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<div>{{For|the 1968 film|Ethir Neechal (1968 film)}}<br />
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}<br />
{{Infobox film<br />
| name = Ethir Neechal<br />
| image = Ethir Neechal 2013 poster.jpg<br />
| caption = Theatrical release poster<br />
| director = [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]<br />
| producer = [[Dhanush]]<br />
| writer = R. S. Durai Senthilkumar<br />
| starring = {{plainlist|<br />
*[[Sivakarthikeyan]]<br />
*[[Priya Anand]]<br />
*[[Nandita Swetha]]<br />
}}<br />
| music = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]<br />
| cinematography = [[Velraj]]<br />
| editing = [[Kishore Te.]]<br />
| studio = [[Wunderbar Films]]<br />
| distributor = [[Vendhar Movies]]<ref name="vend">{{cite web | url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/priya-anand-is-eager-to-see-dhanush-and-nayanthara-rock-dhanush-ethir-neechal-25-04-13.html | title=Priya Anand is eager to see Dhanush and Nayanthara rock | work=Behindwoods | date=25 April 2013 | access-date=29 April 2013}}</ref><br />
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2013|05|01}}<br />
| runtime = 122 minutes<br />
| country = India<br />
| language = Tamil<br />
| budget = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.--><br />
| gross = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.--><br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''Ethir Neechal''''' ({{trans|Swimming against the tide}}) is a 2013 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[sports comedy]] [[drama film]] written and directed by [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]] in his directorial debut. The film stars [[Sivakarthikeyan]], [[Priya Anand]] and [[Nandita Swetha]]. Produced by [[Dhanush]] under his studio [[Wunderbar Films]], it was distributed by [[Vendhar Movies|S. Madhan]] under the banner [[Vendhar Movies]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|title=Priya Anand in Dhanush's home production|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/priya-anand-in-dhanushs-home-production-news-tamil-mf5iSTejcef.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601045023/http://www.sify.com/movies/Priya-Anand-in-Dhanushs-home-production-news-tamil-mf5iSTejcef.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 June 2012|publisher=Sify|access-date=4 October 2012}}</ref> Principal photography commenced on 23 July 2012, and was ended on 22 February 2013. The music for the film is composed by [[Anirudh Ravichander]], with cinematography performed by [[Velraj]] and editing by [[Kishore Te]]. The film was released on 1 May 2013 and become a blockbuster.<br />
<br />
== Plot ==<br />
In 1985, a woman named Sivagami has [[Childbirth#Complications|complications while giving birth]]. Sivagami's husband prays to his native deity that if she delivers his baby successfully, he would name the baby with the name of the deity. The baby is born without any problems and as per the wish, they name the baby Kunjithapadham. As a boy, Kunjithapadham faces many problems and embarrassments due to his name, as his peer mates call him "Kunju" or "Kunji" (the private part of the male body). He decides to change his name, but his mother falls ill, and he prays to God that he would never change his name.<br />
<br />
Years later, Sivagami dies. Kunjithapadam's friend Peter advises him to change his name in order to have a change in his life. After meeting an astrologer Gunasekara Raja, he renames himself "Harish". Luck starts to him from that day onwards. He falls in love with Geetha, a teacher, and succeeds in winning her heart. He later gets a job, and life goes smoothly for him. One day, his [[lottery]] ticket hits victory, and he must cash it in for a TV as a prize. However, the lottery has registered his name as "Kunjithapadham". He gets the TV, but Geetha finds out his true name and berates him for lying to her about his name. She tells him that he needs to succeed something in life in order to win her heart.<br />
<br />
Harish decides to participate in the [[Chennai Marathon]]. He meets with a trainer, J. Prakash alias JP, who takes him to his former student Valli, who had quit athletics. She agrees to train Harish. Later, he sees her crying in the terrace with a photo of her deceased father. Harish asks her to tell her past. Valli was a naturally talented athlete from her young days. Her father supported her talent and spoke with many men to get her past many tournaments. She got into a state level tournament where she beat the rookie of the corrupt coach Raja Singh. Infuriated, Raja Singh accused Valli of failing a [[Sex verification in sports|gender verification test]]. The board punished Valli and stopped her from participating. Heartbroken, Valli's father died of a heart attack. JP then met with an accident.<br />
<br />
Hearing this flashback, Harish is moved and decides to win the marathon. Geetha also urges him to win it for the sake of Valli. During the marathon, Harish faces stiff competition from another one of Raja Singh's rookies, but he eventually wins the race and publicly reveals Valli's innocence. Raja Singh is arrested, and Valli resumes athletics. Harish later opens and runs a training academy under his original name. A man named Dinakaran, acting on Harish's advice, proposes his love to Valli, and she accepts.<br />
<br />
== Cast ==<br />
{{colbegin}}<br />
* [[Sivakarthikeyan]] as Kunjithapatham / Harish<br />
* [[Priya Anand]] as Geetha<br />
* [[Nandita Swetha]] as Valli<br />
* [[Sharath Lohitashwa]] as Valli's father (dubbed by [[M. S. Bhaskar]])<br />
* [[Sathish]] as Peter, Harish's friend<br />
* [[Jayaprakash]] as Coach J. Prakash (JP)<br />
* [[Ravi Prakash]] as Raja Singh<br />
* Nithya Sree as Geetha's friend<br />
* [[Manobala]] as Numerologist Gunasekara Raja<br />
* [[Swaminathan]] as Paavadaisamy, later changed by Numerologist as [[Google]]<br />
* Surekha Vani as Sivagami, Kunjithapatham's mother<br />
* Pasanga Sivakumar as Kunjithapatham's father<br />
* [[Madhan Bob]] as Kunjithapatham's manager<br />
* [[Aarthi (actress)|Aarthi]] as lady at cinema<br />
* [[Suza Kumar]] as Kunjithapatham's love interest<br />
* [[RJ Balaji]] as Himself (host of Chennai Marathon)<br />
* [[Dhanush]] as Soup Boy (special appearance in the song "Local Boys")<br />
* [[Nayantara]] as item number (special appearance in the song "Local Boys")<br />
* [[Anirudh Ravichander]] as Bar Waiter (cameo appearance)<br />
* [[Dinesh Ravi|Dinesh]] as [[Attakathi|Dinakaran]], Sights Valli (guest appearance)<br />
{{colend}}<br />
<br />
== Production ==<br />
<br />
=== Development ===<br />
[[Dhanush]] signed up actor [[Sivakarthikeyan]] in his maiden production venture, directed by newcomer [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]], a former assistant of [[Vetrimaaran]]. [[Priya Anand]] was signed up as heroine.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> She revealed, that ''Ethir Neechal'' is a city-based story without cheap comedy, vulgar dialogues or inappropriate scenes.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jeshi K.|date=17 March 2013|title=In a happy place|agency=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/in-a-happy-place/article4517306.ece|access-date=22 April 2013}}</ref> The film's title was derived from the 1968 film [[Ethir Neechal (1968 film)|of the same name]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dhanush's 'Ethir Neechal' has Siva Karthikeyan|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dhanushs-ethir-neechal-has-siva-karthikeyan-news-tamil-mk0mKTeifcjsi.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Sify|language=en}}</ref> It was reported that [[Sai Dhanshika|Dhansika]] of ''[[Aravaan]]'' fame was cast as the second heroine. Soon after Dhansika left the project, [[Vasundhara Das]] was chosen to reprise the role. However [[Nandita Swetha]] of ''[[Attakathi]]'' fame was signed in, rehearsing the role of an athlete.<ref>{{cite news|title=A good start|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/a-good-start/article3964818.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 October 2012|location=Chennai, India|first=K.|last=Jeshi|date=4 October 2012}}</ref> [[Anirudh Ravichander]] was hired as the music director, after his debut film ''[[3 (2012 Indian film)|3]]''. The film's technical crew included [[Velraj]] as the cinematographer, [[Kishore Te]] as the editor, G. Durairaj handling the art direction, [[Anu Parthasarathy]] as the costume designer, [[Stunt Silva]] choreographing the action sequences<ref>{{cite news|title=Cool connect|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3509367.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 October 2012|location=Chennai, India|first=K. R.|last=Manigandan|date=9 June 2012}}</ref> and [[Baba Bhaskar]] as dance choreographer.<br />
<br />
=== Filming ===<br />
The film's photo shoot involving Siva Karthikeyan and Priya Anand happened at the Set Fire Studios, [[Chennai]] on 7 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Siva Karthikeyan and Priya Anand clicked|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-01/dhanush-siva-karthikeyan-07-06-12.html|access-date=4 October 2012|publisher=Behindwoods}}</ref> The principal photography for the film was commenced on 23 July 2012, with the first shot took by [[Balu Mahendra]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Balu Mahendra directs Sivakarthikeyan!|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-24/news-interviews/32826632_1_sivakarthikeyan-manam-kothi-paravai-vetri-maaran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225083737/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-24/news-interviews/32826632_1_sivakarthikeyan-manam-kothi-paravai-vetri-maaran|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=4 October 2012 }}</ref> Dhanush and [[Nayanthara]] will be seen in a special appearance, dancing together in the [[Dappan koothu|Kuthu]] folk dance number ''Sathiyama Nee Enakku'' (Local Boys), with Nayanthara designing costumes for herself.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nayanthara designs her own costume - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Nayanthara-designs-her-own-costume/articleshow/19797516.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The song was shot in [[Nagercoil]] at a [[Punjabi dhabha]] restaurant.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nowrunning.com/tamil/ethir-neechal-set-to-release/68813/story.htm | title=Ethir Neechal set to release | publisher=nowrunning | access-date=22 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/nayathara-did-that-herself-ethir-neechal-siva-karthikeyan-29-04-13.html |title=Nayanthara did that herself |website=Behindwoods |access-date=29 April 2013}}</ref> The film's shooting wrapped up on 22 February 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal shooting wrapped up - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/18624270.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> with the post production activities, being commenced after the shoot which was completed on 24 April 2013.<ref name="vend" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal nearing completion - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-nearing-completion/articleshow/19318940.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Music ==<br />
{{Infobox album<br />
| name = Ethir Neechal<br />
| type = Soundtrack<br />
| artist = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]<br />
| cover = <br />
| alt = <br />
| released = 11 January 2013<br />
| recorded = 2012<br />
| venue = <br />
| studio = <br />
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]<br />
| length = 24:11<br />
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<br />
| label = [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]]<br />
| producer = Anirudh Ravichander<br />
| prev_title = [[3 (soundtrack)|3]]<br />
| prev_year = 2011<br />
| next_title = [[David (2013 Tamil film)|David]]<br />
| next_year = 2013<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Following the success of the soundtrack of ''[[3 (2012 Indian film)|3]]'', [[Dhanush]] hired [[Anirudh Ravichander]] to compose the [[soundtrack album]] and [[Background Score|background score]], for ''Ethir Neechal'', marking his second feature film as music director.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-01-19|title=Dhanush, Anirudh Ravichander get together again?|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/dhanush-anirudh-ravichander-get-together-again-532433.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=News18}}</ref> The soundtrack features six songs that belonged to varied genres; [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], Dhanush and [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]] penned lyrics for two songs each. For the title track "Ethir Neechal" composer Anirudh hired [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] rapper [[Yo Yo Honey Singh]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Anirudh introduces new talent in Tamil - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Anirudh-introduces-new-talent-in-Tamil/articleshow/17152908.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-18|title=Listen: Honey Singh raps for Tamil film 'Ethir Neechal'|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/listen-honey-singh-raps-for-tamil-film-ethir-neechal-527272.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=News18}}</ref> and [[Adhi]] from the duo [[Hiphop Tamizha]], to croon the rap versions of the song.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aadhi raps for Anirudh - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Aadhi-raps-for-Anirudh/articleshow/17228833.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The album's final mixing took place in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal final mix in Mumbai - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-final-mix-in-Mumbai/articleshow/17307461.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
It was announced that [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]] had brought the marketing rights for the film's soundtrack album.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-07|title=Ethir Neechal: Sony Entertainment bags audio rights|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ethir-neechal-sony-entertainment-bags-audio-rights-525446.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=News18}}</ref> The soundtrack was initially slated to be released on 20 December 2012. However it was not confirmed from official sources.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Ethir Neechal' audio launch before 20th Dec - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-audio-launch-before-10th-Dec/articleshow/17464105.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The making of the album was launched by the film's crew members, prior to the audio launch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal's funny audio making - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechals-funny-audio-making/articleshow/17503028.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The tracklist was released on 9 January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-01-09|title=Ethir Neechal: Track list of this Tamil film is out|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ethir-neechal-track-list-of-this-tamil-film-is-out-525443.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal tracklist - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-tracklist/articleshow/17504173.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The soundtrack album was released on 11 January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal audio launch on January 11th|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/1663/ContactUs.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal Audio from today|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/1702/ethir-neechal-audio-from-today|access-date=2020-06-28|website=www.moviecrow.com}}</ref> The release coincided with the promotional launch event held at [[BIG FM 92.7|92.7 Big FM Radio Station]] with Dhanush, [[Sivakarthikeyan]], Anirudh, Durai Senthilkumar and [[RJ Balaji]] in attendance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Big FM host audio launch of 'Ethir Neechal'|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news-releases/big-fm-host-audio-launch-ethir-neechal|access-date=2020-06-28|website=www.radioandmusic.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal Audio Launch|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/new-videos/tamil-movies/ethir-neechal-audio-launch/ethir-neechal-audio-launch-event.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> To make the album launch more unique, Dhanush promoted that the film's album would be released on "Internet, CDs, YouTube and piracy sites" which received attention from movie buffs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Offbeat promotions for 'Ethir Neechal' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Offbeat-promotions-for-Ethir-Neechal/articleshow/17609424.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dhanush's unique Ethir Neechal audio promotions|url=http://m.sify.com/movies/dhanushs-unique-ethir-neechal-audio-promotions-news-tamil-mmoj5Eiifgcsi.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=Sify}}</ref><br />
<br />
The album topped the [[iTunes]] charts upon release.<ref>{{Cite web|last=@anirudhofficial|title=Thank you all for making the Ethir Neechal album number 1 on the ITunes Charts!|url=https://twitter.com/anirudhofficial/status/289397120044236801|access-date=2020-06-28|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref> Musicperk gave 8 out of 10 starts saying that "Anirudh seals this year".<ref name="musicperk1">{{cite web|title=Ethir Neechal|url=http://www.musicperk.com/ethir-neechal/|access-date=22 April 2013|publisher=musicperk}}</ref> Behindwoods rated 3.5 of 5 saying, "The album does well to consolidate Anirudh's sensational debut."<ref>{{cite web|title=Ethir Neechal Songs Review|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/ethir-neechal/ethir-neechal-songs-review.html|access-date=22 April 2013|publisher=Behindwoods}}</ref> Indiaglitz gave the album 3 out of 5 stating Ethir Neechal re-introduces us to Anirudh's refreshing instrumentals and quick-impact music. Boomi Enna Suthudhe is likely to be enjoyed by most while the title track and Velicha Poove let you tune in to some interesting compositions. The lyrics are natural for most of its part, and will be liked by the youth. Our man Anirudh deserves a pat on his back for all his effort and will have a lot of promising music to offer in the upcoming years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal Music review songs lyrics|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ethir-neechal-songs-review-tamil-movie-16740|access-date=2020-06-28|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> Milliblog gave a verdict "With Ethir Neechal, Anirudh proves that he’s not a one-hit or one-album wonder!"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal (Music review), Tamil – Anirudh by Milliblog!|url=https://milliblog.com/2012/12/14/ethir-neechal-music-review-tamil-anirudh/|access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref> India Study Channel gave 8 out of 10 to the album stating "Anirudh is back with powerful album and Ethitr Neechal is simply the best albums of recent time. It deserves special appreciation as each track belongs to different genre and still keeps the pace and freshness in each track. This is another album that proves that Anirudh is one of the best music directors hat we can rely upon in future."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-03-05|title=Ethir Neechal music review|url=https://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/159123-ethir-neechal-music-review|access-date=2020-06-28|website=India Study Channel|language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stating Ethir Neechal isn’t as rich as 3 in its sounding, but it’s a worthy follow up by composer Anirudh."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/music-reviews/Ethir-Neechal/articleshow/20381349.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Kaushik LM reviewed it as "Ethir Neechal is a solid follow-up to 3, though sounding somewhat similar. Anirudh has created a distinct sound for himself very early in his career. Now it’s up to this youngster to prove that he can try different styles and genres."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal music review|url=http://www.lmkmoviemaniac.com/2012/12/ethir-neechal-music-review.html|access-date=2020-06-28|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
{{tracklist<br />
| headline = <br />
| extra_column = Singer(s)<br />
| title1 = Nijamellam Maranthu Pochu<br />
| lyrics1 = [[Dhanush]]<br />
| extra1 = Dhanush, [[Anirudh Ravichander]]<br />
| length1 = 03:45<br />
| title2 = Boomi Enna Suthudhe<br />
| lyrics2 = Dhanush<br />
| extra2 = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]<br />
| length2 = 04:18<br />
| title3 = Ethir Neechal<br />
| lyrics3 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], [[Yo Yo Honey Singh]], [[Hiphop Tamizha]]<br />
| extra3 = Anirudh Ravichander, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Hiphop Tamizha<br />
| length3 = 04:29<br />
| title4 = Velicha Poove<br />
| lyrics4 = Vaali<br />
| extra4 = [[Mohit Chauhan]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]]<br />
| length4 = 05:10<br />
| title5 = Un Paarvayil<br />
| lyrics5 = [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]<br />
| extra5 = Anirudh Ravichander, Vivek Siva<br />
| length5 = 01:37<br />
| title6 = Local Boys<br />
| lyrics6 = R. S. Durai Senthilkumar<br />
| extra6 = Dhanush, [[Velmurugan]]<br />
| length6 = 04:31<br />
| all_writing = <br />
| total_length = 24:11<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Release ==<br />
Initially, it was speculated that, [[Sun Pictures]] had acquired the distribution rights of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sun Pictures bag Ethir Neechal? - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Sun-Pictures-bag-Ethir-Neechal/articleshow/18381414.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> However, it was proved untrue. The distribution rights of the film were secured by [[Vendhar Movies]]. The satellite rights of the film were purchased by [[STAR Vijay]]. ''Ethir Neechal'' was initially scheduled to release on April,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal ready for a summer release - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-ready-for-a-summer-release/articleshow/18789161.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> later being pushed to 1 May 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal on Ajith's birthday! - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-on-Ajiths-birthday/articleshow/19628714.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal confirms release on May 1|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/iethir-neechali-confirms-release-on-may-1-imagegallery-kollywood-ne0mN4ciiccsi.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=Sify}}</ref> The theatrical trailer of the film was released on 13 April 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal trailer - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-trailer/articleshow/19524208.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The film was given a [[U certificate (India)|U certificate]] by the [[Central Board of Film Certification|Censor Board]] with no cuts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal censored with U!|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/ethir-neechal-censored-with-u-news-tamil-nexjrBdifgasi.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Sify|language=en}}</ref> <br />
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''Ethir Neechal'' was released in 300 screens across Tamil Nadu on 1 May 2013,<ref>{{cite web|author=Oor Kaalan |url=http://www.kollyinsider.com/2013/03/ethir-neechal-slotted-for-april-release.html |title=Ethir Neechal slotted for April release &#124; Vijay TV grabs Telecast rights |publisher=Kollyinsider.com |date=15 March 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013}}</ref> clashing with ''[[Soodhu Kavvum]]'' and ''[[Moondru Per Moondru Kaadhal]]''.<ref name="vend" /> Apart from the Tamil Nadu release, the film was simultaneously released in the US, by Gramaphone LLC, which acquired the distribution rights.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal to release in the US - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-to-release-in-the-US/articleshow/19673229.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The film's success was celebrated at the [[Victoria Hall (Geneva)|Victoria Hall]] in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]], along with audio functions of three other films distribuited by Vendhar Movies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vendhar Movies to hold four functions in Switzerland - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vendhar-Movies-to-hold-four-functions-in-Switzerland/articleshow/20260990.cms|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><br />
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== Reception ==<br />
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=== Critical reception ===<br />
''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "The first half of Ethir Neechal follows the current Tamil cinema formula of ‘laughs first, plot next’."<ref>{{Citation|title=Ethir Neechal Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Ethir Neechal by Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/ethir-neechal/movie-review/19839727.cms|access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref> Behindwoods gave 3 out of 5 stars stating it as "A wholesome package which has something in it for everyone."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/ethir-neechal/ethir-neechal-review.html |title=Ethir Neechal Movie Review |publisher=Behindwoods |date=1 May 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013}}</ref> [[Baradwaj Rangan]] for ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Sivakarthikeyan looks like he’s getting there&nbsp;— he’s not yet a star, at least in the leading-man sense,[sic] he gets a feature-length platform to display his comic chops".<ref>{{cite news|first=Baradwaj |last=Rangan|author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/run-culture/article4684762.ece |title=Run culture |work=The Hindu |date=5 May 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' stated "Ethir Neechal is a mild passable entertainer".<ref>{{cite web|last=Mannath |first=Malini |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Ethir-Neechal-Tamil/2013/05/04/article1573679.ece |title=Ethir Neechal (Tamil) |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=4 May 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013}}</ref> [[CNN-News18|News18]] stated "The film starts off like every other romantic-comedy with adequate amount of comedy and drama, but there's hardly anything spectacular to rave about, including the story."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-03|title=Tamil review: 'Ethir Neechal' nothing exceptional, yet watchable|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/tamil-review-ethir-neechal-nothing-exceptional-yet-watchable-606977.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=News18}}</ref> S. Saraswathi of [[Rediff.com|Rediff]] gave 3.5 out of 5 stating "''Ethir Neechal'' is a simple city-based romantic comedy that is guaranteed to provide some wholesome family entertainment."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Review: Ethir Neechal is an absolute delight|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-ethir-neechal-is-an-absolute-delight/20130503.htm|access-date=2020-06-28|website=Rediff|language=en}}</ref> Indiaglitz gave 3.5 out of 5 stating "A romcom and a sports film , put together makes you smile and inspire."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ethir Neechal review. Ethir Neechal Tamil movie review, story, rating|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/ethir-neechal-tamil-movie-review-16740.html|access-date=2020-06-28|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref><br />
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=== Box office ===<br />
The film opened 80 – 90% occupancy on first day collected {{INR}} 4 crore.<ref name="zeenews.india.com">[http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/ethir-neechal-spells-profit-for-dhanush_133546.html `Ethir Neechal` spells profit for Dhanush]. Zeenews.india.com (3 May 2013). Retrieved on 17 August 2014.</ref> The film collected {{INRConvert|17.97|l}} in [[UK]] and {{INRConvert|10.60|l}} in [[United States]] in first weekend. The film collected {{INRConvert|5.51|l}} in [[United States]] in first day, {{INRConvert|9.12|l}} in three days including Thursday previews, around {{INRConvert|1.5|l}} on 5 April and total collection of {{INRConvert|17.97|l}}.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-07|title='Ethir Neechal' Box Office Collection: Sivakarthikeyan Starrer Earns ₹10.60 Lakh Overseas|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039ethir-neechal039-box-office-collection-sivakarthikeyan-starrer-earns-10-60-lakh-overseas-465232|access-date=2020-05-19|website=International Business Times}}</ref><br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
*{{IMDb title|id=2877104|title=Ethir Neechal}}<br />
{{R. S. Durai Senthilkumar}}<br />
{{Wunderbar Films}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:2013 films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian films]]<br />
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Athletics films]]<br />
[[Category:2010s sports comedy films]]<br />
[[Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli]]<br />
[[Category:Films scored by Anirudh Ravichander]]<br />
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Indian sports comedy films]]<br />
[[Category:2013 directorial debut films]]<br />
[[Category:2013 comedy films]]</div>2A01:E0A:9A8:C2A0:6829:F8AC:E165:6B9C