Ashakal Aayiram centers on a father-son clash where practical medical rep Jayaram urges his aspiring actor son Ajeesh to abandon dreams for stability, only for a neighborhood film shoot to spark unexpected change. Directed by G Prajith, this Malayalam family drama released February 6 features real-life duo Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram, alongside Sharaf U Dheen as ego-driven star Sumit and Asha Sharath as the mediating wife. That said, the generational tension plays out predictably, leaning on familiar beats without much fresh ground.

In the vein of light-hearted Malayalam fare like Oru Vadakkan Selfie, it nods to cinema love through meta humor and nostalgic callbacks to Jayaram’s past hits, from Chellakkatte tunes to throwback vibes. The first half coasts on easy family laughs and audition gags, but the script by Aravind Rajendran and Jude Anthany Joseph settles into safe melodrama, sidelining deeper emotional shifts. It’s the kind of wholesome anthikadian comedy that charms without challenging.

Jayaram anchors it effortlessly, nailing exhaustion in lines like his weary plea to Asha after years of toiling, while his transformation post-shoot feels earned despite the abrupt pivot. Kalidas struggles to sell Ajeesh’s passion, with comic reels undermining later pathos, though Sharaf U Dheen brings sly fun to the nepo antagonist. Asha Sharath gets a late punchy moment, but her pickle-making homemaker role hints at untapped independence.

Overall, Ashakal Aayiram delivers mild entertainment through father-son chemistry and cinema nods, though its predictable arc limits lasting pull in the crowded family drama space. Fans of the duo will find harmless appeal, but bolder risks might have elevated it beyond average.