Ayali - 2023

Introduction 

Ayali is an engaging Indian Tamil-language web series that premiered in 2023 on ZEE5. Written and directed by Muthukumar, the series addresses the patriarchal aspects of Tamil society and Indian society broadly. The main characters of Ayali are portrayed by notable actors such as Abi Nakshatra, Anumol, Madhan, Linga, and Singampuli.

The storyline revolves around Tamizhselvi, a young teenager who challenges the oppressive 500-year-old customs and traditions in her village, Veerappannai, located in Pudukkottai. Tamizhselvi's greatest aspiration is to become a doctor, a dream she relentlessly pursues despite various obstacles.

This series of eight episodes stands out for its unique perspective on societal norms and the determination of a young teenager to create her path despite overarching patriarchal structures.

Table of contents

• Details

• Plot 

• Release

• Reviews

• Casting

• Crew

• Songs

• Behind the scenes

• Character Analysis 

• How to book a personalised Celebrity Message similar from Ayali on Tring

Details

Plot

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The story revolves around Tamizhselvi, a young teenager who dreams of becoming a doctor. As the plot unfolds, Tamizhselvi finds herself at the brink of puberty, a phase that, according to the customs of her village, could mark the end of her educational journey. Courageously, she decides to hide this development to continue her studies, finding an ally in her mother, whom she convinces to support her.

The village's disdain for a girl pursuing education brings more hurdles, but Tamizhselvi's determination remains unwavering. When she needs to leave the village for her school examination, the village head intervenes, citing the village's customs as a reason for her confinement.

As the storyline progresses, Tamizhselvi finds courage not only in herself but also inspires village women to defy patriarchal norms. This empowerment is met with resistance from the men in the village, especially Sakthivel, the village head's son.

Toward the end, a shocking twist is revealed as a marriage is arranged between Selvi and Sakthivel. The women of the village, however, rally together against this decision and raise their voices against the oppressive traditions and customs that have kept them shackled for years.

Release

Ayali was released on the 26th of January 2023. It was loved by the audience. The series has a total of 1 season and there are 8 episodes in it. The web series is available on ZEE5.

Episodes

Casting 

• Abhi Nakshatra- Abi Nakshatra is an up-and-coming actress known for her breakthrough performance in the web series Ayali.

• Anumol - Anumol is an acclaimed Malayalam and Tamil film actress, applauded for roles in films like Chayilyam and Akam.

• Madhan- Madhan is recognized for his roles in various Tamil soap operas like Thendral and Office, showcasing his versatility.

• Linga- Linga has carved a niche for himself in the Tamil film industry with memorable performances in Super Deluxe and Master.

• Singampuli- Singampuli, an actor-director, is well-regarded for his roles in Tamil movies like Raajapattai and Maina.

Crew

• Writer - Muthukumar

• Director - Muthukumar

• Music By - Revaa

• Producer - Kushmavathi

• Cinematography - Ramji

• Editor - Ganesh Siva

• Producton company - Estrella Stories.

Character Analysis

•  Thamizh (Abi Nakshatra): Thamizh is the determined and rebellious protagonist of this series. She's a young girl from a village dominated by traditional practices, including the denial of education and freedom to girls. Thamizh dreams of becoming a doctor and persistently battles the restrictive customs that seek to hinder her ambitions.
• Thamizh's mother (Anumol): As the closest confidant to Thamizh, her mother is exceptionally supportive, understanding, and affectionate. She forms an essential bond with her daughter, often discussing sensitive issues. Through the eyes of Thamizh, she manages to explore hitherto unknown aspects of life, venturing outside her comfort zone.
• Thavasi's son: Thavasi's son is a character who undermines Thamizh's plans to liberate the women in the village. The details about his motivations and background aren't explicitly clear but suggest his allegiance to the existing patriarchal hierarchies.

Songs 

Behind the scenes

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Ayali is produced by Kushmavathi under the production house of Estrella Stories, marking the web series debut of director Muthukumar. An integral part of the creative process was the team of Veenai Maindhan, Sachin, and Muthu Kumar, who were responsible for the screenplay and dialogues. The music, a crucial element of the series, was composed by the talented Revaa.

Reviews

Audience Review

The viewers have lauded Ayali for its thought-provoking storytelling and compelling screenplay. Many found it refreshing that the series tackled a rarely explored subject matter, shedding light on societal issues in smaller towns and villages of India. Audiences praise the series' honest depiction of women's struggles in patriarchal societies, stamping its place in the genuine content category that the audiences believe should be more propagated.

The aspects praised within the series vary from the engaging narrative structure, hard-hitting dialogues, commendable performances by the cast, especially Abi Nakshatra (Tamizhselvi) and Anumol (Tamizhselvi's Mother), to the top-notch cinematography. Though the series was mostly applauded, some viewers expressed concerns about the portrayal of societal beliefs and the rapid conclusion of the storyline in the final episodes.

Tring Review

The series powerfully roots in reality, with inspiration drawn from real-life incidents. Epitomizing oppression that women have been subjected to for generations, Ayali pushes past the fringes of the rural drama narrative into deeper themes of societal regression, misogyny, and the struggle for individual freedom and rights.

The character development is profound. Tamizhselvi, magnificently portrayed by Abi Nakshathra, is the personification of youthful defiance against oppressive norms. Her resolute to become a doctor and her determination to seek education in the face of detrimental traditions is both heartrending and inspiring.

On the other hand, Anumol, as Tamizhselvi's mother, presents a nuanced lament towards a mother balancing familial expectations and her daughter's ambitions. The rest of the ensemble - Madhan, Linga, and Singampuli – contributes to the series' overall emotional gravity, inciting a concoction of feelings in the viewer.

Coupled with impressive cinematography and a compelling soundtrack by Revaa, Ayaliis indeed a revelation in regional web content, going down as one of the finest explorations of enduring gender inequalities and patriarchal mindsets in rural India.

Keeping these minor criticisms aside, Ayali is a bold and much-needed narrative that deserves applaud. It will leave you pondering over the depicted societal truths, prompting an inward call to arms for societal reformation. Truly, it's a must-watch that educates, resonates, and enthralls at the same time.

Tring Rating: ★★★★☆

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