Aviyal

Aviyal is a 2016 Tamil anthology movie featuring a collection of five unique and delightful short films helmed by different directors. The movie boasts of a talented ensemble cast including Ramachandran Durairaj, Praveen Kumar, Arjunan Nandakumar, among others. Unlike a single narrative feature movie, Aviyal offers audiences an array of diverse stories and characters, each with different situations, tones, aesthetic values, and themes. Yet, all of these stories are distinctly grounded within the intriguing regions of Tamil Nadu, providing a glimpse of the region's cultural milieu and social fabric.

One of the key distinctions of Aviyal is the non-usual storytelling style adapted by its makers. With varying genres encompassing drama, comedy, thriller, and a slice of life; the movie promises a rich platter that caters to different tastes. It's an adventurous ride which is thrilling, humorous and moving in equal measure. The name 'Aviyal,' which translates to 'mixed vegetable curry,' does justice to the mix and match of narratives presented in an appealing manner, reflecting the diversity and richness of human experiences and emotions.

Each of these five short films in Aviyal introduces us to different characters who find themselves in unique, relatable life situations. There's the ambitious yet naive filmmaker, the affable loafer, the wannabe criminal, the misunderstood youth and the starry-eyed lovers. These stories don't shy away from showcasing the complexities, desires, dilemmas and eccentricities of these ordinary individuals, making them extraordinarily real and relatable for viewers.

Ramachandran Durairaj, Praveen Kumar, and Arjunan Nandakumar provide stellar performances, showcasing their versatility by diving into distinct personalities and unique situations in each of the short movies. Their acting prowess breathes life into the narratives, making each moment engaging and gripping. The ensemble supporting cast also deserves a mention for contributing to the movie's lively ensemble and enriching the individual narratives with their performances.

One of Aviyal's key strengths is that it doesn’t rely solely on the distinct narratives and performances. Its technical aspects, be it the evocative cinematography, the crisp editing, or visual effects, all play crucial roles in creating an immersive viewing experience. The cinematography captures the locales of Tamil Nadu in all their splendor, adding to the atmosphere and mood of the narratives. The transition between the stories is handled smoothly, ensuring the anthology doesn't come off as disjointed or random. The soulful music and the background score binds together different narratives, providing a harmonious sonic experience while enhancing the emotional depth of the stories.

Every short story in Aviyal presents a distinctive flavor of filmmaking and narrative approach, much like the mix of various ingredients that lend different tastes to the South Indian dish, Aviyal. However, there's also a thread of commonality weaving the five stories together. All the stories delve into the intricacies of human behavior, capturing the characters’ hopes, fears, quirks and their responses to varied situations in life. At the end no matter how different, all narratives leave us with not only a broad smile but also some food for thought.

Aviyal, as a cinematic experiment, breaks away from conventional storytelling methods. It showcases a rich tapestry of life where ordinary people find themselves in exceptional situations. It walks the tightrope balance between the mundane and the extraordinary, between the comic and the tragic, between realism and stylization bringing together a delightful collection of stories that engage, entertain and stay with the viewer long after the last frame. This bold effort serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation in Tamil cinema, endorsing the creative brilliance of the regional filmmakers and the abundance of talent in the actors, technicians, and storytellers that the industry is blessed with.

In essence, Aviyal is not just a movie, but a roller-coaster ride of emotions and narratives, as diverse and delightful as the dish it is named after. It guarantees an enriching cinematic experience, whether you're a diehard fan of Tamil cinema or a movie lover seeking a unique, fresh slice of storytelling.