Ayalvaashi review: A feel-good entertainer on friendship but lacks the punch

Small films are always a delight to watch as there won’t be many expectations and, sometimes, they give a good output. Ayalvaashi (A Tiff with The Neighbour) is one such movie.

The one-hour-forty-seven-minute family drama is a feel-good entertainer that has the potential to draw crowds to the theatres during the summer vacation.

Ayalvaashi marks the directorial debut of Irshad Parari, the younger brother of script writer-director Muhsin Parari.

Here, Irshad chose a plot that has emotions, comedy, songs and other flavours to entertain the viewers.

As the name suggests, the story is all about a simple and silly misunderstanding between neighbours and their small-time quarrels. In between are some subplots, which in the climax, help deliver a positive twist to the story.

A scratch that ruins the relations

The story starts with the marriage of Kunji (Parvathy Babu), the younger sister of Paachu (Naslin) and Kunji Malu (Lijo Mol).

Thaju (Soubin Shahir), Kunji Malu’s husband, lives in his wife’s house. All ill happenings in the story begin during their engagement.

Benny (Binu Pappu) is Thaju’s friend and neighbour, too. Benny’s mom Gracy (Jaya Kurup) is not happy with Thaju and their family as she believes that they are enjoying more freedom in her house.

She also doesn’t like Thaju and his friend Ajippan (Gokulan) entering her home and using her son’s scooter and other belongings.

Benny is afraid of his mother and his wife Saleena (Nikhila Vimal) complains about the same.

Also Read: Sulaikha Manzil delves into big fat weddings and couple issues

Meanwhile, Benny’s scooter is put up for sale. But the buyer refuses to purchase on noticing a scratch after it meets with a minor accident. Benny’s mother blames Thaju and his family since they use the two-wheeler on the engagement day.

This scratch creates a rift between Benny and Thaju.

Meanwhile, Thaju’s daughter is in hospital due to pneumonia and he has to make money for the marriage. The story revolves around Thaju’s efforts to find out the culprit who is responsible for the accident.

Subtle performances

Irshad Parari has done a decent job by making a movie with interesting twists and turns, which evoke laughter among the audience.

The culprit changes from minute to minute. When the real culprit is found, it appears to be a miscommunication that led to a comedy of errors.

Soubin Shahir comes out with flying colours in Ayalvaashi as he plays emotional scenes with ease. He has often been criticised for his dialogue delivery. But here, he is up to the mark.

In a scene between Soubin Shahir and Lijo Mol where it is revealed that Thaju is an orphan, both actors steal the show but without putting up an emotional drama.

Binu Pappu as Benny is interesting to watch.

Nikhila Vimal as Saleena has nothing much to perform.

Naslen K’s Paachu is safe in his hands. This young actor is surely here to stay.

Also Read: Neelavelicham is a decent remake of Bhargavi Nilayam

Gokulan as Ajippan is another important character who is a mutual friend of Benny and Thaju. Being a theatre artist, he seems effortless in his performance.

Jagadeesh as Saleena’s father is good.

There isn’t much extraordinary for other actors to perform.

Flaws in the script

Ayalvaashi has a slight problem with the script though; particularly after the interval bang in the scene where Paachu makes cash dealings. It is a sudden development that leads to confusion.

This apart, Kottayam Naseer’s character is a bit loud. But moving towards the climax, the story finds its pace.

The film is more like a cartoon as the characters are quite humorous.

The “Chewing Gumi” song is a quirky one and has been shot well.

The cinematography by Sajith Purushan is apt.

Jakes Bejoy’s music is one of the highlights.

Final take

Ayalvaashi delivers what it promises — humour and entertainment. Nevertheless, a well-written script would have made it a top-notch flick.

(Views expressed are personal.)