What Is the Story About?
Sets in the early 1990s in Veerappannai, a village in Tamil Nadu, Ayali is about a girl named Tamizhselvi (Abi Nakshatra). The series’ core premise is how she brings a revolution in her village where any girl attaining puberty is married immediately.
Performance?
Abi Nakshatra playing the title role of Ayali is perfect for the part. She expresses the various emotions required with ease and confidence. The natural flow makes it instantly identifiable and relatable. The fun, happiness, fear and resolute strength are all appropriately conveyed, creating a wholesome outing.
Analysis?
Muthu Kumar writes and directs Ayali. It is a woman empowerment drama set a few decades ago. However, the element of relatability is what makes it tick despite the long gap in time.
India’s smaller towns and especially villages have their rituals. People follow the traditions religiously, sometimes not caring how archaic they have become. Ayali picks one such village from the past and showcases how difficult it has been for women to pursue their dreams and how people fall into the trap and are manipulated by vested interests.
The director’s biggest success is presenting a bygone era neatly. One is immediately transported into the village, and the people and the world feel real. It helps in overcoming the glitches associated with the story and the screenplay.
The casting and writing hold things together, but the slow pace and predictability are an issue initially. Things get better as the narrative progresses, and we learn more about the characters and the world. The rooting for Ayali to overcome the obstacles, tension, and fear that she could be caught highlights the triumph of the director’s vision.
However, all is not rosy, as mentioned earlier. There is an air of predictability throughout. The world and the characters camouflage them largely, but it becomes more apparent as things start to reach the end.
The final couple of episodes in this regard are very predictable, including the writing. One can see them coming miles away. It is the strong and positive message that holds it all together.
Despite being set a few decades ago, the issue still feels relevant today and is what gives Ayali that extra edge. Its message goes beyond the time it is set in.
Overall, Ayali has a familiar set-up and story, but the compelling drama, casting, and the message it passes makes it a good one-time watch. If you like dramas with a message, give it a try.
Other Artists?
The casting is on the spot when it comes to the series. Hence, despite the run time and sometimes ordinary dialogues, we easily remember the character. The best one among them is Anumol playing Abi Nakshatra’s mother. The mother-daughter chemistry is sweet without being syrupy and helps the narrative flow smoothly.
TSR Srinivasan plays a teacher who is a typical comic sidekick antagonist. He does his part excellently, although, at times, he does go overboard. Madhan, Lovelyn, Linga and others get tailor-made roles suiting their personalities. The rest of the cast, playing much smaller parts, also impresses during the dramatic moments.
Music And Other Departments?
Revaa’s music goes with the series’ flow. There is no particular memorable bit. But it does enough to heighten the emotions within the satisfactory progress. The cinematography is decent. Ramji captures the village atmosphere and traditions well. Ganesh Siva’s editing is neat. There is no hurriedness, and things progress smoothly without jarring anywhere. The writing is good for the most part, but some sequences are ordinary in between.
Highlights?
Message
Casting
Setting
Relatable Emotions
Drawbacks?
Predictable Story
Length
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Ayali Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
