Samuthirakani plays an ice cream vendor in Aelay

Director Halitha Shameem’s

Aelay

will have Samuthirakani in the role of an

ice cream vendor

. While we know that he plays a father in the film, his character, Halitha says, will have different variations. “Adavadiyana character,” smiles Halitha, and adds, “His character isn’t portrayed in one dimension. There is a lot of drama, too. The film chronicles what happens in a span of 15-years. The story captures his journey till his 50s. There is humour, some fun moments and lots of emotion.”

The director, who has worked with Samuthirakani in her previous films Poovarasam Peepee and Sillu Karuppatti as well, says that the actor’s role will have its shares of

flaws

, too. “In Sillu Karuppatti, everyone appreciated his acting. It was a measured performance. But in Aelay, he will show many variations. He doesn’t have his wife with him, and is a parent of two. He wants to do good to his kids, but that doesn’t come across in the right way. In that sense, the character has its share of flaws, too,” says the director, and adds, “As always, Samuthirakani was very cooperative. We shot in a village, with the people from that place acting in the film. He ensured everyone was comfortable and gave an easy vibe.” This coming-of-age film will also have Manikandan K playing the role of Samuthirakani’s son.

Halitha also informs that the team is planning for a theatrical release soon. “We finished the film before the lockdown. The producers wanted to release it in the theatres as it is an authentic rural drama, and it would feel right only when audiences watch the film in theatres,” she informs.