Ayalaan Review

Ayalaan Review - VFX Spectacle with Ambitious Plotting but Missed Opportunities

Director - R Ravikumar

Cast - Sivakarthikeyan, Rakul Preet Singh, Sharad Kelkar, Isha Koppikar, Bhanupriya, Yogi Babu, Karunakaran and Bala Saravanan, Siddharth

Featuring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead, "Ayalaan" directed by R. Ravikumar, emerges as a sci-fi spectacle with precision to detail, simplistic ideas, and top-notch VFX. The film successfully navigates the challenges of maintaining audience engagement in the sci-fi genre, presenting a story rooted in Tamil Nadu that transcends cultural boundaries to delve into human prejudice, friendship, and empathy.

The narrative follows a farmer (Sivakarthikeyan) seeking better financial opportunities in the city. His encounter with an alien sets off a chain of events where they join forces against a businessman (Sharadh Kelkar) aiming to mine the earth for fuel. While the film excels in connecting with the audience emotionally, especially through Sivakarthikeyan's performance, it shines brightest in its well-timed comedy moments.

The first half serves as the film's strength, introducing the alien's perspective on life on Earth, accompanied by humorous one-liners from supporting cast members like Yogi Babu and Karunakaran. However, as the film progresses into the second half, it undergoes a significant shift into action mode, exploring multiple plotlines that risk diluting the core narrative.

The attempt to incorporate diverse elements, including the quest for invincibility, the evolution of Sivakarthikeyan's character into a superhero, and the consequences of a gas leak in the city, contributes to a cluttered plot. Scenes addressing various social issues, such as a child battling cancer and an industrialist turning arms dealer, feel forced and disconnected.

The female characters in "Ayalaan" appear underdeveloped and lacking purpose, with Rakul Preet and Isha Koppikar seemingly written without clear professions or motivations. Despite the impressive VFX work, the film's potential is hampered by inconsistencies in character arcs and storytelling choices.

R. Ravikumar pays homage to director Shankar's legacy in VFX, and in this aspect, "Ayalaan" delivers commendable visual effects with no noticeable flaws. AR Rahman's music adds a modern touch, although it falls short of reaching the heights of his compositions in other sci-fi films.

Sivakarthikeyan's effortless performance anchors the film, particularly in the first half. While the ambitious plot and stunning VFX showcase the director's vision, a more coherent and focused storytelling approach could have elevated "Ayalaan" to greater heights. The film's strengths lie in its visuals and the star power of Sivakarthikeyan, leaving room for improvement in narrative precision.