Heart at the right place

“Idhayam Murali”

Review

‘Idhayam Murali’ is a warm, nostalgia-driven romantic drama that aims to celebrate first love, friendship, and growing up. Director Aakash Baskaran chooses sincerity over spectacle, resulting in a film that is emotionally appealing even if it doesn’t consistently maintain momentum. 

The story follows Murali (Atharvaa), a kind-hearted young man whose life revolves around family, friendships, and the emotions of first love. His world changes when he meets Shruthi (Kayadu Lohar), and their relationship blossoms through shared dreams, misunderstandings, and life’s unexpected challenges. As Murali navigates love, personal growth, and difficult choices, the film explores themes of nostalgia, emotional resilience, and the bittersweet journey from youth to adulthood. Rather than relying on major twists, the story focuses on the simple, heartfelt moments that shape the lives of its characters.

Atharvaa delivers one of his more restrained performances, portraying a shy young man navigating love and life’s uncertainties. His understated approach suits the character, though some reviewers felt the role doesn’t demand enough emotional range to make it a career-defining performance. Kayadu Lohar brings charm and confidence to her role, while the supporting cast adds warmth without overshadowing the central romance.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its atmosphere. Instead of relying on dramatic twists, it focuses on everyday emotions, youthful innocence, and relationships. The nostalgic references to Murali’s classic ‘Idhayam’ resonate well with longtime Tamil cinema fans, giving the film an added emotional layer. 

Visually, the film is polished. The cinematography captures both urban and nostalgic settings beautifully, while Thaman S’s music enhances the romantic mood. Several reviewers highlighted the background score and songs as major contributors to the film’s emotional impact. 

Where ‘Idhayam Murali’ loses momentum is in its screenplay. The first half is generally considered engaging and charming, but the second half becomes repetitive, with scenes lingering longer than necessary. The emotional peaks occasionally feel underwritten, preventing the film from delivering the powerful payoff its premise promises. 

One pleasant surprise mentioned in early reactions is Fahadh Faasil’s appearance, which adds freshness and has been well received by audiences. 

‘Idhayam Murali’ is a sincere, feel-good romantic drama that succeeds through its simplicity, nostalgic tone, attractive visuals, and pleasing music. While its leisurely pacing and predictable screenplay stop it from becoming an exceptional romance, it remains an enjoyable watch for viewers who appreciate gentle, emotionally driven storytelling over high drama. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers enough warmth and sentiment to satisfy fans of classic Tamil love stories. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

By Naveen