Ethir Neechal (2013) Tamil Movie Review
Directed by: R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Produced by: Dhanush, Aishwarya R. Dhanush
Music by: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography: Velraj
Edited by: Kishore Te.
Production Company: Wunderbar Films
Cast:
- Sivakarthikeyan as Kunjithapadam (Kunjithapadam Subramaniam)
- Priya Anand as Harini
- Nandita Shwetha as Neelaveni
- Anupama Kumar as Kunjithapadam’s mother
- Rajendran as School Teacher
- Ilavarasu as Athithan
- Others: Sathish, Mayilsamy, and others
Plot Summary:
Ethir Neechal follows the journey of Kunjithapadam, a young man who dreams of becoming a successful runner. Born into a lower-class family, Kunjithapadam faces numerous challenges. He is often ridiculed for his lack of athletic ability and his bad luck, which results in a series of unfortunate events. Despite his failures, he nurtures the dream of running in the prestigious 10K race to prove his worth.
However, his life takes a turn when he meets a positive and determined girl, Harini, who encourages him to push his boundaries. Along with his friends, Kunjithapadam begins rigorous training. But the journey isn't easy—he must battle both external obstacles, including a corrupt coach, and his inner demons before he can achieve victory in the race.
Review:
Performance:
- Sivakarthikeyan gives a standout performance as Kunjithapadam. His portrayal of an underdog facing personal and societal struggles is both engaging and heartfelt. His natural comic timing balances out the emotional weight of the film.
- Priya Anand brings charm and grace to her role as Harini, a supportive character who becomes Kunjithapadam's motivational anchor.
- The film also sees a decent performance by Nandita Shwetha as Neelaveni, who plays a significant role in the protagonist's life.
- Supporting actors like Rajendran and Ilavarasu contribute well to the overall light-hearted yet emotional tone of the movie.
Direction:
- R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, known for his ability to blend drama and comedy effectively, brings out a simple yet inspiring story. The direction ensures that even though the premise is straightforward, it remains emotionally resonant throughout.
Screenplay:
- The screenplay, while predictable at times, does well in keeping the audience invested. The underdog sports theme is explored with refreshing humor, making the emotional beats of the story more effective.
Music:
- Anirudh Ravichander’s music is one of the highlights of the film. Songs like "Ethir Neechal" and "Naan Yaen" contribute immensely to the film's pace and tone, with an energetic soundtrack that perfectly complements the youthful energy of the narrative.
Cinematography:
- Velraj’s cinematography captures the vibrant backdrop of Chennai well, as well as the running sequences with an engaging dynamic. The color palette and the framing provide a sense of lightness to a fairly serious narrative.
Editing:
- Kishore Te. keeps the film’s pace brisk, without dwelling too long on any emotional or dramatic moment, which helps maintain the flow. The running sequences, though standard in sports films, are well-paced.
Pros:
- Sivakarthikeyan’s Strong Performance: A solid role that establishes him as a bankable actor in Tamil cinema.
- Inspiring Storyline: A feel-good film with a classic underdog story that resonates emotionally.
- Catchy Music: Anirudh’s music and background score energize the narrative and add an extra layer to the film.
- Humor and Heart: The film strikes a good balance between humor and heartfelt moments, which makes it enjoyable for a wide audience.
Cons:
- Predictability: The storyline follows a conventional sports-movie formula, which can feel predictable for some viewers.
- Pacing in the Middle: While the first and last acts are strong, the middle portion could have been more engaging, as it dips into a somewhat repetitive structure.
Conclusion:
Ethir Neechal is a charming and inspiring film, thanks to its positive message, endearing characters, and Sivakarthikeyan’s likable performance. It’s a perfect watch for fans of sports dramas and those who enjoy movies about overcoming personal obstacles. While it sticks to familiar tropes, it still delivers an entertaining and emotionally satisfying ride.
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