Atharvaa Murali (born 7 May 1989) is an Indian actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. Coming from a film background, being the son of veteran actor Murali and grandson of director S. Siddalingaiah, Atharvaa marked his entry into the industry with Baana Kaathadi (2010). His debut role as a carefree youth from Royapuram was well-received, earning him recognition as a promising newcomer. He gained further acclaim with Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal (2012), where his portrayal of a delusional youngster showcased his emotional range. However, his breakthrough came with Bala’s critically acclaimed period drama Paradesi (2013), where he played a bonded laborer in a tea plantation, a role that won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Tamil.

Born and raised in Chennai, Atharvaa is the second child of Murali and Shobha. He has an elder sister, Kavya, and a younger brother, Akash. He completed his schooling at St. Michael’s Academy before pursuing an engineering degree at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. Despite his family’s strong film legacy, Atharvaa was determined to carve his own path, preparing diligently for his debut by immersing himself in the local culture of Royapuram and even participating in the Gujarat Kite Festival to prepare for Baana Kaathadi.

After his debut, Atharvaa’s career saw steady growth, though it was marked by personal tragedy with the sudden demise of his father Murali in 2010. Following a brief hiatus, he returned to films, focusing on diverse roles that highlighted his versatility. His performances in films like Eetti (2015) and Kanithan (2016) further established him as a capable lead actor. Atharvaa’s commitment to challenging roles and his ability to balance commercial entertainers with performance-driven films have earned him a loyal fanbase and respect within the industry.