Actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph on Friday announced that his upcoming production Athiradi will open with paid premieres in select theatres worldwide on May 13, a day before its official theatrical release. Sharing the update on his social media handles, Basil revealed that these special screenings will commence from 6:30 pmonwards, giving eager audiences an early chance to catch the film.
The move follows a growing trend among Malayalam releases to build word-of-mouth momentum through premiere shows. With anticipation already building around the project, the decision signals confidence in the film’s mass appeal and its ability to generate strong opening buzz.
Headlined by Tovino Thomas alongside Basil himself and Vineeth Sreenivasan, Athiradi is positioned as a crowd-pleasing entertainer that blends youthful energy with action-driven storytelling. The film has also cleared its censor formalities, receiving a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification, making it accessible to viewers across age groups.
A debutant director, familiar creative voices
Athiradi marks Basil Joseph’s first venture as a producer, backing the film in association with Dr Ananthu Entertainments. The project is directed by Arun Anirudhan, who makes his directorial debut after co-writing films like Minnal Murali and Padayottam. His transition from writing to direction adds an extra layer of curiosity around the film, particularly given his previous collaborations within the Malayalam industry’s new-age storytelling space.
The screenplay is jointly penned by Arun and Paulson Skaria, known for co-writing Kaathal – The Core. Together, they craft what is described as a campus-based action entertainer with a celebratory tone, hinting at a narrative that balances humour, emotion and stylised action.
The ensemble cast further strengthens the film’s appeal, featuring Riya Shibu, Zarin Shihab and Darshana Rajendran in key roles. Behind the scenes, the technical team includes cinematographer Samuel Henry, editor Chaman Chakko and composer Vishnu Vijay, each contributing to shaping the film’s visual and sonic identity.
In addition to Basil and Ananthu, the film is co-produced by Tovino Thomas and filmmaker-cinematographer Sameer Thahir, further underlining the collaborative nature of the project.
With its mix of familiar faces, emerging talent and a genre that traditionally resonates well with younger audiences, Athiradi enters theatres with a clear attempt to deliver a high-energy cinematic experience. The paid premieres, set a day in advance, are likely to play a crucial role in setting the tone for its box office journey.
Also Read: Tovino Thomas Takes The Stage in Athiradi Character Reveal
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