Athiradi, the Malayalam campus entertainer that emerged as one of the surprise success stories of the year, is all set to make its digital debut. Sony LIV announced on Friday that the film will begin streaming on the platform from June 19, roughly a month after its theatrical release.
Directed by debutant Arun Anirudhan, the film hit theatres on May 14 and went on to enjoy a strong run at the box office. Grossing over Rs 50 crore worldwide, Athiradi established itself as a major commercial success and further strengthened the popularity of its leading stars, Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas.
A Campus Festival Sparks An Unexpected Rivalry
At its heart, Athiradi is a story about youthful ambition, friendship and the chaos that follows when dreams collide. The film revolves around Samkutty, played by Basil Joseph, a spirited youngster determined to revive a long-forgotten cultural festival at his college. What begins as an attempt to restore a cherished campus tradition soon escalates into a larger conflict.
Standing in Samkutty’s way is Sreekuttan, portrayed by Tovino Thomas, an eccentric former thug with aspirations of his own. For years, Sreekuttan has nurtured a dream of performing his song before a live audience. When the revival of the college festival threatens those plans, he finds himself locked in a battle of wills with Samkutty.
The clash between the two characters forms the backbone of the film, generating a mix of comedy, drama and action. Athiradi balances its campus setting with larger-than-life character moments, creating a crowd-pleasing entertainer that resonated strongly with younger audiences during its theatrical run.
The film also marked the reunion of Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas after Minnal Murali, a collaboration that continues to be fondly remembered by Malayalam cinema fans. Their on-screen chemistry and contrasting character dynamics have been widely cited as one of Athiradi’s biggest strengths.
Cast And Crew Celebrate Digital Premiere
Apart from Basil and Tovino, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Riya Shibu, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Zarin Shihab, Shaan Rahman, Vishnu Agasthya, Darshana Rajendran, Jeo Baby and Shelvin James, among others.
Basil Joseph also doubled up as a producer for the project, backing the film through his production banner alongside Dr Ananthu S Entertainments.
Speaking about the film’s arrival on Sony LIV, Basil expressed his excitement about reaching a broader audience.
“Sony LIV has been home to some of our most memorable journeys, so it’s incredibly special for us to bring Athiradi to the platform. The film celebrates the fun, friendships, chaos and emotions that make campus life unforgettable. We had a fantastic time creating this world, and I’m excited for audiences across the country to join in on the madness and entertainment when Athiradi premieres on Sony LIV.”
Tovino Thomas also spoke about his character and the film’s appeal.
“Sreekuttan is one of the most entertaining characters I’ve had the chance to play. The film is packed with humour, energy and action, and I’m excited for audiences to discover—or revisit—its unique charm when it premieres on Sony LIV.”
With its successful theatrical performance, a popular lead pair and strong word-of-mouth among audiences, Athiradi now gets a second innings through streaming. For viewers who missed the film on the big screen, the Sony LIV premiere offers an opportunity to catch one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest commercial entertainers of the year from the comfort of their homes.
Also Read: Athiradi Trailer: Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph Face Off in a Pop-Culture Packed Campus Entertainer
