Alaipayuthey is Tamil drama film directed by Mani Ratnam in the year 2000, starring Madhavan and Shalini, the film explores the tensions of married life and the maturing of love. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by A. R. Rahman.
The film's story is mostly recollected in flashbacks by the character Karthik (Madhavan). Karthik and Shakti (Shalini) fall in love against the backdrop of Madras and its suburban trains, against the wishes of their parents. The film was well received by critics and it did well at the box-offices primarily for its music and realistic portrayal of Love and married life.
The film made its European premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2001. It was shown at various film festivals nationally and internationally. It also carried a very popular soundtrack, composed by A. R. Rahman.