Sakthivel Kalyani

Aalan (2024), directed by Sakthivel Kalyani, dives right into the tangled mess of family, ambition, and the kind of chaos that only small-town life can bring. The story revolves around Aalan, a guy who’s fed up with scraping by, dreaming bigger than anyone else in his sleepy village. He’s got guts, sure, but sometimes that’s just not enough when the world keeps tossing curveballs. His relationship with his dad? Rocky doesn’t even begin to cover it. The old man’s stubborn, clinging to tradition, and Aalan’s not afraid to butt heads if it means chasing his own version of success. Things start to spiral when Aalan finds himself caught between loyalty to his roots and his hunger for something better. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of ambition—jealousy, betrayal, even a little heartbreak. Friends turn out to be frenemies, and the so-called “easy way out” just leads to more trouble. Meanwhile, the backdrop is alive with local festivals, gossiping aunties, and the kind of music that sticks in your head long after the credits roll. The pacing keeps you on your toes; one minute you’re laughing at a ridiculous argument, the next you’re holding your breath as family secrets bubble up. It’s not just about one guy’s journey, either. Aalan (2024) digs into questions about what we owe to our families, what we owe to ourselves, and whether it’s possible to have it all without losing who you are. The ending? Let’s just say it leaves you thinking—maybe even questioning your own choices.