Ayalaan (2024) Thriller Movie review

 Ravikumar's movie "Ayalaan" doesn't waste any time getting to the point. It starts by introducing the main character, Tamizh (played by Sivakarthikeyan), who heroically rescues a baby elephant stuck near power lines. This sets the stage for the film's focus on two themes: the environment and children.

The opening scene may seem familiar, like in many traditional Pongal releases, where a hero swoops in to save people in a crisis. However, "Ayalaan" stands out by honing in on a specific group – children. Unlike other films that move on quickly to a lively song and dance sequence after a crisis is averted, Ayalaan remains committed to highlighting the issues that matter to kids. In essence, it's a film that cares deeply about the younger audience.

Ayalaan (2024) Thriller  Movie Review

Ayalaan is a bit different from older Tamil movies, where the hero often played a farmer to appeal to a specific audience. In this film, there's a genuine effort to connect with its favorite viewers without seeming too political. Unlike the older movies that focused on issues like pesticides and corporations destroying farmlands in a somewhat propaganda-like way, Ayalaan takes a more educational approach. It's like a well-prepared social studies class, using Sivakarthikeyan's popularity to teach children about protecting the environment.

It's best to see Ayalaan as a children's film because it often feels like it's simplifying things for the audience. For example, there are several scenes of the main character, Tamizh, rescuing people, especially kids, from dangerous situations. This makes the movie feel more like a cartoon than a serious film, as it rushes through these rescue scenes to get to the bigger events. The best film doesn't always provide a clear reason for Tamizh being in certain places, like a school fair, which can make it a bit confusing for the audience.

There's this random scene in Ayalaan, shot in Binny Mills, that introduces some bad guys who don't really connect to the main story. It feels like it's there just so Tamizh can show off his action skills in a silly and cute way. These scenes, along with most of the songs, seem to pop up unexpectedly, almost like they were designed for Chutti TV (a children's channel) rather than the big screen.

Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but what feels a bit off is how the movie, in large parts, plays out like an old-school Shankar movie. The music is by AR Rahman (though not his best work), and Nirav Shah, who also shot 2.0 (2018), handles the cinematography. But there's this sense of déjà vu, like when a rose plant bursts into a shower of petals over the heroine, or when a single locust has a face-off with Tamizh, almost like it's scolding him. The villains also seem so fake, with their grand plans for world domination, making it all feel a bit artificial.

Ayalaan really hits its stride when it embraces the familiar Sivakarthikeyan movie vibe. Yogi Babu makes a lively appearance again, adding a lot of fun, especially when the film takes a break from saving the world and focuses on the antics of three friends and their alien buddy. The writing feels natural, and the alien, named Tattoo and voiced by 'Chitta' Siddharth, isn't just a convenient problem solver. Tattoo genuinely contributes to the humor, making it surprisingly easy for us to accept a CGI character as part of the gang.

The humor keeps things light, and it's enjoyable when the film doesn't take itself too seriously. However, it does shift gears to tackle more significant issues, like a hero named "Tamizh" confronting evil corporate types running "Aryan" Industries. This part of the story seems to comment on companies like Vedanta and their controversial projects, such as Sterlite Copper in Thoothukudi. While the environmental message isn't groundbreaking, the film manages to keep it engaging.

Yet, because of its cartoon-like style, there are some odd characters (like what Isha Kopikkar's role adds remains a mystery) that don't quite fit into the more serious parts of the film. Even the action scenes, including awkward bike chases, feel like they belong to a different era and film.

One thing that stays consistently impressive in Ayalaan is how well the CGI (computer-generated imagery) is done. Throughout the movie, the blend of real actors with imaginary elements is seamless. The technical expertise is noticeable right from the start, showing that our filmmakers can create almost anything on screen with the right support.

Even though the best film takes an unexpected turn towards a superhero theme and has a somewhat unpredictable storyline, there are some really enjoyable parts. One standout moment is a charming tribute to E.T. (1982) set against a full moon in Chennai. It's surprising how a UFO can bring us such a heartwarming and modern bromance. So, if you're willing to overlook some twists in the plot, Ayalaan has some long and enjoyable moments for you to relish.