# Athiran

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2019 Indian film

Athiran Theatrical release poster Directed by Vivek Screenplay by P. F. Mathews Ajai Rahul Story by Vivek Produced by Raju Mathew Starring Fahadh Faasil Sai Pallavi Atul Kulkarni Renji Panicker Cinematography Anu Moothedath Edited by Ayoob Khan Music by Songs: P S Jayhari Score: Ghibran Production company Century Investments Distributed by Century Films Release date 12 April 2019 (2019-04-12) Running time 136 minutes Country India Language Malayalam

***Athiran*** is a 2019 Indian [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam)-language [psychological thriller](/source/Psychological_thriller) film directed by Vivek and written by [P. F. Mathews](/source/P._F._Mathews) from a story by Vivek. It was produced by [Raju Mathew](/source/Raju_Mathew) through his production company Century Investments. The film stars [Fahadh Faasil](/source/Fahadh_Faasil) and [Sai Pallavi](/source/Sai_Pallavi) with [Atul Kulkarni](/source/Atul_Kulkarni), [Renji Panicker](/source/Renji_Panicker), [Shanthi Krishna](/source/Shanthi_Krishna) and [Sudev Nair](/source/Sudev_Nair) in pivotal roles while [Prakash Raj](/source/Prakash_Raj) makes a cameo appearance.[1] The film features original songs composed by debutant P. S. Jayhari with a film score by [Ghibran](/source/Ghibran). The story is set in a psychiatric asylum.The film has many similarities with the 2014 [Hollywood](/source/Cinema_of_the_United_States) film *[Stonehearst Asylum](/source/Stonehearst_Asylum)*.[2]

[Principal photography](/source/Principal_photography) began in November 2018 and was completed in January 2019 in a 55-day shoot, extensively shot in [Ooty](/source/Ooty). The film was released on 12 April 2019 two days before the [Vishu](/source/Vishu) holiday.[3][4][5][6]

## Plot

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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](/source/Fahadh_Faasil) as Dr. M. K Nair (Fake)/Vinayan, who suffers [Schizophrenia](/source/Schizophrenia) and [Delusions](/source/Delusion) - Master Iihan as Young Vinayan

- [Sai Pallavi](/source/Sai_Pallavi) as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Karthika Thirunaal Nithya Lakshmi alias "Nithya", Vinayan's cousin turned wife, Jayanarayana Varma's daughter, who has [Autism](/source/Autism)

- [Atul Kulkarni](/source/Atul_Kulkarni) as Dr. Benjamin Diaz

- [Renji Panicker](/source/Renji_Panicker) as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Jaya Narayana Varma, Nithya's father and Vinayan's uncle

- [Sudev Nair](/source/Sudev_Nair) as Jeevan Thomas, Nithya mental asylum friend, who suffers [Hyperacivity Disorder](/source/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder)

- [Shanthi Krishna](/source/Shanthi_Krishna) as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Lakshmi, Vinayan's mother, Nithya's aunt and Jayanarayana Varma's sister

- [Lena](/source/Lena_(actress)) as Renuka, Dr. Benjamin's secret girlfriend

- [Nandu](/source/Nandu_(Malayalam_actor)) as Avarachan

- [Leona Lishoy](/source/Leona_Lishoy) as Anna Maria, a patient who suffers [Hysteria](/source/Hysteria)

- [Surabhi Lakshmi](/source/Surabhi_Lakshmi) as Vadakkedath Kamala Lakshmi, a patient who suffers [Borderline Personality Disorder](/source/Borderline_personality_disorder)

- [Vijay Menon](/source/Vijay_Menon) as Professor P. Subrahmanya Iyer, a patient who suffers [Dissociative Disorder](/source/Dissociative_disorder)

- [Prakash Raj](/source/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.[7][8] 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](/source/Edgar_Allan_Poe). He said: "the story idea came up after I went to a [Kalari](/source/Kalari) school in [Thrippunithura](/source/Thrippunithura), Kerala, where [autistic](/source/Autism) students were performing with the same prowess as the school's other students".[9] The screenplay was written by [P. F. Mathews](/source/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](/source/Ulladakkam)*, *[Sesham](/source/Sesham)*, and *[Devadoothan](/source/Devadoothan)* as the major inspirations for the film, and were also inspired by *[Shutter Island](/source/Shutter_Island_(film))*, *[A Cure for Wellness](/source/A_Cure_for_Wellness)*, and *[Stonehearst Asylum](/source/Stonehearst_Asylum)*.[10]

[Principal photography](/source/Principal_photography) began in November 2018.[11] The film was extensively shot in [Ooty](/source/Ooty), Tamil Nadu. Filming was completed on 21 January 2019.[12] It took 55 days to complete the filming process.[9] The film is set in a psychiatric facility.[13]

## Accolades

Year Award Category Recipient Result Notes 2020 22nd Asianet Film Awards Best Jury Award K. S. Harisankar Won

## Music

Athiran Soundtrack album by P S Jayhari Released 27 March 2019 Genre Filmi Length 10:58 Language Malayalam Label Manorama Music

The film features three songs composed by debutant [P S Jayhari](/source/P_S_Jayhari), who was supposed to debut with the same director's shelved film *Aanenkilum Allenkilum*. The lyrics were written by [Vinayak Sasikumar](/source/Vinayak_Sasikumar) and Engandiyoor Chandrasekharan. The soundtrack album was released by [Manorama Music](/source/Manorama_Music).

Athiran (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) No. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length 1. "Aattuthottil" Vinayak Sasikumar P. Jayachandran, Gayathri Ayyappadas, Sarayu S. Nair 3:40 2. "Pavizha Mazha" Vinayak Sasikumar K. S. Harisankar 3:53 3. "Ee Thazhvara" Engandiyoor Chandrasekharan Amrita Jayakumar, Fejo 3:25

## Release

### Theatrical

The film was released in theatres on 12 April 2019.[14]

### Home media

The film is digitally streaming in [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam) on [JioHotstar](/source/JioHotstar). It is also available in [Hindi](/source/Hindi) & [Marathi language](/source/Marathi_language) dubbed versions currently streaming on [Ultra Play](/source/Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment) & [Ultra Jhakaas](/source/Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment) app respectively.

## Reception

### Critical reception

Rating 4 out of 5 stars, Sajin Srijith of *[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express)* called the movie an Impressive, emotionally rewarding psychological thriller.[15] 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."[16]

[Sify](/source/Sify) has reviewed that the film is an engaging psycho thriller and rated 3/5.[17] *[Deccan Chronicle](/source/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."[18]

*[The Times of India](/source/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."[19] S. R. Praveen of *[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)* reviewed the film as an enticing movie that falls short of expectations.[4]

### Box office

The film grossed $194,952 in the [United Arab Emirates](/source/United_Arab_Emirates) in the opening weekend (the second best opener of that weekend, behind *[Avengers: Endgame](/source/Avengers%3A_Endgame)*) and $255,663 in four weeks. In the opening weekend, it grossed $1,358 from two theatres in the United Kingdom,[20] $14,230 (₹9.92 lakh) from 43 screens in the United States and $321 (₹22,372) from 2 screens in Canada.[21] It collected $18,974 (₹13.17 lakh) in the US in three weeks.[22]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Upcoming Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi film is titled 'Athiran'"](https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upcoming-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-film-titled-athiran-96935). 18 February 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190218202027/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upcoming-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-film-titled-athiran-96935) from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Praveen, S. R. (13 April 2019). ["'Athiran' movie review: This Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi starrer is enticing, but falls short of expectations"](https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece). *The Hindu*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Athiran Review: An Impressive Thriller Elevated By Sai Pallavi's Performance"](https://silverscreen.in/movies/reviews/athiran-review-an-impressive-thriller-elevated-by-sai-pallavis-performance/). 14 April 2019.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-thehindu.com_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-thehindu.com_4-1) Praveen, S. r (13 April 2019). ["'Athiran' review: An enticing movie that falls short of expectations"](https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/athiran-review-an-enticing-movie-that-falls-short-of-expectations/article26827922.ece). *The Hindu* – via www.thehindu.com.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Athiran review: An engaging psycho thriller"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190416001902/http://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html). *[Sify](/source/Sify)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html) on 16 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Athiran review: This Fahadh-Sai Pallavi-starrer suffers from predictability"](https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2019/04/12/Athiran-review-Predictability-haunts-this-Fahadh-Faasil-starrer.html). *The Week*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Fahadh Faasil-Sai Pallavi-starrer titled Athiran"](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/17/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-starrer-titled-athiran-10152.html). *[Cinema Express](/source/Cinema_Express)*. 17 February 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190218082040/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/17/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-starrer-titled-athiran-10152.html) from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi's Athiran first look released"](https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-athiran-first-look-released.html). [Archived](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) from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-KT_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-KT_9-1) Gokulan, Dhanusha (25 April 2019). ["Newbie director says Fahadh Faasil 'picked him' for Athiran"](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/south-stars/newbie-director-says-fahadh-faasil-picked-him-for-athiran). *[Khaleej Times](/source/Khaleej_Times)*. Retrieved 10 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Paul, Anjana Mary (10 April 2019). ["'Fahadh's 'Athiran' is not based on Martin Scorsese film'"](https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/2019/04/10/athiran-fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-movie-director-vivek-on-shutter-island.html). *[Malayala Manorama](/source/Malayala_Manorama)*. Retrieved 17 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** George, Anjana (18 November 2018). ["Fahadh, Sai Pallavi team up for a romantic thriller"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-sai-pallavi-team-up-for-a-romantic-thriller/articleshow/66671518.cms). *[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)*. Retrieved 17 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Fahadh Faasil, Sai Pallavi wrap up shoot of their film"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/fahadh-faasil-sai-pallavi-wrap-up-shoot-of-their-film/articleshow/67642979.cms). *[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)*. 22 January 2019. [Archived](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) from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Fahadh and Sai Pallavi in 'high range' thriller"](https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/nov/21/fahadh-and-sai-pallavi-in-high-range-thriller-1900945.html). *[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express)*. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Fahadh Faasil and Sai Pallavi's film titled Athiran"](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/fahadh-faasil-and-sai-pallavis-film-titled-athiran/articleshow/68032606.cms). *The Times of India*. 17 February 2019. [Archived](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) from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Athiran Review: Immersive, emotionally rewarding psychological thriller"](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/malayalam/2019/apr/12/athiran-review-immersive-emotionally-rewarding-psychological-thriller-11012.html). *[Cinema Express](/source/Cinema_Express)*. 12 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Athiran Review: A Mystery Movie That Takes An Anomalous Path!"](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). *Filmibeat*. 12 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Review : Athiran review: An engaging psycho thriller(2019)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190416001902/http://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html). *[Sify](/source/Sify)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.sify.com/movies/athiran-review-an-engaging-psycho-thriller-review-malayalam-tenkNocdfffda.html) on 16 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** m.g, Gokul (13 April 2019). ["Athiran movie review: A mystery thriller"](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/130419/athiran-movie-review-a-mystery-thriller.html). *Deccan Chronicle*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Athiran Movie Review {2.5/5}: Critic Review of Vijay Superum Pournamiyum by Times of India"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190412092113/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/athiran/movie-review/68846692.cms). *The Times of India*. Archived from [the original](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/athiran/movie-review/68846692.cms) on 12 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Athiran"](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&wk=2019W18&id=_fATHIRAN01). [Box Office Mojo](/source/Box_Office_Mojo). Retrieved 17 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Kalank collects 5 mil. USD \[Rs. 34.69 cr.\] in overseas"](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-overseas/kalank-collects-5-mil-usd-rs-34-69-cr-in-overseas/). *[Bollywood Hungama](/source/Bollywood_Hungama)*. 22 April 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Kalank collects 6.75 mil. USD \[Rs. 46.82 cr.\] in overseas"](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-overseas/kalank-collects-6-75-mil-usd-rs-46-82-cr-in-overseas/). *[Bollywood Hungama](/source/Bollywood_Hungama)*. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.

## External links

- [*Athiran*](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9793334/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

- *[Athiran](https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/athiran/1260009640?utm_source=gwa)* at [JioHotstar](/source/JioHotstar)

- *[Athiran (Hindi)](https://www.ultraplay.in/movie/athiran-pyaar-ka-karm/shwwm8sn7fvk)* at [Ultra Play](/source/Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment)

- *[Athiran (Marathi)](https://www.ultrajhakaas.com/movie/tharar-premacha-athiran/lkkktcwhqx1c)* at [Ultra Jhakaas](/source/Ultra_Media_%26_Entertainment)

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