Ashakal Aayiram Movie Review: A Thousand Dreams - Family Drama
Released on February 6, 2026, the movie marks a much-anticipated on-screen reunion of real-life father-son duo Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram after over two decades (since Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum). Produced by Gokulam Gopalan, it features a screenplay by Jude Anthany Joseph and Aravind Rajendran. The film blends nostalgia, light-hearted family humor, and themes of dreams, ego clashes, and cinema aspirations in a middle-class setting. Clocking in at around 2 hours 12 minutes, it's positioned as a breezy, feel-good entertainer with throwback vibes to classic Malayalam family films.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Hariharan (Jayaram), a weary medical representative burdened by family responsibilities, and his son Ajeesh Hariharan (Kalidas Jayaram), a carefree social media influencer and aspiring actor who goes by "Junior Prince" online. Ajeesh dreams of stardom in cinema, but his laid-back lifestyle and obsession with films clash with his father's practical worldview. Hariharan, once possibly a dreamer himself, has buried his ambitions under everyday struggles, leading to constant friction and emotional distance between father and son.
The plot takes a turn when a major film production—featuring a superstar—arrives to shoot in their neighborhood, bringing Ajeesh's dreams tantalizingly close and forcing unspoken tensions to surface. The narrative explores their ego clashes, generational differences, and shared passion for cinema, with situational humor, family dynamics, and a touch of meta commentary on the film industry. Supporting characters, including the doting mother (Asha Sharath), a sister, and comic relief from Sharaf U Dheen, add layers to the middle-class household setup.
Performance
Jayaram delivers a standout, effortless performance as the grumpy yet endearing father. Critics praise his natural charm, timing in comedic scenes, and emotional depth in quieter moments, carrying much of the film's warmth and nostalgia. His chemistry with Kalidas feels authentic, drawing from their real-life bond and evoking fond memories of past collaborations. Kalidas Jayaram holds his own as the ambitious, somewhat immature son, bringing energy to the youthful, dreamer role, though some note he benefits greatly from the father's anchoring presence.
Asha Sharath is effective as the supportive mother, adding emotional glue to family scenes. Sharaf U Dheen provides fun, lighter moments with his comic timing. Supporting cast members like Ishaani Krishna and others contribute adequately, but the focus remains squarely on the father-son duo. Overall, performances lean on familiarity and charm rather than groundbreaking intensity.Technical Aspects
The film embraces a retro, old-school aesthetic with warm cinematography that captures everyday Kerala life and neighborhood vibes effectively. Music plays a key role in enhancing the feel-good and nostalgic tone, with songs and background score complementing family moments and emotional beats. Editing keeps the pace breezy in the first half, though some feel the second half drags with predictable turns. Direction by G. Prajith is competent in recreating light-hearted family atmospheres, but it plays it safe without bold innovations. The production values are solid for a mid-budget family drama, with good use of location shooting during the film-within-film sequences.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: The film's biggest asset is the genuine father-son chemistry between Jayaram and Kalidas, amplified by nostalgia and meta references to cinema and Jayaram's legacy. Early portions shine with breezy humor, relatable middle-class problems, situational comedy, and heartwarming family interactions. It evokes throwback charm successfully, making it a comforting watch for fans of classic Malayalam family entertainers. Sharaf U Dheen's comic relief and the music add enjoyable layers.
Weaknesses: The story feels predictable and formulaic, treading familiar ground without fresh twists. The second half veers into melodrama and sappiness, with an uneven climax that falters emotionally. Over-reliance on nostalgia sometimes masks thin writing, and the central idea isn't developed deeply enough to avoid clichés. Some critics note it plays too safe, missing opportunities for sharper conflict or originality.
Final Verdict
Ashakal Aayiram is a harmless, mildly entertaining family drama that works best as a nostalgic reunion vehicle for Jayaram and Kalidas. It delivers feel-good moments, gentle humor, and emotional warmth in its lighter stretches, making it a pleasant one-time watch for family audiences or fans of the lead actors. However, predictability, melodrama in the latter half, and a lack of bold storytelling hold it back from greatness. It's a safe, comforting film that prioritizes charm over innovation—ideal for a relaxed viewing but not particularly memorable.
Rating: 3/5
Ashakal Aayiram earns a solid but unspectacular 3 out of 5, thanks to its warm father-son chemistry, nostalgic charm, and breezy family humor that make it a pleasant watch. However, predictable storytelling, a dragged second half, and occasional melodrama prevent it from rising higher, making it a safe, comforting entertainer rather than a standout gem.
