Malayalam cinema loves a good ego clash — and Athiradi delivers exactly that, wrapped in Gen Z aesthetics and campus chaos. But does it fully deliver? Let’s break it down.
Athiradi Review — Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Athiradi |
| Director | Arun Anirudhan |
| Cast | Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Riya Shibu, Shaan Rahman, Darshana Rajendran |
| Writer | Arun Anirudhan, Paulson Skaria |
| Release Date | May 14, 2026 |
| Rating | ⭐ 3/5 |
| Verdict | One-Time Watch |
What Is Athiradi About?
Athiradi follows Samkutty, an enthusiastic college student who falls in love with his classmate and gradually rises to popularity, eventually deciding to revive a long-banned college festival. The ban was triggered years ago by a local goon and aspiring singer named Sreekuttan Vellayani, and when news of the festival spreads, the two men get locked in a fiery feud that spirals into a full-blown brawl.
It’s a classic rivalry story — think two roosters, one campus, zero chill.
The ego clash at the heart of the film is what makes Athiradi click in parts — and stumble in others.
What Works & What Doesn’t
The film’s charm lies in its vibrancy and the momentum it maintains throughout. While the screenplay falters at times, it still delivers enough entertainment to make the experience worthwhile. The background score by Vishnu Vijay succeeds, and the cinematography and editing keep things engaging.
On the flip side, logic goes out the window within the first half, and the lack of character depth hinders the narration. The makers attempt to capture Gen Z elements but fall short of fully understanding the concept — much like many others who’ve tried before.
Performances: Who Shines, Who Stumbles
Tovino Thomas commands attention throughout — pulling off a unique look and accent that contrast his real-life persona while making them feel completely natural. Basil Joseph, usually a natural performer, struggles this time; his cringeworthy moments and dialogues weigh down the overall experience.
Vineeth Sreenivasan plays a pivotal role, while Shaan Rahman delivers fun moments. A few cameos also add to the entertainment value.
Ironically, Tovino playing the antagonist ends up being the most watchable part of a film headlined by someone else.
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Athiradi is an entertaining, fun watch that doesn’t dig too deep. While its brain-rot elements may put off some viewers, the interval block and second half add a layer of flavour that keeps things relevant. It’s a one-time watch — nothing more, nothing less.
Rating: 3/5 — Switch your brain off, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride.
