Idhayam Murali story
Idhayam Murali follows Idhaya (Atharvaa), a young man who falls in love with multiple women at different stages of his life. Much like the iconic character played by his father, the late Murali, in Idhayam, Idhaya struggles to express his feelings to the women he loves. The story revolves around whether he finally finds the courage to confess his love and discover his true soulmate.
The narrative begins aboard a flight, where Idhaya and his friends recount his life story to Surya (Fahadh Faasil). From there, the film travels through Idhaya's childhood, school days, college life and his various crushes.
Idhayam Murali review
Director Akash Bhaskaran keeps the narrative engaging in parts, particularly the scenes featuring Fahadh Faasil. His character is among the best-written in the film and adds much-needed freshness whenever he appears on screen. However, the film is weighed down by several cringeworthy dialogues and scenes that may not appeal to today's audience.
Atharvaa and Preity Mukundhan in Idhayam Murali
The central theme has been explored numerous times in Indian cinema, and Idhayam Murali does little to break new ground. While it delivers a few heartfelt moments, the screenplay remains predictable, making the overall experience an average one. Among the performances, Preity Mukundan impresses the most with her dual roles as Samantha and Samyuktha. Following the success of Blast, she once again delivers a confident performance.
Atharvaa does a decent job portraying a confused lover, though the role doesn't offer enough scope for him to leave a lasting impact. Thaman's music is one of the film's biggest highlights, with several melodious songs enhancing the romantic mood. Manoj Paramahamsa's cinematography, especially the visuals shot in foreign locations, adds richness to the film's presentation.
Verdict
Idhayam Murali works in parts and offers a few emotionally engaging moments. However, its lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes and predictable screenplay prevent it from becoming a memorable romantic drama. A tighter edit could have significantly improved the overall experience. Idhayam Murali is a strictly average watch that may appeal to viewers looking for a light, nostalgic romantic drama.
