Aivarattam had the potential to be both an exciting sports story and a captivating family drama, but ultimately it falls short because so much feels incomplete, like a project with promise that doesn't quite reach its goals. The narrative centers around Kumar and Raghu, brothers who play on the junior and senior football teams in their village. A wealthy patron sponsors the game and holds an annual tournament. Bhoopathy has taken over as coach of the seniors, replacing Jagadesh, who was exiled from the family after marrying someone from a lower caste. Following a confrontation between Kumar and a senior player, tensions rise, leading the junior team to join the tournament under Jagadesh's guidance, transforming the competition into a conflict between the two brothers. The film focuses on five-player football, which is popular in Sivaganga and nearby areas, and that premise sounds intriguing; however, Aivarattam doesn’t explain how this version of the game began or why it became so well-liked in the region. Nevertheless, as a sports movie, it functions reasonably well. The film incorporates familiar elements like an underdog story, a devastating defeat that inspires change, a strict coach, training sequences set to music, and some skillfully filmed and edited games that build suspense. The movie struggles whenever it moves away from the field, inexplicably shifting its focus towards family drama. Character relationships are presented in simplistic terms, preventing viewers from connecting with the emotional moments depicted. The characters of Jagadesh and Bhoopathy lack depth, and the bond between Kumar and Raghu isn’t really examined. Dialogue references their relationship to the stepbrothers in Agni Natchathiram, but that rivalry doesn't truly surface; they seem more detached than competitive. Even the romantic storyline involving Raghu and Rathna, a coach’s sister, feels rushed, and the caste issue is addressed with extreme caution. The biggest disappointment, though, is the ending. The director completely disregards the game in favor of a contrived, overly sentimental conclusion that abruptly ends the film on a somber note.

Source on TMDB