Here’s How Shiva Nirvana Came Up With Irumudi

Director Shiva Nirvana says the idea for Irumudi came from his surroundings and personal experiences. He was inspired by the Ayyappa temple near his home and the devotional sounds he heard while growing up for sure.

The director usually starts his stories with a small, meaningful incident and develops it into a screenplay. Irumudi also began this way.

The film follows a hero who has a drinking habit and is far from perfect. He decides to take the 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha which means he must completely give up alcohol during this period.

However Shiva clarified that the film is not about Sabarimala. The Deeksha is only an important part of the hero’s life and helps create conflict.

At its heart, Irumudi is a family drama focusing on the bond between a father, his daughter and his wife.

#Irumudi is a path-breaking Telugu film, far from mainstream commercial cinema. It begins as an emotional family drama, slowly transforms into an unexpected space & feels like a mystery thriller filled with curiosity, fear, tension, and heartfelt emotions#Raviteja…

— telugucinema.com (@thetelugucinema) August 11, 2026