Hrudhayam Murali Review: Atharvaa Wins Hearts, But Does the Film Live Up to the Hype?

Movie Name: Hrudhayam Murali

Release Date: July 11, 2026
Starring: Atharvaa, Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, Fahadh Faasil, Natty, Thaman S, Niharika NM, and Others
Director: Aakash Baskaran
Producer: Aakash Baskaran
Music Director: Thaman S
Cinematographers: Manoj Paramahamsa, CH Sai
Editor: Pradeep E Ragav

Related Links: Trailer

Hrudhayam Murali, featuring Atharvaa, Preity Mukhundhan, and Kayadu Lohar in the lead roles, has arrived in theatres today in its Telugu version. With Thaman playing a key role, the film generated decent curiosity before its release. But does it deliver? Here's our review.

Story:

Hrudhay (Atharvaa) is an introverted young man who has been shy since childhood. His inability to express his emotions causes him to miss out on several meaningful relationships. During his teenage years, he falls deeply in love with Samantha (Preity Mukhundhan) but never gathers the courage to confess his feelings.

Later, Aamudha (Kayadu Lohar) enters his life, and once again, Hrudhay falls in love. However, he repeats the same mistake, letting another important relationship slip away. Every woman who becomes a part of his life eventually turns into a cherished memory. How does someone like Hrudhay deal with life? Who does he finally end up marrying? The answers unfold in the rest of the story.

Plus Points:

Atharvaa delivers a commendable performance in Hrudhayam Murali. He handles both the comic and emotional portions with confidence, making his character feel natural throughout. The way he brings subtle variations to his performance across different stages of the story deserves appreciation. His body language perfectly suits the role, and his comic timing during the romantic track with Preity Mukhundhan works really well.

Kayadu Lohar does complete justice to her role and shines in the emotionally intense sequences. Natty is impressive in a crucial character, while Fahadh Faasil's cameo adds good value to the film. His scene with Atharvaa is one of the highlights. Thaman also performs effectively as the hero's friend.

Niharika NM, Rakshana, Dravid Selvan, Angelin, Anju Kurian, Sudhakar, Yashashree, Jonita Gandhi, and the rest of the supporting cast perform their roles well. Aakash Baskaran's music, especially the theme score, enhances several emotional and romantic moments. The film also does a good job of portraying the emotional struggles of a reserved person in love and how his relationships gradually evolve.

Minus Points:

While the hero's characterization and emotional moments are well-written, not every idea is executed effectively on screen. The second half, in particular, could have benefited from a tighter and more engaging screenplay.

The love story between Atharvaa and the main female lead needed stronger development. A few scenes move at a slow pace, and the editing could have been sharper. Although the film boasts vibrant visuals, some underwhelming moments reduce their overall impact.

Technical Aspects:

Director Aakash Baskaran does a decent job overall. While a few sequences fail to leave a strong impression, the film remains engaging for most of its runtime, thanks to its emotional core. Thaman's background score complements the narrative well, and the cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa and CH Sai is visually pleasing, with several beautifully shot scenes. The editing could have been better, but the production values are excellent.

Verdict:

Overall, Hrudhayam Murali is a decent romantic drama that is lifted by Atharvaa's sincere performance, its emotional theme, and several heartfelt moments. The climax leaves a positive impression, but the stretched second half and a few routine sequences prevent the film from reaching its full potential. Even so, fans of romantic dramas and rom-coms can give this one a watch.