Name: Ilai
Genre: Drama
Released: 2017-04-21
Rating: 6.6
Cast: Sreedevi Anil, SS Bijuraaj, Jenish

Santhosh Anchal's cinematography with natural lights is stunning and VFX by Bineesh Raj is laudable. Vishnu V Diwakaran's music is soothing and goes well with the mood of the film. On the whole a commendable effort from Bineesh that is worth a watch. That said, the characterisation feels archaic. Characters are either painted in the blackest of black or in heavenly white. It doesn't help that the dialogues, which instead of making us feel that the characters are speaking with each other, give the feeling of just being recited by the actors. But it the tone, resembling a public service announcement, which the director chooses to tell this tale that plays spoilsport. Coupled with the characterisation and lines, it gives the film the feel of a TV serial melodrama.

Hence, Ilai is a must watch for the school dropout audiences.

Tamil cinema is known for its powerful storytelling, technical finesse, and emotionally resonant narratives. Its larger-than-life stars enjoy immense popularity, often shaping public discourse and influencing cultural identity. The industry blends mass appeal with meaningful social themes, making it deeply rooted in life in Tamil Nadu.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

SS Bijuraaj, Swathy Narayanan, and Biju Raj in Ilai (2017)

Ilai

Photos68

Top Cast8

User reviews1

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed