Aayitha Ezhuthu (2004)

Another example of a movie that has questionable scripting choices but is saved by its superb casting choices, and of course, GOAT A.R. Rahman's music. The Aayitha Ezhuthu album is one of his best works, in my humble opinion; and as with most A.R. Rahman films, I am convinced that the album is half the reason for the movie considered a "classic". 

The most overwhelming feeling I had while and after watching the movie was that men are so annoying that it gets exhausting real quick. Apart from Michael (Suriya), every single man in this movie was the perfect example of why men should be avoided at all costs. Inba Sekar (Madhavan) was easily the worst of the lot, and his toxicity made me lowkey nauseous. I loved Meera Jasmine's performance as Sashi, Inba Sekar's wife, and I honestly wish Sashi got out of the abusive cycle that her marriage was and found peace and happiness somewhere. Esha Deol as Geetha (Michael's girlfriend) was surprisingly good, and complemented Suriya nicely. As for Siddharth and Trisha- man, my feelings about them are so complicated. On one hand, their chemistry was one of my favourite parts of the movie, but their whole storyline felt so extra and even unnecessary on some levels that I was left confused. Like I said in the beginning itself, the acting performances carried this entire film, and I hope Mani saar knows that. And that A.R. Rahman saved his ass yet again.

Trigger warning- the whole Sid-Trish bit reminded me that there was an extremely homophobic "joke" in the coffee shop sequence, and an equally distasteful rape joke in the beach sequence. Sairaam, can't believe this movie is called "ahead" of its time or whatever.

In conclusion, this is not the representation or legacy George Reddy's story needed. Stick to your rom-coms, Mani saar, leave your wokeboi politics at home. 

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