India’s Ayalaan Receives Mixed Reviews as a Fun Alien Adventure

India’s recently released Tamil film, Ayalaan, directed by R Ravikumar, has received mixed reviews from audiences. Categorized under entertainment, the movie revolves around the story of an alien that lands on Earth and befriends a young man. Starring popular Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, Ayalaan offers a family-friendly and light-hearted take on the sci-fi genre.

Unlike Ravikumar’s previous film, Indru Netru Naalai, which surprised audiences with its clever twists and engaging drama, Ayalaan appears to be a risk-free and safe choice. The plot follows a hostile scientist (played by Sharad Kelkar) and his subordinate (Isha Koppikar), who plan to end the world using a dangerous crystal. Sivakarthikeyan’s character, Tamizh, a nature lover from a village, becomes the savior of mankind when he teams up with the alien, named Tattoo (voiced by Siddharth), to stop the evil plan.

Despite facing financial constraints and production delays due to the pandemic, Ayalaan manages to captivate the audience with its humor and VFX effects. The chemistry between Tamizh and Tattoo, reminiscent of the friendship in the Bollywood film Koi… Mil Gaya, brings a sense of enjoyment to the story. However, the screenplay fails to give both characters equal weight, and the execution of the core plot falls short.

Ayalaan’s reliance on technology and special effects is evident, and the VFX work is commendable. Yet, the film lacks depth and fails to create a sense of suspense or thrill. The villainous characters, played by Sharad Kelkar and Isha Koppikar, do not pose a significant threat. The director’s attempt to convey a moral message about unity and humanity amidst the drama also comes across as simplistic.

Ayalaan, though flawed, may find its audience among younger viewers who appreciate the moral and heroism displayed on screen. The film’s straightforward approach to sci-fi with a message was popular a decade ago but may seem outdated in today’s age of imaginative storytelling. While Ayalaan offers a fun timepass and showcases Sivakarthikeyan’s talent, it may not have a lasting impact on the genre.