Earlier, we reported about the makers of Athiradi, starring Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan, among others, announcing Onam 2026 as the film's release window. However, sources close to the project tell CE that they are now eyeing a May 15 release instead and that production on the film is set to be wrapped this week. That said, the makers are yet to confirm the May 15 release of the film.
Debutant Arun Anirudhan is directing the film from a screenplay he has written with Paulson Skaria, who is the Kaathal – The Core and Neymar co-writer. Earlier, Anil served as a co-writer on Biju Menon's Padayottam, which also starred Basil, and the Ponman star's directorial Minnal Murali, featuring Tovino as a superhero.
Athiradi also marks the debut production venture of the Basil Joseph Entertainment banner, which is backing it alongside Dr Ananthu Entertainment. Sameer Thahir and Tovino are part of the film in the capacities of co-producers as well. Plot details have largely been kept under wraps. However, it is set against a campus backdrop and is being made as a "pucca festival entertainer" with comedy and action.
Recently, the makers dropped a poster giving a first-look at Basil's character, Samkutty, also known as Samboy. The poster has since been trending online, thanks largely to Basil's pan-India appeal as the filmmaker of Minnal Murali and the star of films such as Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey and Ponman.
On the technical front, Athiradi has composer Vishnu Vijay, cinematography by Samuel Henry, editing by Chaman Chakko, and production design by Maanav Suresh.
