Ilai (transl. Leaf) is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Bineesh Raj. Swathy Narayanan features in the lead role, while Sujith Stephanos, King Mohan and Biju Raj among others play supporting roles. The film began production during early 2016 and was released on 21 April 2017.[1]
| Ilai | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Bineesh Raj |
| Produced by | Sujith Stephanos |
| Starring | Swathy Narayanan Sujith King Mohan |
| Cinematography | Santhosh Anchal |
| Edited by | Tijo Joseph |
| Music by | Vishnu V. Divakaran |
Production company | Action Reaction Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 121 mins |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Cast
edit- Swathy Narayanan as Ilai
- Sujith Stephanos as Manikandan
- King Mohan as Marimuthu
- Sreedevi Anil as Ramaayi
- Aswin Shiva as Anbu
- Devu as Malli Akka
- Sreeja Thiruvalla as CM
- Manjith Madhusoodhanan as CM's PA
- Sonia Jose as Malli Akka's mother
- Velumani as Ayyappan
- Kanakalatha as Tea Shop Owner
- Saritha Kukku as Teacher
- SS Bijuraaj as Headmaster
- Hakkim as Inspector
- Aldrin Thampan as Cameraman
- Rajeesh Malappuram as Peon
- Jenhhish
- Sivakumar Kurukkal
Production
editThe film began production in late 2015, with actress Swathy Narayanan partaking in a photo shoot for the project in December 2015. Playing the title role of Ilai, the film marked Swathy's first film in the Tamil film industry, after she had previously appeared in Malayalam films including Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum (1999) and Su.. Su... Sudhi Vathmeekam (2015). Along with Swathy, Malayalam actress Sreedevi Anil and Kannada actor King Mohan were also selected to star in the film. The film was set in the remote villages of Tamil Nadu in the early 1991, talking about the importance of education for young girls.[2][3] The director, Bineesh Raj, also doubled up as the film's VFX artist.[4]
Release
editThe film opened on 21 April 2017 across Tamil Nadu alongside Marx's Nagarvalam.[5] The Times of India wrote "coupled with the characterisation and lines, it gives the film the feel of a Natural Life and that the tone, resembling a public service announcement, which the director chooses to tell this tale that plays spoilsport".[6] A critic from Indiaglitz.com wrote "despite all its shortcomings, Ilai is a film needs to be lauded for its noble theme, realistic approach and the impactful portrayal of a rural girl’s struggle to get education".[7]
References
edit- ^ "Friday Fury- April 7". Archived from the original on 7 April 2017.
- ^ "Swathy Narayanan Tamil: Swathy Narayanan steps into Kollywood as a 10th grader". Archived from the original on 23 September 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
- ^ "Ilai: A film on the importance of girl child education". Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
- ^ "Another Mollywood girl makes her K-Town debut". Archived from the original on 10 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
- ^ "Censor Board applauds the 'Ilai' team and certifies 'U' for the film". Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
- ^ "Ilai Movie Review {2.5/5}: Critic Review of Ilai by Times of India".
- ^ "Ilai review. Ilai Tamil movie review, story, rating - IndiaGlitz.com". Archived from the original on 24 September 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
External links
edit
 | This article about a Tamil-language film of the 2010s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |