“Idhayam Murali” – Film’s Thanksgiving Event!!
Produced by Dawn Pictures, written and directed by Akash Bhaskaran, and starring Atharvaa Murali, the film “Idhayam Murali” was released in theaters worldwide on July 10th. It has achieved success by garnering immense praise from both audiences and critics. Red Giant Movies released the film globally, with Inban Udhayanidhi presenting it.
Following the film’s tremendous reception, the film crew met with friends from the print and electronic media to express their gratitude. Speaking at the event,
Chinni Jayanth said…
“First, I must thank the film’s director, Akash Bhaskaran. Many in today’s generation tend to forget the past, but the credit for beautifully reviving those old emotions and memories and bringing them to the screen goes entirely to Director Akash Bhaskaran.
Working with Atharvaa was a truly special experience for me. I felt the same connection with him that I had felt while acting alongside his father, Murali. That is why I am deeply grateful to the director for bringing me on board for this film. He has crafted every scene with great care and exquisite taste.
Every artist involved in this film has performed exceptionally well; I offer my heartfelt appreciation to them all. The lead actress, in particular, gave a wonderful performance, as did the actress who played the doctor. I also commend Thaman, who has proven his talent not only as a music composer but also as an actor. It also brings me great joy to see Sudhakar—whom I had once praised on the ‘Talent Hunt’ show—rise to become an excellent actor today.
Director Akash Bhaskaran deserves praise for his initiative in bringing together a diverse cast—including veteran artists, newcomers, and YouTube influencers—and giving them all an opportunity in a single film. Watching the movie gave me the feeling of watching a high-quality Hindi film. I hope this team continues to create good films together. Such quality films bring immense benefits to Tamil cinema, not just artistically but commercially as well. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the film crew for giving me this opportunity.” Executive Producer Krishna spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. The film ‘Idhayam Murali’ has been a journey spanning nearly a year for us. Directing a film and producing one are individually huge challenges. However, I must first congratulate Akash Bhaskaran—who handled both roles simultaneously and successfully—for executing the project so well.
The reason this film evokes a sense of nostalgia for many is the director’s meticulous attention to the small, cherished details he observed in his own life and captured on screen. His ‘micro-detailing’—such as deciding exactly where to place items like a cassette or a Coke can and how to frame them—is a major strength of this film. The contributions of cinematographers Manoj and Sai, who beautifully brought these visuals to life, were crucial. Similarly, Production Designer Karthik worked with great dedication on this film, despite his busy schedule.
Music director Thaman is known primarily for composing music for ‘mass’ commercial films. However, it is our wish that he continues to score for emotional films like ‘Idhayam Murali’, just as he did for movies like ‘Eeram’ and ‘Aalavandhan’.
There is no need to say much about Atharvaa; for the past 15 years, he has maintained his appearance, fitness, and acting skills with remarkable discipline. That serves as a great inspiration to our team. Working with Natty was a wonderful experience; the stories he shared about his journey from cinematographer to actor taught us a great deal.
Rakshan, Angel, Dravid, Sudhakar, and the rest of the cast turned the shooting spot into a lively, college-like atmosphere. The entire shoot took place in a very joyful environment. We will also soon be releasing a ‘bloopers’ video from the schedule shot in America.” …we have planned.
Stunt Master Peter Hein, Editor Pradeep, and the entire technical crew have made outstanding contributions. Sudhakar, in particular, has greatly captivated audiences in theaters. We are confident that he will certainly fill the void for a great entertainer in the Tamil film industry.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all our friends in the press, media, and new media who helped take this film to the public in a genuine and sincere manner. I also extend my gratitude to everyone involved—our technical team, distributors, Think Music, Netflix, the post-production team, assistant directors, and the management team. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to the fans and everyone else who made the movie ‘Idhayam Murali’ a success.”
Speaking on behalf of Think Music, Santhosh said…
“Greetings to everyone. I am delighted to have worked on the film ‘Idhayam Murali.’ The decision to use the tagline ‘Murali Reunion’ for this event is also very…”
It is a perfect fit.
When I first met director Akash Bhaskaran, he played only the scratch tracks of the film’s songs for me. He didn’t even reveal who the music composer was at that time. Yet, the tunes felt incredibly fresh and unique. Later, discovering that Thaman was the composer evoked a pleasant sense of nostalgia in me, as Think Music had released the music for his debut film. I am delighted to be collaborating with him again after such a long gap.
The film features a total of seven songs. Often, not all the songs announced for a film make it to the final cut; however, director Akash kept his initial promise and utilized all seven songs fully in the movie. The beautiful picturization of these songs is a major strength of this album. With Idhayam Murali, we are witnessing a complete musical album after a long time. I am confident that this will be one of the most streamed Tamil film music albums of the year.
Composer Thaman has worked with great dedication on this album. He spent months crafting the music, starting from the scratch tracks well before filming began. Similarly, lyricists Vivek and Aadesh Krishna have penned excellent lyrics. The album offers a truly wholesome musical experience.
Think Music has a history of collaborating on the debut films of many new directors. It is a pleasure to add director Akash Bhaskaran’s debut film to that list.
This also brings back fond memories involving Atharvaa; Think Music had released the music for his debut film, Baana Kaathadi, as well. That is why this film truly gives us a sense of a ‘reunion.’
Natti Sir has captivated everyone with his performance. Similarly, the entire supporting cast—including Rakshan, Dravid, and Angel, who played Atharvaa’s friends—has performed exceptionally well. I extend my heartfelt wishes and gratitude to the entire team behind this film.”
Writer Ramanagirivasan spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. First, I must express my gratitude to Mayilanthiran; he was the one who introduced me to director Aakash Bhaskaran. I also thank Aakash. More importantly, I want to extend special thanks to Praveen, who worked very closely with me on this film for a year and a half.
Throughout this eighteen-month journey, Praveen constantly encouraged me regarding the dialogues. Usually, for big films, we write pages upon pages of dialogue. However, for this movie, the director was very clear: even if we wrote five or six pages, if only five words made it to the screen, those words had to be essential to the story.
One question we discussed right from our first meeting was, ‘Why doesn’t the protagonist confess his love?’ We spent a year and a half searching for the answer to that question. As the film neared its release, we decided that the reason needed to be revealed—at least in the trailer.
After considering various ideas, the dialogue Aakash finally accepted was: ‘I couldn’t express my love… and I couldn’t even explain the reason why I couldn’t express it.’ That single line perfectly captured the emotional essence of the story and the core meaning of the title, Idhayam Murali.
The biggest reason behind the success of this film is the unity and friendship within the team.” “Since four friends who studied in the same class—the director, cinematographer, associate director, and co-writer—worked together, there was a wonderful, positive energy on the film set and during story discussions.
We often debated and discussed various matters openly with Aakash. Ultimately, all those discussions paved the way for the film’s success. Seeing this success today, I am just as happy as you are. I offer my heartfelt wishes for this successful journey to continue.”
Lyricist Aadesh Krishna said:
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to Director Aakash Bhaskaran for giving me the opportunity to work on a beautiful film like Idhayam Murali and on its wonderful songs. I also thank Think Music, as well as Magesan and Santhosh, for their constant support throughout this journey.
Working with music composer Thaman was a delightful experience for me. He is not just a composer but someone who interacts in a fun, brotherly manner. I cherished every moment of working with him. I am deeply moved by the support fans have shown for the song ‘Vaama Vaama.’ Thank you sincerely for that love and reception; I request you to continue extending your support. My best wishes to the entire cast and crew of Idhayam Murali. Thank you.”
Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa said:
“Greetings to everyone. We all… Director Aakash Bhaskaran…”
We jokingly call Karan the ‘Headmaster.’ There is a reason for that. I have known about this story since 2018, and he has been tirelessly striving to make this film a reality ever since. Akash is a very quiet and innocent person. Despite his innocent nature, he refused to give up on his dream; ultimately, he stepped up as the producer himself to bring the film to life. From 2018 onwards, he would say every year, “We will start this film once we find a good producer and the right music director.” We waited for years. Now, those who see the film will surely regret having missed out on it earlier.
Through this film, we realized just how crucial a good music director is. Things really picked up pace after Thaman joined the project. Everyone knows how difficult it is to secure his music, given how busy he is in the Telugu film industry. However, his involvement proved to be a massive strength for the film. In particular, the songs he composed have received a tremendous reception from audiences in theaters.
I was one of the people who strongly urged Akash to produce this film himself. During a promotional shoot in the US, drawing on my experience working with major production houses, I noticed that they often gave low priority to romantic stories. I told him then, “You can only create the film exactly as you envision it if you produce it yourself.” That decision laid the foundation for today’s success.
In film production today, a large portion of the budget often goes toward actors’ salaries. However, Akash decided not to compromise on the production quality required for a good story. That is truly commendable and sets a great example for new producers. Grand sets were erected at various locations for this film. “Even though some scenes appeared on screen for only a few minutes, they were created with significant investment and without any compromise. I wish for more producers with such dedication to come forward.
I had previously worked with Atharvaa on a music album. Even back then, I felt that a talented actor like him deserved a massive hit film. I am overjoyed that ‘Idhayam Murali’ has brought him that success today; it is a victory he truly deserves.
Both female leads worked with great dedication from the very beginning. Although they grew in their careers and worked on other films over these two years, they extended their full cooperation to this project. Their acting, screen presence, and chemistry with the lead actor were key factors in the film’s success.
The actors playing the friends kept the atmosphere on set lively. Everyone, including Natty Sir, offered their full cooperation. Working with the entire technical and production team was an unforgettable experience. We are celebrating this success with the same enthusiasm one feels when starting a new film. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this movie.”
Music Director S. Thaman said…
“Some opportunities come only once in a lifetime. ‘Idhayam Murali’ was one such opportunity.
I never imagined Manoj would speak so emotionally. Our journey began with the film ‘Eeram’. When we showed the test shoot for that film to Shankar Sir, many didn’t believe in the concept of ‘water as the villain.’ However, Manoj visualized that world so convincingly that he made everyone believe in it. It is that very journey that has brought us to ‘Idhayam Murali’ today.” My heartfelt thanks to Manoj for that.
I first encountered the story of this film through a short trailer. My friend Deepan sent me a concept trailer created by director Akash. Upon seeing the trailer—beautifully crafted with CGI and 2D visuals—I decided immediately that I simply had to compose the music for this film. Although another composer had initially been considered, I was so drawn to the story that I told Akash, “If I compose the music, I am also willing to act in the film.” I simply wanted to be a part of such a beautiful love story. “Thangame” was the first song created after that decision; that marked the beginning of this musical journey. Subsequently, the entire album took shape beautifully.
To be honest, I never had any intention of acting. Had Manoj not insisted, I certainly wouldn’t have done it. I always arrive on set as a music composer; the thought of appearing as an actor never crossed my mind. However, Akash managed to convince me. Working alongside Preethi, Kayadu, Niharika, Angel, and the rest of the cast was a delightful experience. They always kept the atmosphere on the set lively and energetic.
It was also a pleasure to team up with Natty Sir again. Having worked with him previously, I knew his performance in this film…”I was confident it would turn out well. At the same time, Rakshan and Dravid gave us a hard time—in a fun way. They would talk excessively, especially during the dubbing sessions, delaying the final stages of production. Yet, those moments remain among the happy memories we shared on set.
Atharvaa is a wonderful person; working with him was a delightful experience. He is someone who uplifts everyone around him with his constant positivity and cheerful nature. Working with the entire team was an unforgettable experience. Everyone worked on this film as if it were their own, and that dedication is what has translated into this success today.
I am thrilled by the reception fans have given to the film’s songs and background score. For a music composer, there is no greater satisfaction than this. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this success possible—Director Akash Bhaskaran, the production team, the cast, the technicians, the fans who celebrated the film, and our friends in the media.
‘Idhayam Murali’ is a film born out of our collective love and belief. I hope you continue to share that love and support good cinema. Thank you, everyone.” Actor Madhan said:
“Greetings to everyone. I am very happy to have been a part of the film Idhayam Murali. The very title of the movie sparked a strong desire in me to act in it. This is because the film Idhayam, starring Murali Sir, remains a classic that lives on in everyone’s hearts to this day. It is a particularly beloved film for those of us who grew up in the 80s. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to play a significant role in a film that bears a title evoking such sentiments.
My heartfelt thanks to the director and producer, Akash Bhaskaran, for giving me this opportunity. I also extend my gratitude to the cinematographer, Atharvaa Sir, and the entire film crew. Thank you.”
Actor Natty said:
“Greetings to everyone. There is only one thing I need to say on this stage—thank you. First, my heartfelt thanks to the director and producer, Akash Bhaskaran, for this opportunity. I also express my gratitude to all the actors and actresses in the film, including Manoj Sir, Atharvaa Sir, Preethi Mukundhan, Kayadu, Angel, Rakshan, Sudhakar, and Dravid.
Everyone performed their assigned roles exceptionally well, which is why the film has turned out so beautifully. The production team—including Krishna Sir and Jojo Sir—was incredibly helpful throughout the shoot; their cooperation is unforgettable. The film’s greatest strength was that the entire team worked with shared enthusiasm and positive energy. That atmosphere is reflected in the movie itself. Once again, I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked towards this success. Thank you.” Madampatti Rangaraj spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. It is the friendship I share with producer-director Akash Bhaskaran that has brought me to this stage today. Whether it was his wedding reception, the wedding feast featured in the movie Idhayam Murali, or the event today, the fact that he remembers me every time is a true reflection of that friendship. I offer him my heartfelt thanks for that.
Idhayam Murali is a beautiful film. Akash has brilliantly demonstrated his talent in his debut as a director. I sincerely wish for him to continue directing quality films like this and secure a permanent place in the hearts of the audience. This film has also gifted me many good friends. I wish for Atharvaa-brother to have many more excellent films in his career and to scale even greater heights.
I extend my gratitude to Natti-anna and everyone who worked on this film. I am particularly happy to have played a small part alongside Rahul, Rakshan, Angeline, Sudhakar, and the rest of the team. My heartfelt thanks to everyone.”
Actress S.S.V. spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. I feel a bit nervous speaking on this stage. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone. First, I offer my heartfelt thanks to director-producer Akash Bhaskaran and Dawn Pictures for giving me the opportunity to act in the film Idhayam Murali. Sharing the screen with Atharvaa, Preethi, Dravid, Rakshan, Sudhakar, and the entire cast was a truly delightful experience for me. I will always cherish the memories of working with them. My heartfelt thanks go to the film Idhayam Murali and to the fans for the love they have shown it.” Actress Monisha said…
“Thank you, everyone. I am very happy to be returning to the film industry with the movie ‘Idhayam Murali’. For that…”
“My heartfelt thanks to Director Akash Bhaskar for giving me this opportunity. I also extend my gratitude to the producers and the entire cast and crew of this film; this has been one of the best teams I have ever worked with.
Working with everyone—including Atharvaa, Preethi, Kayadu, Angeline, Dravid, Rakshan, and Natty Sir—was a truly delightful experience. I shared screen space with them, and everyone involved was incredibly kind and cooperative. I hope to have the chance to work with such a wonderful team again.
Even if you have already watched the movie ‘Idhayam Murali’, I encourage you to go see it in theaters once more. It is a beautiful film that everyone can enjoy. Once again, thank you sincerely for the love and support you have shown this movie.”
Actor, Assistant Director, and Dialogue Writer Dravid spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with friends from the press and media in person on a stage like this. I owe this heartfelt thanks to the film ‘Idhayam Murali’ and Director Akash Bhaskar.
When I came on board for this story, I felt the character was a perfect fit for me. My debut film, ‘Dude’, had received a good reception, and ‘Idhayam Murali’ began around the same time. Having worked primarily on YouTube, I harbored a deep desire to carve a niche for myself in cinema; films like ‘Dude’ and ‘Idhayam Murali’ fulfilled that aspiration. Today, I could even divide my life into the eras of ‘Before Idhayam Murali’ and ‘After Idhayam Murali’. It brings me immense joy to be recognized as a ‘cinema person’ today, having previously been known as a YouTuber.
We played the roles of friends in this movie.” In reality, it didn’t feel like we were acting; we lived as real-life friends. From day one, Atharvaa fostered a sense of closeness and freedom among us. Preethi, Gayathri, Angel, Rakshan, Sudhakar, and I—we were truly like a family.
Whenever Natti Sir arrived, he would tease us. Manoj Sir was our true ‘Headmaster’; the moment he walked in, we would all buckle down and work properly. At the same time, I learned a great deal from him. I am grateful to him for looking after us like children.
We miss Sai Brother dearly. Working with Thaman Anna was also an unforgettable experience; he has elevated the film to great heights. Despite being such a renowned music composer, he is an incredibly humble and calm person. He never gets flustered in any situation; instead, he instills confidence by saying, “We can get it done.” That very nature of his is reflected in the character he played in this film.
Although Madhampatti Rangaraj Sir played a small role, it was highly impactful. Similarly, Bhagath Sir demonstrated how to capture the audience’s attention even with a brief appearance.
Director Akash Baskaran placed his trust in me, entrusting me with responsibilities not just as an actor, but also as an assistant director and dialogue writer. He even gave me complete creative freedom for certain scenes. I will never forget that trust.
I learned a lot from the film’s lead dialogue writer, Ramana Girivasan Sir, as well as Associate Directors Praveen and Senthil Anna. I will always remain indebted to Director Akash Baskaran for bringing me on board as an assistant director, launching me as an actor, and giving me the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue writing. This journey will remain a pivotal part of my life. My heartfelt thanks to everyone. Actor Rakshan said:
“Greetings to everyone. Generally, I have spoken a lot on stage as an anchor. However, speaking as a guest like this makes me feel a bit nervous.
Regarding Idhayam Murali—people often wonder what it would be like if close friends came together to make a movie. But this film is the exact opposite; it was only after acting in this movie that we all became close friends.
I value people deeply, and in that sense, the greatest gift this film gave me is these beautiful friendships. First, I must thank director Akash Bhaskar. He contacted me the night before filming began, and I joined the shoot directly the next morning. Initially, I was anxious about what the team would be like, but that fear vanished immediately because the entire crew was so fun-loving and affectionate.
I am delighted to have worked with Atharvaa. The experience of working with everyone—including Preethi and Gayathrie—was truly pleasant. New actors kept joining the project throughout, and the set was always full of energy. Niharika, Junaitha, Angel, and everyone else were part of that joyful atmosphere.
To be captured—even in just a corner of a frame—by cinematographer Manoj Sir…”
It gives me great joy to have been a part of this project. I thank him for that.
My thanks go to Associate Directors Senthil, Praveen, Girish, and Maddy, as well as all the assistant directors. I also thank the production team and stunt master Peter Hein. Working on this film gave me experience across various departments.
Director Akash led the shoot with great composure and confidence. Much like in the film Jigarthanda, he allowed us the freedom to perform naturally and then beautifully integrated everything during the editing process. Thaman’s music is a massive strength for this film; his score has infused the movie with a unique energy. Whether I spoke less on screen or more on the set, Thaman was the reason behind it—he was always full of enthusiasm.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks to my friends in the press and media. You are the ones who noticed even the smallest details at every stage of my journey, offered your support, and took me to the public. Thank you for extending that same support to the film Idhayam Murali. I will always cherish this film crew and the movie Idhayam Murali with all my heart. Thank you, everyone.”
Actor Sudhakar spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. First, I offer my heartfelt thanks to Director Akash Bhaskaran for giving me the opportunity to be part of a wonderful film like Idhayam Murali. This opportunity came at a time when I was wondering whether I should stick to comedy roles or explore different kinds of characters. I am happy that I made good use of this chance.
By nature, I am a very quiet person and don’t talk much. However, on the set of this film, everyone made me feel comfortable and at ease, making me feel like part of a group of friends. I thank the entire film crew for that.” My thanks to everyone, including Kayathu, Preethi, Sai, Jojo, and Manoj Sir. Writing a comedy scene is one thing; filming it correctly and enhancing it further through editing is quite another. Manoj Sir, Editor Pradeep, and the technical crew have done an excellent job. I am also grateful to the director for ensuring that none of my scenes were cut.
I must make special mention of Dravid. He spoke with great emotion, and we shared that same sentiment. We had been waiting a long time for success, and this year, the films Dude and Idhayam Murali have brought us that joy. The dialogues written by Dravid and the conversations we shared played a major role in making my comedy scenes in this film turn out so well.
I have played serious roles as well, but I derive complete satisfaction from performing comedic characters. I often lose sleep the night before a serious scene, whereas I feel incredibly free and happy when performing comedy.
I may have inadvertently missed mentioning some people. I apologize to everyone—Rakshan, Angelin, Madhampatti Rangaraj, Natty Sir, Ramanagirivasan Sir, and Chinni Jayanth Sir. Chinni Jayanth Sir encouraged me years ago by saying, “If you enter cinema, you will achieve great heights,” and I am reminded of that today.
The story discussions with Ramanagirivasan Sir were fascinating; even just a few days of discussion allowed me to learn a great deal.
Working on this film didn’t feel like just acting in a movie; it felt like living a life. I feel a sense of sadness that the project has come to an end. I sincerely hope Akash Bhaskaran begins his next film soon. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave me this opportunity. Actress Kayadu Lohar said:
“‘Idhayam Murali’ was the first Tamil film I signed; therefore, it will always hold a special place in my heart. My heartfelt thanks to director Akash Bhaskaran for this opportunity. The love you have shown towards both the film and me is truly touching and heartwarming.
The character of ‘Amudha’ is very close to me. I loved everything about her—her innocence, inner strength, and emotions. I am grateful to the director and the entire film crew for trusting me with this role. When Akash first shared the story with me, he had envisioned me playing the character of ‘Sam,’ while Preethi had done a look test for ‘Amudha.’ Ultimately, everything fell into place, and I was delighted to land the role of ‘Amudha.’ It is a huge honor for me that so many people recognized and appreciated the actress within me through this character.
Cinematographer Manoj Sir has presented us beautifully on screen. My thanks go to Sai and the entire cinematography team. The film’s visuals, music, and technical quality are outstanding.
Thaman Sir’s music has elevated the film to a whole new level…”
I really love the entire album; it brings back sweet memories of the 2000s. My heartfelt thanks to him for the piano he gifted me as well.
Working with my co-stars—Atharvaa, Preethi, Dravid, Angeline, Rakshan, Natty Sir, Monisha, Yashasri, and the rest of the cast—was a delightful experience. I genuinely hope to work on another film with this team. Preethi is a very close friend of mine in the industry; thank you for always being someone I could lean on. You looked absolutely beautiful in this film.
Although I didn’t share many on-screen scenes with Atharvaa, I am happy that the emotions we tried to convey resonated with the audience. It was our dedication to the craft that truly shone through on screen. I hope for the opportunity to work with you again.
We worked on this film with genuine emotion and total dedication, and the audience has embraced that. That is why the film is receiving so much love. Even if you have already watched it, I encourage you to go see it in theaters once more.
My congratulations go to everyone who worked hard for this success—the cinematography team, assistant directors, lighting crew, and all the technicians. Let us celebrate this success together. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to my friends in the press and media, as well as to the fans.”
Actress Preethi Mukundhan spoke as follows:
“Hello everyone. It has been two and a half years since the journey of this film began. Standing here on stage now, reflecting on the time we spent working together and wanting to thank everyone, I find myself at a loss for words.
First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to director Aakash Bhaskaran. Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I fell in love with the story the very moment I heard it.” I was given the choice between the characters of ‘Sam’ and ‘Amudha’. It was a very difficult decision because both roles were beautifully written. However, when I watched the finished film on screen, I enjoyed it not just as an actress, but as a fan. It gave me immense satisfaction to know that I was part of such a beautiful and heartwarming film. I am delighted that we all worked together on this wonderful project.
Although Akash Sir is the producer, one can sense throughout the film that his true passion lies in direction. The minute details he incorporated into the story reveal his dedication. I congratulate him on delivering such a beautiful creation in his very first film and look forward to many more excellent films from him.
My heartfelt thanks to cinematographers Manoj Sir and Sai. One day during the shoot, I asked Manoj Sir, “Sir, how do you make every frame look so beautiful, like a painting?” Each scene felt natural yet poetic at the same time. They beautifully conveyed emotions and the story itself through the visuals. Thank you for making us all look so beautiful on screen.
My thanks to everyone in the group of friends featured in this film. You transformed the shoot from a mere job into a family-like experience. Angelin, you are a truly sweet and talented person. You think with a maturity far beyond your years, and I believe you have a bright future ahead.
Dravid, you excelled not only as an actor but also as a writer for this film. I knew even during the shoot that you would go far. I eagerly look forward to your future works. Rakshan, I didn’t realize it at first, but as time went on, you warmly welcomed me and accepted me as one of your own. Thank you for that.
Sudhakar, you are a very talented artist. I really like your videos. While watching the movie, just like other fans, I too found myself rooting most enthusiastically for your character. Your scenes in this film have turned out wonderfully. I believe you will reach even greater heights.
Natty Sir, you brought that character to life so vividly, creating such a strong impact despite having limited screen time. I cannot imagine anyone else playing that role.
Gayathri, you are a truly kind person and a talented actress. I feel that casting you as ‘Amudha’ was the perfect decision; you portrayed the role beautifully. Thank you for always treating me with such kindness. People might compare us, but in reality, we genuinely wish for each other’s success. I sincerely hope you reach even greater heights.
Atharvaa… one of the finest human beings among the actors I have met.
You have always conducted yourself with great humility, treating everyone equally. You treated everyone with respect, never once acting like a big star. We became good friends, especially during the final stages of the film, and I hope this friendship lasts for a long time.
Thaman Sir’s music is the soul of this film. The entire album remains on my playlist; every song brings back memories of the shoot. My heartfelt thanks to him for breathing life into this movie. ‘Idhayam Murali’ is a film very close to all our hearts. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the fans and our friends in the press and media for their continued support.”
Actor Atharvaa Murali spoke as follows:
“Greetings to everyone. To be honest, I feel like I am standing at a reunion gathering where friends meet again on the last day after finishing school. That is the kind of beautiful journey we have shared with this film crew.
It has been three and a half years since the journey of ‘Idhayam Murali’ began. I first met director Aakash Bhaskaran back then; right from that initial meeting, he shared his vision regarding the film’s title, look, and emotional essence. I believe that today, we have successfully brought that dream to the screen exactly as we envisioned it.
First, my heartfelt thanks to all the friends in the press and media who helped turn this film into such a huge success. Your support has been a crucial factor in our ability to celebrate this success today.
My thanks go to producer Aakash Bhaskaran, Dawn Pictures, Vikram, and the entire production team. In this day and age, it is a significant achievement to come forward and produce such a colorful, heartwarming, and lighthearted love story.” They deserve appreciation for that. I also extend my thanks to Red Giant Movies for taking this film to audiences worldwide.
For a love story like this, the cinematographer’s role is crucial. When I asked Akash who the cinematographer would be, he mentioned Manoj Paramahamsa. I was delighted to hear that. I had previously worked with him on a single song, but this was my first opportunity to collaborate on an entire feature film. True to his promise of making everyone look stunning—”like a laddu“—he has indeed presented everyone beautifully on screen. My heartfelt thanks go to him and to Sai.
The filming process took place in a very joyful atmosphere. While some films require meticulous advance preparation for every scene, this one was different. We would arrive on set with an open mind and discuss the scenes right there. At times, we even altered the dialogues and improvised on the spot. The film includes many spontaneous moments created by the actors.
Editor Pradeep did a brilliant job crafting such a vast amount of footage into a cohesive two-hour-forty-five-minute film. I truly believe the movie took its final shape at the editing table; the dubbed footage alone exceeded four hours. My sincere thanks to Pradeep for editing it so beautifully.
Every line written by dialogue writer Ramanagirivasan was excellent. Many of the dialogues that captivated fans in the trailer were penned by him.
I also thank Santhosh from Think Music. He possesses the knack for taking a good film to the right audience and played a significant role in the film’s musical journey.
Initially, we planned for five songs, but as filming progressed, a sixth, seventh, and even an eighth song were added. “When I first heard the song ‘Idhaya’, I thought it was the best track in the movie. However, when the song ‘Idhayame Idhayame’ came along, it became my absolute favorite.
I was thrilled to learn that Thaman Sir was composing the music for this film. He also acted in the movie. Despite being such a busy music composer, he was always very cheerful and fun-loving on the set.
During the two-year-long shoot, we were all working on other films as well. Yet, whenever I had any doubts about this movie, I would turn to Thaman Sir. He would say just one word—‘Blockbuster… Blockbuster!’ Eventually, we too began to share that confidence. He placed immense faith in the film and offered tremendous support. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Thaman Sir for that.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire direction team. Krish, Praveen, and all the assistant directors worked with great dedication on this project. After a film wraps up, the feeling that ‘this journey has ended so soon’…”
Everyone experiences a sense of emptiness when something comes to an end. I can say with certainty that every member of the film crew felt that way when Idhayam Murali wrapped up.
We have a WhatsApp group dedicated to Idhayam Murali. One day, Akash sent a message there echoing the sentiments of the characters Idhaya and Jujju: “I don’t know what to do after 5 PM anymore; Idhayam Murali is over.” We all shared that exact feeling.
Today marks the final day of the film’s promotional events. The realization that we won’t be meeting this group so frequently anymore makes me quite emotional. I hope we get the chance to work together again in the future. Through this film, I gained a very close-knit group of friends. Dravid, Sudhakar, Rakshan, Angeline, Gayathu, Preethi, and Niharika—we all became like a family. At one point, a ‘boys’ group’ even formed among us. Sometimes, they didn’t even have any scenes to shoot, yet they would still show up on set. When I asked Rakshan one day, “You don’t have a scene today, do you?” he replied, “I just came for lunch.” That’s how much the set felt like home to everyone. Such an atmosphere doesn’t happen in every film; however, for this movie, the actors and technicians would all sit down and eat together every day. While it felt like a routine obligation at first, it eventually evolved into a genuine family feeling. The friendship visible on screen is the result of those little moments shared on set. This film has given me so many beautiful memories. The title Idhayam Murali is particularly close to my heart. When I first heard it, I asked Akash several times, “Will this really work?” The word ‘Idhayam’ usually brings to mind a deep, intense love story for everyone. However, we chose to tell a lighter love story, and I initially had doubts about whether that would work. But Akash said just one thing: “Trust me, brother… this will turn out to be a great film.” Today, he has fully delivered on that promise, and I offer him my heartfelt thanks. Our dream has come true only because all of you supported this film. I had intended for this title to serve as a small tribute to my father, Murali; Akash, as a friend, executed that beautifully, which brings me immense joy.
He created this film not only as a producer but also as a director, overcoming countless sleepless nights and numerous challenges to realize his dream. Seeing that effort succeed today brings a happiness that is truly unparalleled. My heartfelt thanks go to all the fans and friends from the press and media who have made Idhayam Murali a success. Director Akash Bhaskaran spoke as follows:
“First, my heartfelt thanks to all my friends in the press and media. You took this film to the people and offered positive reviews and support; I am sincerely grateful for that.
Likewise, I thank the fans. After the film’s release, many messaged me directly, saying, ‘This movie reminded us of our school and college days.’ Those words represent the greatest praise this film has received.
Atharvaa sir has been with me on this journey from day one. He stood by me through all the ups and downs—not just as an actor, but as a friend. My heartfelt thanks to him.
Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa sir extended his full support to this film from the very beginning. Despite having worked on massive projects, he dedicated the same level of commitment to our smaller film. I thank him for that.
Thaman sir placed immense faith in this film. His music gave the movie a unique identity. Wherever he went, he spoke proudly about it—whether in Hyderabad or Mumbai, the conversation always turned to Idhayam Murali. I thank him for that belief and support.
Sai took on multiple roles in this film—not just as a cinematographer but also as a production manager, executive producer, and assistant director. He handled everything, even securing call sheets for the actors at times; he was particularly helpful in coordinating Gayathri’s schedule. He is a very close friend of mine, and it was a pleasure working with him.
Initially, I didn’t spend much time with editor Pradeep. However, the film turned out so perfectly because we sat and worked together continuously during the final three months. His experience was a tremendous asset to the film.
The sets created by production designer Karthik sir further enhanced the film’s beauty. Key locations—such as the rooftop and terrace areas—were all his…” The result of hard work.
My thanks to fashion designer Pallavi Ma’am, Meenakshi, and their team.
Even while working on other projects with stars, they dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to our film.
I also extend my thanks to poster designer Kabilan, who has been working with me since my short film days. Similarly, my heartfelt thanks go to Suren for doing an excellent job with the final sound mixing.
Dialogue writer Ramanagirivasan Sir was a great mentor to me. We would discuss every scene in detail; he would create a draft, and we would refine it further. His contribution to the film’s dialogues was crucial.
I am delighted to have introduced several new faces through this film. We brought Gayathri Logar to Chennai for auditions; she was already popular on social media at the time. Today, she is acting as a lead actress in many films, and I feel proud to see her growth. This was also Niharika’s debut film, and she is now working on multiple projects. Preethi Mukundhan was also relatively new to cinema back then, but today she is emerging as an excellent actress.
This film marked an important beginning for Monisha and Angelin as well; they all worked with great dedication. We initially brought Dravit on board as an actor, but he later became a huge help to us as an assistant director and in writing dialogues. His talent proved incredibly valuable to the film.
My thanks go to all the assistant directors and crew members who worked on this film.
Released on July 10th, the film has received a tremendous reception worldwide and is running successfully in theaters.
