Alaiyadikkuthu (transl. The waves are hitting) is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language thriller film written and directed by Kalimuthu Arjunaraja and starring Sindhu Tolani, Naveen Dhanush and Akhil Kumar. It was released on 10 August 2005.

Sindhu Tolani turned down offers to star in Telugu films to work on Alaiyadikkuthu after being impressed by the story. Sindhu's sister, Neha Tolani, was also cast in a role, as was debutant Prabha Reddy. Naveen Dhanush and Aari Arujunan made their acting debuts in the film, with the latter appearing under the name of Akhil Kumar.^[1]

Prior to release, it was reported that the film was partially based on the Kanchi Shankaracharyas controversy.^[2] In June 2005, director K. Rajan chose to shelve his biopic of Sivakasi Jayalakshmi titled Niram Maraiya Rojakal starring Vindhya, after he felt it was quite similar to Alaiyadikkuthu.^[3][4]

The film was released on 10 August 2005 across Tamil Nadu. A critic from Sify gave the film a negative review, adding that "Sindhu Tolani as the female crusader and vigilante is adequate though she has to improve in emotional scenes" and that the film "needed more sensitive treatment".^[5] A critic from NowRunning.com wrote "though the movie is realistic, relevant and to some extent revitalizing, it misses on a point that you do not feel or sympathize for the pains suffered by victims of lascivious men".^[6] A reviewer from BizHat noted the film was "screeching, hysterical and distasteful".^[7]

In September 2006, Kalimuthu Arjunaraja announced a follow-up venture titled Minnaladikkuthu (English: The lightning is hitting) starring Namitha in the lead role, with the same producers. However, the film eventually did not have a theatrical release.^[8][9][10]