My film with Atharvaa will be in the Dil Chahta Hai zone: Aakash Baskaran

Atharvaa’s new romcom has a title that pays homage to his father, late actor Murali’s 1991 film Idhayam. “Idhayam Murali is the right title for our film, as it highlights its feel-good nature. When we think about one-sided love, we always think of Idhayam Murali. My lead character is similar to Murali sir’s character in that film. And since Atharvaa is acting as the lead, there is also that personal connection,” elaborates first-time filmmaker Aakash Baskaran.
However, he adds, “The story is not just about one-sided love; it’s about betrayal, friendship, heartbreak, fun, and many other emotions. It will be in a zone that’s similar to Dil Chahta Hai.”
Preity Mukhundhan and Kayadu Lohar will be playing the female leads in the film, which, Aakash says, will be a “feel-good romcom about friendships”. Pragya Nagra is also playing a crucial role.
Popular singer Jonita Gandhi was roped in to make her acting debut with Walking Talking Strawberry Icecream, which was announced in 2021.
Thaman returns to acting after 22 years!
Interestingly, music composer Thaman S is also part of the cast of the film, which will mark his return to acting after 22 years, after Shankar’s Bo y s (2003). The director says, “Thaman was initially hesitant to act, but when I narrated the script to him, he agreed. He is playing the character of Atharvaa’s friend, and will be in almost every scene.”
However, with that film now in production limbo, this film is all set to become the Arabic Kuthu singer’s first film as an actress. Popular influencer Niharika NM is also a part of the cast, and Akash tells us, “We have seen them act in reels and on social media. So, I had confidence they would act well and that’s exactly what happened.”
“About 40-50 per cent of the film’s shoot has already been completed. We have already shot two songs, including a wedding song with the entire cast. Atharvaa is currently shooting for Parasakthi and will rejoin our film’s shoot soon. We are planning to shoot in New York for 20 days in April,” informs Aakash, who is also producing the film. He admits that it is hard to take on both the roles, and explains, “The director thinks creatively and dreams big, and it would take a high budget to achieve that vision. So, I have to find the balance between the producer and director in me.”