Ayalaan is a film that was plagued with many setbacks and it is important to take this into context when watching the film. The film commenced shooting in 2018 and was beset with multiple challenges that included call sheet issues, a change Of producer, financial challenges, the Covid-19 Pandemic and a legal battle. Overcoming these challenges, the film released worldwide this Pongal. It contains 4500 visual effects – which is the most for any Indian film.
Sivakarthiyean heads an impressive Cast in Ayalaan which includes Rakul Preeth Singh, Bollywood actor Sharad Kelkar, Banupriya, Isha Gopikar, Karunagaran, Yogi Babu and Rahul; Madhav. There are also special appearances by the film’s director – R. Ravikumar – as well as Munishkanth, George Maryan and Dharshan.
Sivakarthikeyan plays Thamizh, a young man who places environmental, compassionate and humanitarian issues above anything else. Aryan (Sharad Kelkar) is a man determined to extract Nova gas from the earth’s core and is undeterred by the repercussions of his plan. Aryan is in search of an element called Sparc to enable him to access the earth’s core. When Thamizh meets an alien, his initial fear gives way to forming a close bond with the alien and they join forces in an attempt to thwart Aryan’s plans.
Ayalaan’s biggest strength is that it is one of the few films of late that is suitable for the whole family. There is a high frequency of wit and humour and a lot of veiled and overt comments about the destructive side of humankind. However, the pace suffers at places and a shorter running-time would have made a huge difference to the impact of the film.
In terms of acting, it is difficult to flaw the film. Sivakarthikeyan delivers a solid and impressive performance and his odes to Rajinikanth are brilliant. Rakul Preet Singh offers good support while Sharad Kelkar makes a good villain. Karunagaran and Yogi Babu heighten the film with impeccable comedic timing. Banupriya is under-utilised.
AR Rahman’s soundtrack is varied with three of the songs being memorable. His background score is not impressive.
Nirav Shah’s cinematography makes interesting use of light on a very varied palette while Ruben’s editing, especially in the opening sequences of the film, shows great creativity.
Ayalaan is a feel-good family entertainer and it is little wonder that it has raked in 83 crores at the box-office.
Ayalaan scores 7 points out of 10.