'Ayalaan' delves into sci-fi territory as a corporate giant exploits 'Noah Gas' from Earth's core for profit. He achieves that with the help of an "alien" metal that came from the above. Now to retrieve that metal and to save the earth from the upcoming danger, enters the "Alien". How Sivakarthikeyan and his team help the alien in its adventure forms the crux of the story.
Sivakarthikeyan, in his lively style, brings charm to the film, even in encounters with an extraterrestrial entity. The comedic trio – Karunakaran, Yogi Babu, and Kodandam – skillfully sustains the film's humor. Rakul Preet Singh, in a limited role, contributes minimally to the narrative.
The traditional casting of a North Indian actor as a villain reappears in Tamil Cinema, with Sharad Kelkar offering a template antagonist with animated body language. However, it's the endearing alien character 'Tattoo,' voiced by Sidharth, captivates viewers, especially children. The VFX is flawless, making it a mammoth achievement in Kollywood.
Director Ravikumar adeptly combines alien fascination with Tamil cinema conventions, succeeding notably in the first half. The film seamlessly integrates Sivakarthikeyan's antics with the alien's amusing wardrobe episodes. However, in the second half, "Ayalaan" grapples with a dilemma – whether to be an alien-focused film or a superhero saga. The absence of key Sivakarthikeyan-alien scenes disappoints, making it feel disjointed.
Due to the movie's extended production period, certain ideas and visuals appear outdated, impacting the overall viewing experience. The introduction of numerous technologies and excess superpower-centric action sequences contribute to a sense of exhaustion. The villain's character and background lack the depth required for the intricate storyline. Additionally, Isha Gopikar's character remains largely undeveloped until the film's conclusion.
While "Ayalaan" touches upon ecological themes, the treatment is superficial, with minimal exploration. Criticisms of urban life and references to organic farming are sparse. Technically, the film excels, with Nirav Shah's cinematography capturing diverse locations, and A.R.Rahman's background score delivering Hollywood-esque action vibes. However, the songs fail to make a significant impact.
"Ayalaan" offers a family-friendly Pongal watch with its entertaining elements. Still, a more focused screenplay could have solidified its place as a Tamil film offering a superior alien experience. In essence, "Ayalaan" begins as a jolly mode spectacle but slips when it comes to the action-oriented narrative, missing the opportunity to become a classic and notable Tamil sci-fi flick in history.
