Alaipayuthey (English: Waves are flowing) is a 2000 Tamil romantic drama film directed by Mani Ratnam. Starring R. Madhavan and Shalini, the film explores the tensions of married life and the maturing of love. The score and soundtrack were composed by A. R. Rahman.The film's story is mostly recollected in flashbacks by the character Karthik (Madhavan). Karthik and Shakthi (Shalini) fall in love against the backdrop of Chennai and its suburban trains, against the wishes of their parents.