"Sivakarthikeyan's Extraterrestrial Adventure in 'Ayalaan': A Rollercoaster Ride of Fun Chemistry in an Uneven Film"

Director Ravikumar's much-anticipated venture, 'Ayalaan,' featuring the dynamic duo of Sivakarthikeyan and Sharad Kelkar, brings a blend of sci-fi fun with a touch of whimsy through the inclusion of a cute alien. However, despite its potential, the film falls victim to the constraints imposed by financial challenges, resulting in a prolonged six-year production journey. Ravikumar, known for gifting Tamil cinema the delightful sci-fi offering 'Indru Netru Naalai,' grappled to bring 'Ayalaan' to fruition, a struggle that finally culminated in its release just before Pongal. Let's delve into whether 'Ayalaan' lives up to the expectations set by its director's previous success and manages to captivate the audience in this Pongal release.

The narrative follows Tamizh (Sivakarthikeyan), an earnest youngster leading a simple life in Poombarai, who ventures to Chennai in pursuit of better job opportunities. Concurrently, a scientist (Sharad Kelkar) and his subordinate (Isha Koppikar) possess a crystal called Spark, harboring plans to attain unparalleled power by orchestrating the end of the world. The plot takes an unexpected turn when an alien named Tattoo descends upon Earth, seeking the crystal. Sivakarthikeyan joins forces with the extraterrestrial visitor to thwart the scientist's sinister plans and save the world.

Conceptually, 'Ayalaan' mirrors the simplicity found in 'Indru Netru Naalai.' If the latter featured a time machine, the former revolves around a crystal. The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer maintains its identity as a sci-fi film, interwoven with comedy and social messages. In 'Ayalaan,' the audience receives subtle messages about environmental consciousness and the importance of animal conservation.

Ravikumar's directorial venture, 'Ayalaan,' promises a delightful cinematic experience but falters due to an uneven screenplay. The initial sequences serve as a stark reminder of the film's prolonged hiatus, reflecting the challenges it faced over the years. However, as soon as the alien character makes its entrance, the narrative gains momentum, injecting a sense of excitement and engagement.

Sivakarthikeyan's on-screen chemistry with the alien character is a highlight, contributing to the film's enjoyment. Additionally, the presence of a stellar cast, including the talented Yogi Babu and the in-form Karunakaran, enhances the overall viewing experience, making the first half a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Regrettably, the film takes a noticeable downturn in the second half. Despite its technical proficiency, certain portions appear trivial and lackluster. The antagonist characters, portrayed by Sharad Kelkar and Isha Koppikar, lack depth, coming across as one-dimensional and wooden throughout the film. The dramatic elements and conflicts within the narrative demand more substance and complexity, surpassing the simplistic approach adopted.

Sivakarthikeyan deserves commendation for his earnest portrayal, embodying the character of Tamizh with authenticity. His interactions with the alien character stand out as a testament to his acting prowess and contribute significantly to the film's appeal.

Director Ravikumar's inclination towards simplifying sci-fi narratives for broader accessibility is commendable. However, in the case of 'Ayalaan,' this approach yields mixed results, with the uneven screenplay acting as a hindrance to the film's overall impact. Nevertheless, the visual effects (VFX) in 'Ayalaan' set a commendable standard, elevating the film's technical aspects.

'Ayalaan' emerges as a delightful cinematic experience for younger audiences, particularly children, owing to its simplistic narrative and whimsical elements. The film, with its fantastical premise, is likely to resonate more with the younger demographic.

In conclusion, 'Ayalaan' secures a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. While it possesses moments of entertainment and technical brilliance, the film grapples with a narrative imbalance that detracts from its full potential. The commendable efforts of Sivakarthikeyan and the VFX team, coupled with the director's attempt to simplify complex genres, make 'Ayalaan' a noteworthy addition to the sci-fi genre, albeit one with room for improvement.

Published By: Mohan D

Published On: Jan 13, 2024