>Citation bot at 01:19, 2 July 2021

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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{short description|2021 film by Halitha Shameem}}
{{Infobox television
| name =
| image = Aelay poster.jpg
| image_alt =
| caption = Poster
| genre = [[Comedy-drama]]
| creator =
| based_on =
| writer = Halitha Shameem
| screenplay =
| story =
| director = [[Halitha Shameem]]
| starring = [[Samuthirakani]] [[K. Manikandan|Manikandan]]
| narrated =
| music = '''Original Songs:''' Kaber Vasuki [[Aruldev]] '''Background Score:''' [[Aruldev]]
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| num_episodes =
| producer = [[S. Sashikanth]] [[Chakravarthy Ramachandra]] [[Pushkar–Gayathri]]
| editor = Raymond Derrick Crasta Halitha Shameem
| cinematography = [[Theni Eswar]]
| runtime =
| company = [[Y NOT Studios|YNOT Studios]] [[Reliance Entertainment]] Wallwatcher Films
| distributor = [[Netflix]] [[Star Vijay]]
| budget =
| network =
| released = {{film date|2021|2|28|df=y}}
| website =
}}
'''''Aelay''''' is a 2021 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[comedy-drama]] [[television film]] written and directed by [[Halitha Shameem]], and produced by [[S. Sashikanth]] and [[Chakravarthy Ramachandra|Ramachandra]] of [[Y NOT Studios|YNOT Studios]] while creative produced by [[Pushkar–Gayathri]] of Wallwatcher Films. Co-produced by [[Reliance Entertainment]], The film stars [[Samuthirakani]] and [[K. Manikandan|Manikandan]], and has music composed by Kaber Vasuki and Aruldev, with cinematography handled by [[Theni Eswar]] and editing done by Shameem and Raymond Derrick Crasta respectively.

The film was scheduled for theatrical release on 12 February 2021, but the producers later opted for a direct television premiere through [[Star Vijay]] on 28 February 2021 and internationally on [[Netflix]] on 5 March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samuthirakani's 'Aelay' to have a direct television premiere |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/samuthirakanis-aelay-to-release-tomorrow-excluding-tamil-nadu/articleshow/80845132.cms |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

== Cast ==
* [[Samuthirakani]] as Muthukkutty and Sudhakar (Imbuttu Kanji)
* [[K. Manikandan|Manikandan]] as Parthi
* Madhumathi as Nachiya
* Deepa Shankar as village school teacher

== Plot ==
An unexpected life event forces a young man to reconsider the past and his opinions about his father, who was an ice-cream seller.

== Production ==
On May 2019, [[Y NOT Studios|YNOT Studios]] announced their collaboration with director duo [[Pushkar-Gayathri]]'s newly launched production studio Wallwatcher Films, for [[Halitha Shameem]]'s new project titled as ''Aelay''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Pushkar-Gayatri to team up with director Halitha |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/may/03/pushkar-gayatri-to-team-up-with-director-halitha-11371.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Both the directors also joined the film's team as the creative director, with Shameem revealed that she had written the script nine years back,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samuthirakani :Halithaa Shameem first script was 'Aelay' |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/samuthirakani-halithaa-shameem-first-script-was-aelay-news-tamil-vcchP8bgdbiad.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Sify |language=en}}</ref> and was waiting for the right producer.<ref name=":0" /> She earlier worked as an assistant to Pushkar and Gayathri, whom agreed to produce the film after her narration.<ref name=":0" /> The film is touted to be a neo-realistic comedy set in rural areas, with the relationship dynamics between a father and son at its core.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=First look of director Halitha's neo-realistic comedy Aelay out |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/may/04/first-look-of-director-halithas-neo-realistic-comedy-aelay-out-1972325.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Shameem decided to rope in [[Samuthirakani]] and [[K. Manikandan|Manikandan]], whom were a part of the director's ''[[Sillu Karuppatti]]'' (2019), essaying the roles of father and son, whereas the rest of the cast were non-actors from the village of Manjunayakanpatti in [[Dindigul]] district.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Subramanian |first=Anupama |date=3 May 2019 |title=Aelay is a neo-realistic comedy |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/030519/aelay-is-a-neo-realistic-comedy.html |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>

Principal photography of the film took place in [[Palani]] on 3 May 2019, where the makers planned to shoot the film in a single stretch.<ref name=":1" /> The shooting of the film was completed on 1 July 2019.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Samuthirakani's 'Aelay' shooting wrapped up – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/samuthirakanis-aelay-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/70023544.cms |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Aelay
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Kaber Vasuki, [[Aruldev]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 1 February 2021
| recorded = 2020
| genre = [[Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 15:03
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| label = [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]]
| producer = Kaber Vasuki [[Aruldev]]
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
The film songs are composed by Kaber Vasuki and [[Aruldev]]. The original Background score is composed by [[Aruldev]], as he earlier worked with [[Halitha Shameem]] in her debut film ''[[Poovarasam Peepee]]'' (2014). The soundtrack album features six songs with lyrics written by Kaber Vasuki, Halitha Shameem, M. K. Kadal Vendhan and K. Chitrasenan. The album was released by [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]] on 1 February 2021.<ref>{{Citation |title=Aelay (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – All Songs – Download or Listen Free – JioSaavn |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/aelay-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/Y9xjHjcP3h4_ |language=en-US |access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref>
{{Track listing
| all_writing =
| lyrics2 = M. K. Kadal Vendhan
| extra6 = Yogi Sekar, Roja Adithya
| extra5 = [[Alexander Babu]]
| extra4 = Kaber Vasuki
| extra3 = K. Chitrasenan
| extra2 = M. K. Kadal Vendhan
| music6 = Kaber Vasuki
| music5 = Kaber Vasuki
| music4 = Kaber Vasuki
| music3 = Aruldev
| music2 = Aruldev
| lyrics6 = Halitha Shameem
| lyrics5 = [[Halitha Shameem]]
| lyrics4 = Kaber Vasuki
| lyrics3 = K. Chitrasenan
| length6 = 3:55
| title1 = Aelay
| title2 = Ettuthikkum Oorum
| length1 = 2:14
| total_length = 15:03
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| lyrics1 = –
| music1 = [[Aruldev]]
| extra1 = [[Aruldev]]
| title3 = Kooduvittu
| length5 = 2:45
| title4 = Magaraasa
| title5 = Muthukutti Settai
| title6 = Seevanukke
| length2 = 2:02
| length3 = 1:57
| length4 = 2:10
| headline = Track listing
}}

== Release ==
The film was initially scheduled for a theatrical release on September 2019, but was postponed due to the [[post-production]] delays and [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=":2" /> The official trailer of the film was released on the occasion of [[Republic Day]], 26 January 2021 and the film's release date of 12 February 2021 was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Halitha Shameem's Aelay: Makers to reveal the most awaited film's trailer; See post |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/halitha-shameem-s-aelay-makers-reveal-most-awaited-film-s-trailer-see-post-601186 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref>

However, a day before the scheduled release, the makers withdrawn the plans for theatrical release and was further announced that the film will be aired directly through [[Star Vijay]] on 28 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2021 |title=Halitha Shameem's 'Aelay' skips theatrical release, to have television premier |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/halitha-shameems-aelay-skips-theatrical-release-have-television-premier-143363 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref> It was revealed that the theatre owners and distributors issued a red card against the film's production house [[Y NOT Studios|YNOT Studios]], over the digital release of [[Dhanush]]'s ''[[Jagame Thandhiram]]'' (2021), and stated that the distributors will not screen any of the upcoming films belonging to the production company.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Aelay to release directly on OTT? Here's what we know |url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/27710/aelay-halitha-shameem-samuthirakani-ott-release |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref> Also the exhibitors demand of an [[OTT platform|OTT premiere]] only after 30-days of its theatrical run was one of the decision that the makers went straight ahead for a television premiere.<ref name=":3" /> Irrespective of this, a special screening for the film was held on 25 February 2021 at [[Sathyam cinemas|Sathyam Cinemas]] in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aelay - Press Screening at Sathyam Cinemas on 25th February|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/27830|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-30|website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref>

After its television premiere, the film premiered through [[Netflix]] on 5 March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thandoratimes.com|title=Netflix announces Samuthirakani's Aelay release date Thandoratimes.com|url=https://www.thandoratimes.com/news-id-netflix-announces-samuthirakanis-aelay-release-date11355.htm|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Thandoratimes.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
M. Suganth of ''[[The Times of India]]'' called out "Aelay" as "a journey that leaves you with a smile even if the ride was sort of bumpy for some parts", giving 3 out of 5 stars for the film.<ref>{{Citation|title=Aelay Movie Review: Aelay is overlong, but leaves you with a smile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/aelay/movie-review/81215064.cms|access-date=2021-04-30}}</ref> ''Behindwoods'' called the film as a "delightful watch"; giving 3 out of 5, the review further stated "With an in-form Samuthirakani and a high humour quotient, Aelay will surprise you in ways you wouldn't expect it to".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-25|title=Aelay (aka) Aelayy review|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aelay/aelay-review.html|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Avinash Ramachandran of ''[[Cinema Express]]'' also gave 3 out of 5, writing "The film stays afloat, courtesy its efficient humour, some good performances from the leads, and impressive music".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aelay Movie Review: A warm, funny tale bogged down by some missteps|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/tamil/2021/feb/28/aelay-tamil-movie-review-samuthirakanimanikandanhalitha-shameem-tamil-ynot-studios-23070.html|access-date=2021-04-30|website=The New Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

''[[Sify]]'' called the film "a breezy feel-good drama", adding "it makes you smile in several places but it falls short due to the overstretched second half and climax.".<ref>https://www.sify.com/movies/aelay-review-a-breezy-feel-good-drama-review-tamil-vc0gpEgbgcaef.html</ref> Srinivasa Ramanujam from ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted "director Halitha Shameem’s latest offering lacks pace but the performances and characterisation make up for it."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=26 February 2021 |title='Aelay' film review: A well-crafted rural film on a problematic father son relationship |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/aelay-movie-review/article33942240.ece |access-date=1 March 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Despite criticising its lengthy pace, Haricharan Pudipeddi of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' called Aelay as a "fun, sweet film that gets so much right about life in a small village and their tradition".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-28|title=Aelay movie review: A fun, sweet rural drama that's let down by its length|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/aelay-movie-review-a-fun-sweet-rural-drama-that-s-let-down-by-its-length-101614484327301.html|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

Reviewing for ''[[Film Companion]]'', [[Baradwaj Rangan]] stated the film as watchable, despite its issues. He wrote "There’s always something fresh and interesting and “quirky” enough to match the score, like the father and son giving up a chase while halfway up a tree. But you wish Halitha had leaned one way and stayed that course".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=2021-02-26|title=Review Of Halitha Shameem's Aelay On Vijay TV, With Samuthirakani And Manikandan: A Low-Key Charmer Saddled With A Shrill Second Half|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/aelay-tamil-movie-review-vijay-tv-a-low-key-charmer-saddled-with-a-shrill-second-half-halitha-shameem-samuthirakani-and-manikandan-baradwaj-rangan/|access-date=2021-04-30|website=Film Companion|language=en-US}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Y NOT Studios}}

[[Category:2021 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2021 films]]
[[Category:Indian comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian television films]]
[[Category:2021 television films]]

Aelay - Revision history

>Citation bot at 01:19, 2 July 2021