Aayirathonnu Nunakal review: An intriguing movie made with a perfect blend of emotions and good writing

Aayirathonnu Nunakal (1001 Lies) is the story of a group of friends in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

What makes this movie interesting is the realistic approach towards relationships, how couples hide some of the truths among the duo, and the repercussions they face after those truths are revealed.

The film was initially screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) last year.

Directed by debutant Thamar KV, Aayirathonnu Nunakal is now streaming on Sony Liv.

It is similar to Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph’s mystery film 12th Man (2022) where the couples are put in a spot to play the “Truth or Dare” game.

Synopsis

Aayirathonnu Nunakal starts with a residential building catching a fire.

Two couples — Rajesh (Sudeep Koshy), Soumya (Anusha Shyam), Salma (Shamla Hamza), and Mujeeb (Sajin Ali Pulakkal) — take a rescue at a mansion owned by their friend Vinay (Vishnu Agasthya) and his wife Divya (Ninin Kaassim).

The two families lose most of their belongings in the mishap and their distress is evident from their conversation.

Vinay and Divya ask the couples to extend their stay as they’re celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary the next day.

The plot gets interesting as more friends join the anniversary celebrations.

During the party, as a part of the “Truth or Dare” game, Vakeel (Sudheesh Scaria) asks every couple to reveal the lies that they have hidden from their partners.

The couples are initially reluctant to play the game, but Aleena (Vidhya Vijayakumar) and Joffy (Noufal Rahman) start the game by sharing some incidents. However, the couple takes the lies jovially.

But then, as the other couples start revealing theirs, the real trouble begins.

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A game of truth

The incident narrated by Benzy (Rashmi K Nair) couldn’t have been accepted by any partner as she reveals something about her being childless. This really pains her husband Elvin (Sooraj K Nambiar).

The mood of the party gradually changes as more and more truths are revealed by everyone.

The revelation of Mujeeb that he had a lover turns out to be a real problem for him as his pregnant wife Salma couldn’t take it in the right manner.

When Rajesh, a jobless man, reveals an incident that he hid from his wife, it turns into an ego problem.

In a nutshell, the Truth or Dare game, which is meant to be played for fun, becomes an issue in itself.

Meanwhile, Anil (Shinz Khan), the husband of Bindu (Remya Suresh) who works as a maid Vinay-Divya’s house, faces some financial trouble in his office.

With a view to helping him, Bindu steals an expensive item from Vinay-Divya’s house. But will that help her solve Anil’s issue? It will be a major spoiler if revealed.

Well-written script

Aayirathonnu Nunakal has a well-written script by Thamar and Hashim Sulaiman.

The story deals with the inner feelings of a person living abroad. In an interview, the director stated that he attended such get-togethers in Abu Dhabi.

A jobless husband and the ego issues he has because of his working wife, the tale of a newly-married couple, the issues faced by a childless couple, trust issues that arouse after a partner reveals his lost love, and the tale of a successful couple are some of the takeaways of this movie.

The script is not too dramatic. The fights between couples seem realistic and all actors perform really well.

The movie serves as an eye-opener as it makes people think if it’s needed to reveal every minute detail of one’s life to one’s partner. The film warns that the truth may sometimes hamper one’s peace.

Performances

Aayirathonnu Nunakal has a host of newcomers who did a good job.

Vidhya Vijakumar as Aleena, a young woman who dares to stand for women, is impressive.

Sudheesh Scaria plays an important role as the vakeel/advocate and appears like a true professional.

Vishnu Agashtha gives his best in his role as Vinay.

Remya Suresh and Shinz Khan as the couple with financial problems are apt.

Shinz Khan makes a mark yet again after the web series Kerala Crime Files (2023).

Shamla Hamza shines among others.

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Technical aspects

On the technical front, Ashik S’s art direction elevates many scenes in Aayirathonnu Nunakal, since it is majorly set in a mansion.

Jithin Stansilaus’s cinematography gives a different hue to the film.

Editor Yusuf’s editing did justice to the movie which is of 1-hour-44-minute duration.

The background score by Neha Nair and Yakzan sets the right mood for the plot.

Verdict

Aayirathonnu Nunakal is an overwhelming movie that dwells on the lives of married couples. It makes the audience think seriously about relationships.

(Views expressed here are personal.)