Aashakaal Aayiram review: Jayaram-Kalidas shine, but film falls short of greatness
Aashakaal Aayiram Movie Review: Director G Prajeeth’s Aashakaal Aayiram, starring Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram, attempts a heart-touching film about a father-son’s passion and ego issues. The film has interesting ideas, but lacks greatness.
Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram are a father-son duo who everyone finds lovable and trustworthy. Their bond exudes sweetness, their comedic timing impeccable. Both are coming together again on screen after several decades for director G Prajeet’s film. Ashakal AayiramA film in which they will be seen playing the roles of father and son with similar interests.
How does it feel when a son’s passion becomes his father’s hobby? Will the two share tips to move forward together or will egos take over? Ashakal Aayiram It tackles comedy, drama and a whole lot more. Ajeesh (Kalidas Jayaram) is a social media influencer who aims to make it big in cinema. His medical representative father, Hariharan (Jayaram), is tired of juggling family and monetary commitments.
One day, a popular actor comes to the neighborhood to shoot a film. It is here that their dreams become entwined forever. And for the bad too.
Director Prajeeth and writers Jude Anthony Joseph and Aravind Rajendran had a solid core that provides opportunity for multiple subplots. The film starts on a fun note, establishing the family dynamics in the Hariharan family. This offered great scope for comedy. Although there are some laugh-out-loud moments, the first half keeps you engaged with the drama and comedy.
The basic idea of overlapping dreams amid financial constraints is well presented. But the film takes its sweet time in taking the conflicts forward. This is where the film feels longer than it wants to. As a feel-good drama, it hits the right spot before becoming too dramatic as we approach the climax.
It is the performances of Jayaram and Kalidas that keep the proceedings interesting. His banter and his various interactions with the lady of the family, Asha (Asha Sharath), are lively and bring a smile on your face. Sharafuddin plays an extended cameo as an actor and gives an impressive performance.
Ashakal Aayiram Its premise was interesting, but it could have been even more given its unique idea. The film places more emphasis on melodrama rather than relying on specificity. With a predictable climax, the film ends up being a harmless family entertainer that falls short of greatness.