Aay (Telugu) Review

Karthik (Narne Nithiin), a software engineer in Hyderabad, finds himself back in his village of Pasarlapudilanka, thanks to an extended work-from-home arrangement due to Covid. Alongside his childhood friends Subbu (Kasireddy Rajkumar) and Hari (Ankith Koyya), Karthik revels in the nostalgia of their carefree days. However, the plot thickens when Karthik meets Pallavi (Nayan Sarika) and falls head over heels for her, despite knowing that Subbu is already pursuing her. He proposes to her, and she surprisingly reciprocates his feelings. But just when it seems like love will conquer all, Pallavi agrees to marry another man, bowing to caste problems and the fear of her father's disapproval.

Just before the titles roll, the movie cheekily advises the audience, "Don't look for logic, because this movie is all about fun." It's both a warning and a promise, and the roller-coaster ride that follows comes through. From the get-go, Aay is dedicated to situational comedy, ensuring that even in its more emotional moments, humour reigns supreme, avoiding the melodramatic pitfalls that often plague such narratives. The plot is straightforward, almost refreshingly so, with no unnecessary sub-plots or convoluted twists - except for that one part when Pallavi agrees to marry another man, which comes after two hours of runtime. Yet, you never feels the drag, thanks to the smart execution and the relatable chaos of work-from-home life, which is depicted in hilarious detail.

The movie shifts gears as Karthik's romantic pursuit of Pallavi takes centrestage. Their love story forms the backbone of the narrative until the interval, packed with crazy, laugh-out-loud sequences. A standout scene involves Karthik, Hari, Subbu and Pallavi sneaking into the bedroom of an "aunty" with whom Hari is having an affair, and the unsuspecting husband making an unexpected entrance. Another riotous sequence sees Hari and Subbu rushing a seemingly lifeless Karthik to the hospital suspecting he attempted suicide after Pallavi's engagement - well, he so hadn't.

The characters are a mixed bag of the relatable and the utterly absurd. Karthik and his boss are so true to life that you can't help but nod in recognition, while others, like "Google" Kashi and the horny old man, are so outlandish that they leave an indelible mark. Pallavi, the Insta-obsessed girl who cares more about Instagram likes than real life love, is a caricature of a generation lost in the digital age, yet she is endearing in her own way.

Nayan Sarika steals the show as Pallavi. Her character may not undergo significant development, but Sarika ensures that every scene she's in leaves the audience chuckling at her idiocy and innocence. Social media platforms may come and go - just as Orkut and MySpace did - but Sarika's portrayal of the Instagram fad is bound to resonate for years to come.

Narne Nithiin delivers a sincere performance as Karthik, the laid-back work-from-home guy looking for love in a village setting, all while trying to play it safe. Rajkumar Kasireddy and Ankith Koyya, who portray Karthik's friends and troublemakers, are a joy to watch, adding a layer of mischief that keeps the narrative lively.

Ram Miriyala's music is a delightful fusion of traditional Telugu sounds with contemporary filmi flair, with the tracks Sufiyana, Ranganayaki and Entha Andhamo standing out.

Kodati Pavan Kalyan's editing is sharp and intelligent, particularly in the way he freezes frames at the most bizarre moments while introducing each character with a touch of whimsy. Though the film drags a bit in its final act, the brisk pace of the climax ensures that the audience leaves on a high note.

The entire movie was shot during monsoon in the lush, green landscapes of Amalapuram and the Konaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The vibrant scenery almost becomes a character in itself, with the cast and crew occasionally shielding themselves from the rain using large banana leaves and toddy fronds adding to the film's rustic charm without distracting from the narrative.

Aay isn't groundbreaking in terms of story or performances, and its production values are decent at best. Despite these shortcomings, however, it manages to keep you entertained from start to finish - a feat many films fail to achieve. It's a light, fun watch that's perfect for a lazy afternoon in the theatre or on OTT.