Director Anji K Maniputhra’s Telugu film ‘Aay’ addresses caste divisions through a breezy tale of friendships and romance
In the Godavari belt of Andhra Pradesh, the word ‘aay’ often spoken in a sing-song tone is used to show acknowledgment. The Telugu film Aay, with the tagline ‘Mem friends andi’ (we are friends), was written and directed by Anji K Maniputhra. It tells a story of friendship and romance while reflecting the region’s cultural flavor and subtly addressing caste divisions. Anji maintains a lighthearted tone throughout the film, suggesting that relationships have the power to transcend entrenched caste barriers.
The film is set in Amalapuram during the monsoon season, capturing the atmosphere of the rains as they bring out random ramblings among friends, the initial stirrings of romance, and strained family relationships. Karthik (Nithiin Narne) returns home sometime between the first and second lockdowns, adapting to the new norm of working from home. Meanwhile, his childhood friends Subbu (Rajkumar Kasireddy) and Hari (Ankith Koyya) continue to drift aimlessly through their days.Anji takes his time with the film, reflecting the leisurely pace of the small town that soaks in the monsoon rains. The film unfolds at a relaxed speed, mirroring the steady rhythm of local life. It delves into how the village folks perceive the idea of working from home, resulting in several amusing scenes. The humor, woven into everyday occurrences, helps maintain the film’s momentum and charm.
When Pallavi (Nayan Sarika) arrives on the scene, dynamics among the friends begin to shift. However, Anji maintains a breezy and straightforward tone throughout. As the story unfolds, the director gradually reveals deeper issues. Pallavi admits that she grew up in a household preoccupied with caste-related matters, which made her reluctant to cross boundaries. She is depicted as practical and grounded. While the film subtly hints at the threat of honor killings, it stops short of delving into these darker possibilities, keeping the focus on the lighter aspects of the narrative.The humor that runs throughout the film is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel. In the latter parts of the movie, when jokes punctuate potentially serious moments, they sometimes diminish the gravity of the situation. For example, a recurring gag involving an elderly man watching innuendo-laden videos becomes repetitive and loses its impact over time.
Even among the three friends, some comedic scenes feel trivial and become stretched over time. However, the strong camaraderie among the trio and the performances, particularly by Rajkumar and Ankith, compensate for this. Rajkumar brings a gregarious energy to his role, delivering some of the best lines. Ankith effectively portrays his character as a loyal friend, though he occasionally gets distracted by his romantic interest. After his success in last year’s campus hit MAD, Nithiin steps into a solo lead role with adequate performance, though there is room for growth. Nayan Sarika has a natural presence on screen. The supporting actors, especially the parents, convincingly portray everyday life with authenticity. Ram Miriyala’s music, Ajay Arasada’s background score, and Sameer Kalyani’s visuals beautifully capture the raw, rustic charm of the Godavari region.
In the final portions, as the narrative shifts to address caste issues more directly, it avoids predictable paths and instead takes an approach that aligns with the film’s tagline. This seems to be the director’s way of suggesting that social change can be effectively highlighted through lighthearted storytelling. In an era saturated with on-screen bloodshed, this method offers a refreshing alternative.
Aay (Telugu)
Plus Points
Nithiin, fresh off his success with MAD, steps into another youthful role with noticeable improvements in his dialogue delivery and expressions. His performance is a highlight of the film, showcasing his growth as an actor.
Kasireddy Rajkumar shines with his impeccable comedic timing, bringing laughter to every scene he’s in. His chemistry with Ankith Koyya adds an extra layer of humor and interest, making their interactions especially entertaining.
Nayan Sarika brings a charming and mischievous energy to her role, further enriching the film with her engaging performance. The supporting cast also plays a significant role, contributing to the film’s overall enjoyment and making it a delightful watch.
Minus Points
For those looking for a strong narrative, Aay might be a letdown. The film leans heavily into comedy at the expense of a compelling storyline, so viewers will need to set aside logic to fully enjoy it.
Characters like Mime Gopi and Vinod Kumar could have been better fleshed out, which might have made the climax more impactful.
While the comedy is mostly entertaining, some scenes come off as overly exaggerated and less effective. The second half of the film drags a bit, and a more consistent comedic tone could have improved the pacing.
Technical Aspects
Director Anji K Maniputra makes a promising debut with this comedy film, though finding a better balance between humor and story could enhance future projects. The cinematography by Sameer Kalyani and the editing by Kodati Pavan Kalyan are solid, and the production values are decent. The playful re-recording effectively adds to the humor in several scenes.
Verdict
Overall, Aay is a decent entertainer, thanks to the hilarious performances of Narne Nithiin, Kasireddy Rajkumar, and Ankith Koyya. Nayan Sarika adds a charming touch, and the climax provides a thoughtful message. While the film lacks a strong storyline and experiences some pacing issues in the second half, it still offers a fun and light-hearted experience. If you can set aside logic and enjoy the comedic moments, it’s a great choice for a laugh-filled weekend. Book your tickets and get ready for some big-screen laughs!