Athiran

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox film | name = Athiran | image = Athiran film poster.jpg | alt = | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Vivek | producer = [[Raju Mathew]] | screenplay = [[P. F. Mathews]] Ajai Rahul | story = Vivek | starring = [[Fahadh Faasil]] [[Sai Pallavi]] [[Atul Kulkarni]] [[Renji Panicker]] | narrator = | music = '''Songs:''' [[P S Jayhari]] '''Score:''' [[Ghibran]] | cinematography = Anu Moothedath | editing = Ayoob Khan | studio = Century Investments | distributor = Century Films | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2019|4|12}} | runtime = 136 minutes | country = India | language = [[Malayalam]] | budget =  | gross =  }}

'''''Athiran''''' is a 2019 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[psychological thriller]] film directed by Vivek and written by [[P. F. Mathews]] from a story by Vivek. It was produced by [[Raju Mathew]] through his production company Century Investments. The film stars [[Fahadh Faasil]] and [[Sai Pallavi]] with [[Atul Kulkarni]], [[Renji Panicker]], [[Shanthi Krishna]] and [[Sudev Nair]] in pivotal roles while [[Prakash Raj]] makes a cameo appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upcoming-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-film-titled-athiran-96935 |title=Upcoming Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi film is titled 'Athiran' |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218202027/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upcoming-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-film-titled-athiran-96935 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film features original songs composed by debutant P. S. Jayhari with a film score by [[Ghibran]]. The story is set in a psychiatric asylum.The film has many similarities with the 2014 [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] film ''[[Stonehearst Asylum]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece | title='Athiran' movie review: This Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi starrer is enticing, but falls short of expectations | newspaper=The Hindu | date=13 April 2019 | last1=Praveen | first1=S. R. }}</ref>

[[Principal photography]] began in November 2018 and was completed in January 2019 in a 55-day shoot, extensively shot in [[Ooty]]. The film was released on 12 April 2019 two days before the [[Vishu]] holiday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://silverscreen.in/movies/reviews/athiran-review-an-impressive-thriller-elevated-by-sai-pallavis-performance/|title=Athiran Review: An Impressive Thriller Elevated By Sai Pallavi's Performance|date=14 April 2019}}{{dead link|date=February 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece|title='Athiran' review: An enticing movie that falls short of expectations|first=S. r|last=Praveen|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 April 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416001902/http://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2019|title=Athiran review: An engaging psycho thriller|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2019/04/12/Athiran-review-Predictability-haunts-this-Fahadh-Faasil-starrer.html|title=Athiran review: This Fahadh-Sai Pallavi-starrer suffers from predictability|website=The Week}}</ref>

==Plot== {{Long plot|section|date=August 2020}} In 1967, a young girl named Nithya is found traumatized in the aftermath of her family’s murder and is believed to be mentally ill and dangerous. Years later, psychiatrist Dr. Kannan Nair visits a remote mental asylum run by Dr. Benjamin, where Nithya is secretly confined. Nair becomes suspicious of Benjamin’s methods and investigates the asylum, eventually becoming emotionally attached to Nithya and believing she is being wrongfully treated.

As events escalate, Nair discovers hidden areas of the asylum and a diary revealing Nithya’s past, including her royal lineage and traumatic history. Tensions rise as he tries to free her, leading to violent confrontations and an escape attempt.

In a final twist, it is revealed that “Dr. Nair” was actually Vinayan, Nithya’s cousin and a psychiatric patient suffering from schizophrenia. Much of what was shown, including parts of the asylum and Lakshmi’s presence, were hallucinations. Vinayan is revealed to have committed murders in the past, while Nithya was not the killer. The real Dr. Kannan Nair later exposes Vinayan’s actions, while Vinayan and Nithya are ultimately shown living together in isolation.

==Cast== *[[Fahadh Faasil]] as Dr. M. K Nair (Fake)/Vinayan, who suffers [[Schizophrenia]] and [[Delusion|Delusions]] **Master Iihan as Young Vinayan *[[Sai Pallavi]] as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Karthika Thirunaal Nithya Lakshmi alias "Nithya", Vinayan's cousin turned wife, Jayanarayana Varma's daughter, who has [[Autism]] *[[Atul Kulkarni]] as Dr. Benjamin Diaz *[[Renji Panicker]] as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Jaya Narayana Varma, Nithya's father and Vinayan's uncle *[[Sudev Nair]] as Jeevan Thomas, Nithya mental asylum friend, who suffers [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder|Hyperacivity Disorder]] *[[Shanthi Krishna]] as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Lakshmi, Vinayan's mother, Nithya's aunt and Jayanarayana Varma's sister *[[Lena (actress)|Lena]] as Renuka, Dr. Benjamin's secret girlfriend *[[Nandu (Malayalam actor)|Nandu]] as Avarachan *[[Leona Lishoy]] as Anna Maria, a patient who suffers [[Hysteria]] *[[Surabhi Lakshmi]] as Vadakkedath Kamala Lakshmi, a patient who suffers [[Borderline personality disorder|Borderline Personality Disorder]] *[[Vijay Menon]] as Professor P. Subrahmanya Iyer, a patient who suffers [[Dissociative disorder|Dissociative Disorder]] *[[Prakash Raj]] as the Real Dr. M. K. Nair (Cameo appearance)

==Production== The title of the film was announced on 17 February 2019 alongside the first official poster. ''Athiran'' marks the directorial debut of Vivek.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/17/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-starrer-titled-athiran-10152.html|title=Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi-starrer titled Athiran|website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=17 February 2019 |accessdate=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218082040/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/17/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-starrer-titled-athiran-10152.html|archive-date=18 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-athiran-first-look-released.html |title=Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi's Athiran first look released |access-date=17 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218141709/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-athiran-first-look-released.html |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to Vivek, the story was formed based on a real-life account combined with inspiration from a short story written by [[Edgar Allan Poe]]. He said: "the story idea came up after I went to a [[Kalari]] school in [[Thrippunithura]], Kerala, where [[Autism|autistic]] students were performing with the same prowess as the school's other students".<ref name="KT">{{cite news|last=Gokulan|first=Dhanusha|title=Newbie director says Fahadh Faasil 'picked him' for Athiran|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/south-stars/newbie-director-says-fahadh-faasil-picked-him-for-athiran|accessdate=10 May 2019|work=[[Khaleej Times]]|date=25 April 2019}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[P. F. Mathews]]. When Vivek briefed the story idea to Fahadh two-and-a-half years ago, it was Fahadh who introduced him Mathews. Vivek himself titled the film. Vivek cites ''[[Ulladakkam]]'', ''[[Sesham]]'', and ''[[Devadoothan]]'' as the major inspirations for the film, and were also inspired by ''[[Shutter Island (film)|Shutter Island]]'', ''[[A Cure for Wellness]]'', and ''[[Stonehearst Asylum]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Anjana Mary|title='Fahadh's 'Athiran' is not based on Martin Scorsese film'|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/2019/04/10/athiran-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-movie-director-vivek-on-shutter-island.html|accessdate=17 July 2019|work=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=10 April 2019}}</ref>

[[Principal photography]] began in November 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last=George|first=Anjana|title=Fahadh, Sai Pallavi team up for a romantic thriller|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-sai-pallavi-team-up-for-a-romantic-thriller/articleshow/66671518.cms|access-date=17 July 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 November 2018}}</ref> The film was extensively shot in [[Ooty]], Tamil Nadu. Filming was completed on 21 January 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-wrap-up-shoot-of-their-film/articleshow/67642979.cms|title=Fahadh Faasil, Sai Pallavi wrap up shoot of their film|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 January 2019 |access-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218204959/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-wrap-up-shoot-of-their-film/articleshow/67642979.cms|archive-date=18 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It took 55 days to complete the filming process.<ref name="KT"/> The film is set in a psychiatric facility.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fahadh and Sai Pallavi in 'high range' thriller|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/nov/21/fahadh-and-sai-pallavi-in-high-range-thriller-1900945.html|access-date=17 July 2019|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=21 November 2018}}</ref>

==Accolades== {|class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Award !Category !Recipient !Result !Notes |- |2020 |[[Asianet Film Awards|22nd Asianet Film Awards]] |Best Jury Award |[[K. S. Harisankar]] |{{Won}} | |}

==Music== {{Infobox album | name = Athiran | type = soundtrack | artist = [[P S Jayhari]] | cover = | released = 27 March 2019 | recorded = | venue = | studio = | genre = [[Filmi]] | length = {{Duration|10:58}} | language = [[Malayalam]] | label = [[Manorama Music]] | producer = | prev_title = | prev_year = | year = | next_title = | next_year = }} The film features three songs composed by debutant [[P S Jayhari]], who was supposed to debut with the same director's shelved film ''Aanenkilum Allenkilum''. The lyrics were written by [[Vinayak Sasikumar]] and Engandiyoor Chandrasekharan. The soundtrack album was released by [[Manorama Music]].

{{Track listing | headline = Athiran (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | extra_column = Singer(s) | title1 = Aattuthottil | lyrics1 = [[Vinayak Sasikumar]] | extra1 = [[P. Jayachandran]], Gayathri Ayyappadas, Sarayu S. Nair | length1 = {{Duration|3:40}} | title2 = Pavizha Mazha | lyrics2 = Vinayak Sasikumar | extra2 = [[K. S. Harisankar]] | length2 = {{Duration|3:53}} | title3 = Ee Thazhvara | lyrics3 = Engandiyoor Chandrasekharan | extra3 = Amrita Jayakumar, [[Fejo (rapper)|Fejo]] | length3 = {{Duration|3:25}} }}

==Release==

===Theatrical=== The film was released in theatres on 12 April 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-film-titled-athiran/articleshow/68032606.cms|title=Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi's film titled Athiran|website=The Times of India|date=17 February 2019 |access-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221090024/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-film-titled-athiran/articleshow/68032606.cms|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Home media=== The film is digitally streaming in [[Malayalam |Malayalam]] on [[JioHotstar |JioHotstar]]. It is also available in [[Hindi]] & [[Marathi language]] dubbed versions currently streaming on [[Ultra Media & Entertainment|Ultra Play]] & [[Ultra Media & Entertainment|Ultra Jhakaas]] app respectively.

==Reception==

===Critical reception=== Rating 4 out of 5 stars, Sajin Srijith of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' called the movie an Impressive, emotionally rewarding psychological thriller.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/malayalam/2019/apr/12/athiran-review-immersive-emotionally-rewarding-psychological-thriller-11012.html|title=Athiran Review: Immersive, emotionally rewarding psychological thriller|website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=12 April 2019 }}</ref> Filmibeat.com rated it 3.5 and written, "Athiran isn't a routine entertainer but it remarkably keeps us hooked with the intelligence in the narrative. It definitely offers a unique experience for Malayalam movie audiences."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/reviews/2019/athiran-movie-review-a-mystery-movie-that-takes-an-anomalous-path-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-vivek-284912.html|title=Athiran Review: A Mystery Movie That Takes An Anomalous Path!|date=12 April 2019|website=Filmibeat}}</ref>

[[Sify]] has reviewed that the film is an engaging psycho thriller and rated 3/5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416001902/http://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2019|title=Review : Athiran review: An engaging psycho thriller(2019)|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' rated the movie 3/5 Stars and stated, "It is a onetime watch for those who like psychological thrillers with some mind-bending and adrenaline rush moments."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/130419/athiran-movie-review-a-mystery-thriller.html|title=Athiran movie review: A mystery thriller|first=Gokul|last=m.g|date=13 April 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>

''[[The Times of India]]'' reviewer Anna Mathews rated it 2.5/5 and stated "While the film has thrills and is a venture with a difference, it lacks in some heft. There is a 'thrills for the sake of thrills' feel to the movie. But if you are in the mood for a adrenalin rush, 'Athiran' won't disappoint."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/athiran/movie-review/68846692.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412092113/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/athiran/movie-review/68846692.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2019 |title=Athiran Movie Review {2.5/5}: Critic Review of Vijay Superum Pournamiyum by Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref> S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' reviewed the film as an enticing movie that falls short of expectations.<ref name="thehindu.com"/>

===Box office=== The film grossed $194,952 in the [[United Arab Emirates]] in the opening weekend (the second best opener of that weekend, behind ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'') and $255,663 in four weeks. In the opening weekend, it grossed $1,358 from two theatres in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|title=Athiran |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&wk=2019W18&id=_fATHIRAN01|publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref> $14,230 (₹9.92 lakh) from 43 screens in the United States and $321 (₹22,372) from 2 screens in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kalank collects 5 mil. USD [Rs. 34.69 cr.] in overseas|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-overseas/kalank-collects-5-mil-usd-rs-34-69-cr-in-overseas/|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|accessdate=17 July 2019|date=22 April 2019}}</ref> It collected $18,974 (₹13.17 lakh) in the US in three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kalank collects 6.75 mil. USD [Rs. 46.82 cr.] in overseas|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-overseas/kalank-collects-6-75-mil-usd-rs-46-82-cr-in-overseas/|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|accessdate=17 July 2019|date=7 May 2019}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{IMDb title|9793334}} * ''[https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/athiran/1260009640?utm_source=gwa Athiran]'' at [[JioHotstar |JioHotstar]] * ''[https://www.ultraplay.in/movie/athiran-pyaar-ka-karm/shwwm8sn7fvk Athiran (Hindi)]'' at [[Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment |Ultra Play]] * ''[https://www.ultrajhakaas.com/movie/tharar-premacha-athiran/lkkktcwhqx1c Athiran (Marathi)]'' at [[Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment |Ultra Jhakaas]]

[[Category:Films about autism]] [[Category:2019 directorial debut films]] [[Category:2019 films]] [[Category:2019 Malayalam-language films]] [[Category:2019 Indian films]] [[Category:Indian psychological thriller films]] [[Category:Films set in psychiatric hospitals]] [[Category:Films shot in Ooty]] [[Category:Films scored by Ghibran Vaibodha]] [[Category:Films about disability in India]] [[Category:2019 psychological thriller films]] [[Category:2010s romantic thriller films]] [[Category:Indian romantic thriller films]]