Idhayam Murali (2026), is a familiar love story

Idhayam Murali (2026) takes you to a familiar place that you already like. That is both its strength and its weakness, because it offers nothing new. It is the story of a hero who cannot express his love, exactly what you would expect from a title like this. Mangoidiots gives the film a Ripe.

Idhayam (1991) was almost a cult classic Tamil film, one that is still referenced in casual conversation today to describe any sincere love. The star of that film was the late actor Murali. Idhayam Murali (2026), as the name suggests, pays homage to that film and stars Murali’s son, Atharvaa, in the lead.

The film opens with Idhaya, played by Atharvaa, who has lost his parents and is raised by his uncle, played by Natty Subramaniam. During his higher secondary school days, Idhaya falls for a girl named Sam, played by Preity Mukhundhan, who studies in the same tuition class as him. Unfortunately, after months of hesitation, when he finally plans to express his love to Sam, a major shock happens, and he is unable to. Later, during his college days, Idhaya falls for a medical student named Amudha, played by Kayadu Lohar. Here too, Idhaya is unable to convey his love. Whether Idhaya finds his life partner is the story.

If Cheran’s Autograph (2004) was about the hero’s past love interests, Idhayam Murali is all about the hero and his inability to communicate his love and take risks. Atharvaa fits the role well, and both the female leads, Preity Mukhundhan and Kayadu Lohar, have done their part well. I was impressed by music director Thaman S, who plays Idhaya’s friend Sachin, and his girlfriend Lado, played by Niharika NM. In fact, I found the chemistry between this pair better than that of the lead pairs. Malavika Mohanan gets only a few scenes but does justice to them. Similarly, Jonita Gandhi, in an almost guest role, is memorable. Natty Subramaniam and Fahadh Faasil have almost forgettable roles.

The twist in the first half is unexpected and makes it worthwhile. I loved the guest roles played by Ramki and Chinni Jayanth. It was a nice feeling to watch Chinni Jayanth rooting for Idhaya to tell Amudha about his love at the railway station.

The movie falls short in its inability to make us root for the hero. We are unable to understand his feelings: is he really in love, or just attracted? What is his true feeling? And in 2026, the idea of losing touch with a sincere love of a few years before feels unbelievable.

While the movie keeps you engaged in the first half, the second half tests your patience a bit before finally picking up pace near the end. If you can tolerate the slow pace, especially the portions where the film unwantedly heads to America and even outer space, you will like Idhayam Murali.