Koi..Mil Gaya Director’s Latest Film ‘Ayalaan’ Offers a Fun Escape to the Alien World

Eight years since director R Ravikumar‘s debut film ‘Indru Netru Naalai’, he presents his latest venture ‘Ayalaan‘. Known for his light-hearted treatment of heavy topics, Ravikumar aims to entertain with this sci-fi film. However, it remains to be seen if ‘Ayalaan’ will leave a lasting impact like his previous work.

The story revolves around a hostile scientist, played by Sharad Kelkar, and his subordinate (Isha Koppikar), who plan to plot the end of the world with a dangerous crystal. Tamizh (Shivakarthikeyan), a village boy seeking opportunities in Chennai, becomes the savior of mankind. He joins forces with an alien visitor named Tattoo, voiced by Siddharth, to complete their mission.

‘Ayalaan’ faced financial constraints and delays due to the pandemic, which may have affected its freshness. The initial stretch of the film feels disjointed, but it picks up momentum with the introduction of the alien character. Tattoo brings humor and a strong sense of humanity to the story, creating an unlikely friendship with the innocent and timid Tamizh. This dynamic duo reminds us of the bond between the lead characters in Rakesh Roshan’s ‘Koi..Mil Gaya’.

Ravikumar infuses science with humor in the first half of the film. Just like his previous work ‘Indru Netru Naalai’, ‘Ayalaan’ showcases witty dialogues and an engaging plot. However, the execution falls short when it comes to the main protagonist. Despite having a star like Shivakarthikeyan, the character development feels lacking. The villains lack depth, and the tension they are supposed to create fails to come across on screen.

The film relies heavily on technology and showcases impressive VFX. However, special effects alone cannot compensate for a lack of emotional depth. The core relationship between Tamizh and Tattoo is enjoyable, and one wishes the screenplay focused more on their journey together. However, Ravikumar chooses to separate their paths, which doesn’t create a strong connection between the audience and the characters.

In terms of the overall concept and storytelling, ‘Ayalaan’ feels dated and simplistic in today’s age of endless imagination. It follows a straightforward template, reminiscent of movies like ‘Enthiran’, which thrived a decade ago. While the film may resonate with younger audiences who appreciate morality and heroism on the big screen, it may struggle to leave a lasting impact on others.

‘Ayalaan’ is currently running in theaters, offering a fun escape to an alien world filled with humor, emotions, and VFX.