaya's story is marked by hesitation and repeated failures to confess his love. As he grows older and progresses in his career, he reconnects with his old friends, crossing paths with his former crushes.

Atharva delivers a charming and heartfelt performance as Idhaya, bringing the character to life with his charm, humor, and emotional allure. The supporting cast, including Fahadh Faasil, Preity Mukhandhan, Kayadu Lohar, Jonita Gandhi, and Malavika Mohan, also contribute significantly to the film's humor, flow, and emotional depth. Fahasil and Niharika M, in particular, add a social media influencer's touch to the movie, while Mukhandhan and Lohar excel in their heartfelt portrayals of Sam and Amudha, respectively.

The film's music and soundtrack are standout elements, with a blend of love, friendship, and nostalgia that perfectly complements the story. Thaman S, not only shines as Sachin, but also elevates the film with his music. Debut director Aakash Baskaran has crafted a feel-good film of 2026, combining star casting, great music, beautiful locations, and a heartfelt storyline that resonates deeply with the audience. Idhayam Murali is currently streaming on Netflix.