Athiradi Review: Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph’s Gen Z-coded ego clash is a one-time entertainer

Athiradi, starring Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph in the lead roles, is slated to release on May 14, 2026, with premiere shows having begun on May 13. Directed by Minnal Murali co-writer Arun Anirudhan in his directorial debut, the movie is co-produced by Basil himself.

If you’re planning to watch the movie in theaters this week, here’s the Pinkvilla review for you to check out.

The Plot

Athiradi follows the story of Samkutty, an enthusiastic and overzealous college student who falls in love with his classmate. Over time, he gains popularity among his peers and decides to revive a long-banned festival at his college.

However, the festival was banned years ago due to the involvement of Sreekuttan Vellayani, a local goon and aspiring singer. As the festival update spreads, the two become involved in a fiery feud that can only end in a full-blown brawl. What happens between them, along with the lore behind the festival’s ban, is explored in the movie.

What works in Athiradi

Athiradi is a brain-rot action comedy entertainer centered around the ego clash between two men. With Tovino Thomas playing the prime antagonist, the actor manages to capture the audience’s attention more than anyone else.

The movie’s charm lies in its vibrancy and the momentum it maintains throughout the narration. While the screenplay does falter at times, it still provides a sense of entertainment that makes the experience worthwhile.

Although the musical tracks miss the mark, Vishnu Vijay succeeds with the background score. Moreover, the cinematography and editing also help make the movie engaging.

What doesn’t work in Athiradi

While the movie is clearly about a feud that spirals out of proportion, there are moments when it fails to hit the mark. Logic goes out the window within the first half itself, and there are instances where the overzealous nature of Basil’s character becomes irritating.

The lack of character depth hinders the narration and prevents the venture from becoming a thoroughly enjoyable experience. However, the interval block and the second half do add a layer of flavor that remains relevant to the narrative.

Moreover, while the makers attempt to capture Gen-Z elements, the movie fails to fully understand the concept, much like many others.

The Performances

Tovino Thomas commands attention with his charming character. The actor successfully pulls off a unique look and accent that stand in contrast to his real-life persona, yet he makes them feel natural.

On the other hand, although Basil Joseph has consistently shone with his natural performances, this time he fails to deliver to the fullest extent. While his attire and look suit the role of a college student, his cringeworthy moments and dialogues hinder the overall experience.

Additionally, with Vineeth Sreenivasan playing a pivotal character, Shaan Rahman provides several fun moments. A few cameos also add to the film’s entertainment value.

Watch the trailer for Athiradi

The Verdict

Athiradi is an entertaining and fun watch that does not delve too deeply into details. While some viewers may find its brain-rot elements off-putting, it still remains an engaging experience.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Pinkvilla. No statement in this article is intended to defame, harm, or malign any individual or entity.

ALSO READ: Suriya’s Karuppu director RJ Balaji responds to backlash on comment against ‘dissecting’ films on social media