Ethir Neechal (2013 film): Difference between revisions

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{{For|the 1968 film|Ethir Neechal (1968 film)}}
{{Short description|2013 Indian film by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name          = Ethir Neechal
| image          = Ethir Neechal 2013 poster.jpg
| image          = Ethir Neechal 2013 poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]
| director      = [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]
| writer        = R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
| producer      = [[Dhanush]]
| producer      = [[Dhanush]]
| writer        = R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
| starring      = {{plainlist|
| starring      = {{plainlist|
*[[Sivakarthikeyan]]
*[[Sivakarthikeyan]]
Line 14: Line 13:
*[[Nandita Swetha]]
*[[Nandita Swetha]]
}}
}}
| cinematography = [[R. Velraj]]
| editing        = [[Kishore Te]]
| music          = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]
| music          = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]
| cinematography = [[Velraj]]
| editing        = [[Kishore Te.]]
| studio        = [[Wunderbar Films]]
| studio        = [[Wunderbar Films]]
| 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>
| distributor    = [[Vendhar Movies]]
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2013|05|01}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2013|05|01}}
| runtime        = 122 minutes
| runtime        = 122 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
}}
}}


'''''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.
'''''Ethir Neechal''''' ({{translation|Swimming against the tide}}) is a 2013 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Sports film|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 [[Wunderbar Films]], it follows a man who seeks to change his life by competing in the [[Chennai Marathon]].
 
[[Principal photography]] took place between July 2012 and February 2013. The music was composed by [[Anirudh Ravichander]], with cinematography performed by [[R. Velraj]] and editing by [[Kishore Te]]. The film was released on 1 May 2013 and became a commercial success.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
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.
In 1985, in rural [[Thanjavur]], 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 will name the baby after 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 peers call him "Kunju" or "Kunji" (the private part of the male body). He decides to change his name, but his mother falls severely ill, and he prays to God that he will never change his name. His mother recovers, and they move to [[Chennai]].


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.
Years later, Sivagami dies. Kunjithapadam's friend Peter advises him to change his name to have a change in his life. After meeting an astrologer, Gunasekara Raja, he legally renames himself "Harish." He also changes his residence and job. Luck starts to favour him from that day onwards. He falls in love with Geetha, a schoolteacher, 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 television set as a prize. However, the lottery has registered his earlier name as "Kunjithapadham." He gets the television set using Peter, but Geetha finds out his true name and berates him for lying to her. She tells him that he needs to succeed at something in life to win her heart.


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.
Harish decides to participate in the coming [[Chennai Marathon]]. He meets 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 on 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 a 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.


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.
Hearing Valli's story, 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 one of Raja Singh's rookies, but he eventually wins the race and tells the media about Valli's innocence. Raja Singh is found guilty and arrested, and Valli resumes athletics. Harish later opens and runs a training academy under his original name, Kunjithapadham. A man named Dinakaran, acting on Harish's advice, proposes his love to Valli, and she accepts.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
{{Cast listing|
* [[Sivakarthikeyan]] as Kunjithapatham / Harish
* [[Sivakarthikeyan]] as Kunjithapadham alias Harish
* [[Priya Anand]] as Geetha
* [[Priya Anand]] as Geetha
* [[Nandita Swetha]] as Valli
* [[Nandita Swetha]] as Valli
* [[Sharath Lohitashwa]] as Valli's father (dubbed by [[M. S. Bhaskar]])
* [[Sathish]] as Peter
* [[Sathish]] as Peter, Harish's friend
* [[Suza Kumar]] as Kunjithapatham's love interest
* [[Jayaprakash]] as Coach J. Prakash (JP)
* [[Jayaprakash (actor)|Jayaprakash]] as Coach J. Prakash (JP)
* [[Ravi Prakash]] as Raja Singh
* [[Ravi Prakash]] as Raja Singh
* Nithya Sree as Geetha's friend
* [[Sharath Lohithaswa]] as Valli's father (dubbed by [[M. S. Bhaskar]])
* [[Manobala]] as Numerologist Gunasekara Raja
* [[Manobala]] as Numerologist Gunasekara Raja
* [[Madhan Bob]] as Kunjithapatham's manager
* [[Swaminathan]] as Paavadaisamy, later changed by Numerologist as [[Google]]
* [[Swaminathan]] as Paavadaisamy, later changed by Numerologist as [[Google]]
* [[Bava Lakshmanan]]
* [[Aarthi (actress)|Aarthi]] as lady at cinema
* Surekha Vani as Sivagami, Kunjithapatham's mother
* Surekha Vani as Sivagami, Kunjithapatham's mother
* Gemini Rajeshwari
* Pasanga Sivakumar as Kunjithapatham's father
* Pasanga Sivakumar as Kunjithapatham's father
* [[Madhan Bob]] as Kunjithapatham's manager
* Nithya Sree as Geetha's friend
* [[Aarthi (actress)|Aarthi]] as lady at cinema
* [[RJ Balaji]] as himself (host of Chennai Marathon)
* [[Suza Kumar]] as Kunjithapatham's love interest
* [[Dhanush]] as Soup boy (special appearance)
* [[RJ Balaji]] as Himself (host of Chennai Marathon)
* [[Nayanthara]] as dancer (special appearance in the song "Local Boys")
* [[Dhanush]] as Soup Boy (special appearance in the song "Local Boys")
* [[Nayantara]] as item number (special appearance in the song "Local Boys")
* [[Anirudh Ravichander]] as Bar Waiter (cameo appearance)
* [[Anirudh Ravichander]] as Bar Waiter (cameo appearance)
* [[Dinesh Ravi|Dinesh]] as [[Attakathi|Dinakaran]], Sights Valli (guest appearance)
* [[Attakathi Dinesh]] as [[Attakathi|Dinakaran]] (guest appearance)
{{colend}}
}}


== Production ==
== Production ==


=== Development ===
=== Development ===
[[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.
''Ethir Neechal'' is the directorial debut of [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]], a former assistant of [[Vetrimaaran]]. It was produced by [[Dhanush]] via [[Wunderbar Films]]. Senthilkumar initially wanted him as the lead actor, but [[Sivakarthikeyan]] was instead cast.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |date=31 May 2012 |title=Priya Anand in Dhanush's home production |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/priya-anand-in-dhanushs-home-production-news-tamil-mf5iSTejcef.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601045023/http://www.sify.com/movies/Priya-Anand-in-Dhanushs-home-production-news-tamil-mf5iSTejcef.html |archive-date=1 June 2012 |access-date=4 October 2012 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2024 |title=Not Sivakarthikeyan, This Actor Was Durai Senthilkumar's First Choice For Ethir Neechal |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/not-sivakarthikeyan-this-actor-was-durai-senthilkumars-first-choice-for-ethir-neechal-8913561.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241104011143/https://www.news18.com/movies/not-sivakarthikeyan-this-actor-was-durai-senthilkumars-first-choice-for-ethir-neechal-8913561.html |archive-date=4 November 2024 |access-date=4 November 2024 |website=[[News18]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Priya Anand]], the lead actress, revealed that ''Ethir Neechal'' is a city-based story without cheap comedy, vulgar dialogues or inappropriate scenes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeshi |first=K. |date=17 March 2013 |title=In a happy place |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/in-a-happy-place/article4517306.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323200002/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/in-a-happy-place/article4517306.ece |archive-date=23 March 2013 |access-date=22 April 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The film's title was derived from the 1968 film [[Edhir 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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804075717/https://www.sify.com/movies/dhanushs-ethir-neechal-has-siva-karthikeyan-news-tamil-mk0mKTeifcjsi.html |archive-date=4 August 2021 |access-date=4 August 2021 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> It was reported that [[Sai Dhanshika|Dhansika]] was cast as the second heroine;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-27 |title=Dhansika likely in 'Ethir Neechal' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/Jul/27/dhansika-likely-in-ethir-neechal-391317.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241103231159/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/Jul/27/dhansika-likely-in-ethir-neechal-391317.html |archive-date=3 November 2024 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> however [[Nandita Swetha]] was signed on.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeshi |first=K. |date=4 October 2012 |title=A good start |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/a-good-start/article3964818.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017090330/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/a-good-start/article3964818.ece |archive-date=17 October 2012 |access-date=4 October 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Anirudh Ravichander]] was hired as the music composer, after his debut film ''[[3 (2012 Indian film)|3]]''. The technical crew includes [[R. Velraj|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 |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=9 June 2012 |title=Cool connect |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3509367.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030742/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cool-connect/article3509367.ece |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=4 October 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and [[Baba Bhaskar]] as dance choreographer.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}


=== Filming ===
=== Filming ===
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>
[[Principal photography]] commenced on 23 July 2012, with the first shot taken by [[Balu Mahendra]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=24 July 2012 |title=Balu Mahendra directs Sivakarthikeyan! |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Balu-Mahendra-directs-Sivakarthikeyan/articleshow/15117954.cms |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=25 February 2013 |access-date=4 October 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Dhanush and [[Nayanthara]] appeared in a special appearance, dancing together in the [[dappankuthu]] number "Sathiyama Nee Enakku (Local Boys)", with Nayanthara designing costumes for herself. The song was shot in [[Nagercoil]] at a [[Punjabi dhabha]] restaurant.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 April 2013 |title=Nayanthara designs her own costume |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Nayanthara-designs-her-own-costume/articleshow/19797516.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720144454/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Nayanthara-designs-her-own-costume/articleshow/19797516.cms |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Principal photography [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on 22 February 2013,<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 February 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal shooting wrapped up |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/18624270.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030751/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> with the post-production activities being commenced after the shoot which was completed on 24 April 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 April 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal nearing completion |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-nearing-completion/articleshow/19318940.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030747/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


== Music ==
== Music ==
{{Infobox album
{{Main|Ethir Neechal (soundtrack)}}
| name        = Ethir Neechal
| type        = Soundtrack
| artist      = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]
| cover        =
| alt          =
| released    = 11 January 2013
| recorded    = 2012
| venue        =
| studio      =
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length      = 24:11
| language    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| label        = [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]]
| producer    = Anirudh Ravichander
| prev_title  = [[3 (soundtrack)|3]]
| prev_year    = 2011
| next_title  = [[David (2013 Tamil film)|David]]
| next_year    = 2013
}}
 
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>
 
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>


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>
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 news |date=Nov 9, 2012 |title=Anirudh introduces new talent in Tamil |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Anirudh-introduces-new-talent-in-Tamil/articleshow/17152908.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122133308/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Anirudh-introduces-new-talent-in-Tamil/articleshow/17152908.cms |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2012 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629222734/https://www.news18.com/news/india/listen-honey-singh-raps-for-tamil-film-ethir-neechal-527272.html |archive-date=29 June 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> and Adhi from the duo [[Hiphop Tamizha]], to croon the rap versions of the song.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M. |date=Nov 16, 2012 |title=Aadhi raps for Anirudh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Aadhi-raps-for-Anirudh/articleshow/17228833.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719212631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Aadhi-raps-for-Anirudh/articleshow/17228833.cms |archive-date=19 July 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> The album's final mixing took place in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=Nov 21, 2012 |title=Ethir Neechal final mix in Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-final-mix-in-Mumbai/articleshow/17307461.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122133309/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-final-mix-in-Mumbai/articleshow/17307461.cms |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>


{{tracklist
It was announced that [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]] had brought the marketing rights for the film's soundtrack album.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2012 |title=Ethir Neechal: Sony Entertainment bags audio rights |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ethir-neechal-sony-entertainment-bags-audio-rights-525446.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615065804/https://www.news18.com/news/india/ethir-neechal-sony-entertainment-bags-audio-rights-525446.html |archive-date=15 June 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> The making of the album was launched by the film's crew members, prior to the audio launch.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Dec 6, 2012 |title=Ethir Neechal's funny audio making |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechals-funny-audio-making/articleshow/17503028.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720083435/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechals-funny-audio-making/articleshow/17503028.cms |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>
| headline =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Nijamellam Maranthu Pochu
| lyrics1 = [[Dhanush]]
| extra1 = Dhanush, [[Anirudh Ravichander]]
| length1 = 03:45
| title2 = Boomi Enna Suthudhe
| lyrics2 = Dhanush
| extra2 = [[Anirudh Ravichander]]
| length2 = 04:18
| title3 = Ethir Neechal
| lyrics3 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], [[Yo Yo Honey Singh]], [[Hiphop Tamizha]]
| extra3 = Anirudh Ravichander, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Hiphop Tamizha
| length3 = 04:29
| title4 = Velicha Poove
| lyrics4 = Vaali
| extra4 = [[Mohit Chauhan]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]]
| length4 = 05:10
| title5 = Un Paarvayil
| lyrics5 = [[R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]
| extra5 = Anirudh Ravichander, Vivek Siva
| length5 = 01:37
| title6 = Local Boys
| lyrics6 = R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
| extra6 = Dhanush, [[Velmurugan]]
| length6 = 04:31
| all_writing =
| total_length = 24:11
}}


== Release ==
== Release ==
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>  
The distribution rights of ''Ethir Neechal'' were secured by [[Vendhar Movies]]. The film was initially scheduled to release in April 2013,<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal ready for a summer release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-ready-for-a-summer-release/articleshow/18789161.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030814/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/onbadhula-guru-ready-for-a-big-opening/articleshow/false |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> but later pushed to 1 May.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=19 April 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal on Ajith's birthday! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-on-Ajiths-birthday/articleshow/19628714.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720031548/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-on-Ajiths-birthday/articleshow/19628714.cms |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615101459/https://www.sify.com/movies/iethir-neechali-confirms-release-on-may-1-imagegallery-kollywood-ne0mN4ciiccsi.html |archive-date=15 June 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> It was given a [[U certificate (India)|U (unrestricted) 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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804065415/https://www.sify.com/movies/ethir-neechal-censored-with-u-news-tamil-nexjrBdifgasi.html |archive-date=4 August 2021 |access-date=4 August 2021 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>


''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>
''Ethir Neechal'' was released in 300 screens across Tamil Nadu, clashing with ''[[Soodhu Kavvum]]'' and ''[[Moondru Per Moondru Kadal]]''.<ref name=":0" /> Apart from the Tamil Nadu release, the film was simultaneously released in the United States by Gramaphone LLC.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal to release in the US |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-to-release-in-the-US/articleshow/19673229.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030737/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ethir-Neechal-to-release-in-the-US/articleshow/19673229.cms |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


=== Critical reception ===
=== Critical reception ===
''[[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>
M Suganth of ''[[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>{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=2 May 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Ethir-Neechal/movie-review/19839727.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014231401/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Ethir-Neechal/movie-review/19839727.cms |archive-date=14 October 2014 |access-date=29 December 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</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 |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=5 May 2013 |title=Run culture |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/run-culture/article4684762.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413150021/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/run-culture/article4684762.ece |archive-date=13 April 2014 |access-date=26 June 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Malini Mannath of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' stated "''Ethir Neechal'' is a mild passable entertainer".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mannath |first=Malini |date=4 May 2013 |title=Ethir Neechal (Tamil) |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Ethir-Neechal-Tamil/2013/05/04/article1573679.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708214844/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Ethir-Neechal-Tamil/2013/05/04/article1573679.ece |archive-date=8 July 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> [[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]] 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=3 May 2013 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923085457/https://www.news18.com/news/india/tamil-review-ethir-neechal-nothing-exceptional-yet-watchable-606977.html |archive-date=23 September 2022 |access-date=28 June 2020 |website=[[News18]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service|IANS]]}}</ref> S. Saraswathi of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' 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 |last=Saraswathi |first=S |date=May 3, 2013 |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626223953/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-ethir-neechal-is-an-absolute-delight/20130503.htm |archive-date=26 June 2021 |access-date=28 June 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]] |language=en}}</ref>


=== Box office ===
=== Box office ===
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>
The film opened 80 – 90% occupancy on first day collected {{INRConvert|4|c}}.<ref name="zeenews.india.com">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2013 |title='Ethir Neechal' spells profit for Dhanush |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/ethir-neechal-spells-profit-for-dhanush_133546.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201204151/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/ethir-neechal-spells-profit-for-dhanush_133546.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 |access-date=17 August 2014 |website=[[Zee News]]}}</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 tweet |number=330738612423499776 |user=taran_adarsh |title=Tamil film #EthirNeechal USA Fri $ 5,696 from 6 locations. Total: $ 10,234 [Rs 5.51 lacs]. |first=Taran |last=Adarsh |author-link=Taran Adarsh |access-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240919100533/https://x.com/taran_adarsh/status/330738612423499776 |archive-date=19 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film's success was celebrated at the [[Victoria Hall (Geneva)|Victoria Hall]] in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 May 2013 |title=Vendhar Movies to hold four functions in Switzerland |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vendhar-Movies-to-hold-four-functions-in-Switzerland/articleshow/20260990.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003030745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Vendhar-Movies-to-hold-four-functions-in-Switzerland/articleshow/20260990.cms |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=28 June 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
== See also ==
* [[List of films about the sport of athletics]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 146: Line 98:


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|id=2877104|title=Ethir Neechal}}
*{{IMDb title}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes}}
 
{{R. S. Durai Senthilkumar}}
{{R. S. Durai Senthilkumar}}
{{Wunderbar Films}}
{{Wunderbar Films}}


[[Category:2013 Indian films]]
[[Category:2010s sports comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2013 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2013 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:2013 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar]]
[[Category:Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films produced by Dhanush]]
[[Category:Athletics films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Anirudh Ravichander]]
[[Category:2010s sports comedy films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli]]
[[Category:Films scored by Anirudh Ravichander]]
[[Category:Indian sports comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2010s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Sport of athletics films]]
[[Category:Indian sports comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:2013 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:2013 comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language sports comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 08:58, 3 March 2026


Ethir Neechal
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Produced byDhanush
Written byR. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Starring
Music byAnirudh Ravichander
CinematographyR. Velraj
Edited byKishore Te
Production
company
Distributed byVendhar Movies
Release date
  • 1 May 2013 (2013-05-01)
Running time
122 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Ethir Neechal (transl. Swimming against the tide) is a 2013 Indian 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 Wunderbar Films, it follows a man who seeks to change his life by competing in the Chennai Marathon.

Principal photography took place between July 2012 and February 2013. The music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography performed by R. Velraj and editing by Kishore Te. The film was released on 1 May 2013 and became a commercial success.

Plot[edit | edit source]

In 1985, in rural Thanjavur, a woman named Sivagami has complications while giving birth. Sivagami's husband prays to his native deity that if she delivers his baby successfully, he will name the baby after 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 peers call him "Kunju" or "Kunji" (the private part of the male body). He decides to change his name, but his mother falls severely ill, and he prays to God that he will never change his name. His mother recovers, and they move to Chennai.

Years later, Sivagami dies. Kunjithapadam's friend Peter advises him to change his name to have a change in his life. After meeting an astrologer, Gunasekara Raja, he legally renames himself "Harish." He also changes his residence and job. Luck starts to favour him from that day onwards. He falls in love with Geetha, a schoolteacher, 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 television set as a prize. However, the lottery has registered his earlier name as "Kunjithapadham." He gets the television set using Peter, but Geetha finds out his true name and berates him for lying to her. She tells him that he needs to succeed at something in life to win her heart.

Harish decides to participate in the coming Chennai Marathon. He meets 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 on 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 a corrupt coach, Raja Singh. Infuriated, Raja Singh accused Valli of failing a 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.

Hearing Valli's story, 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 one of Raja Singh's rookies, but he eventually wins the race and tells the media about Valli's innocence. Raja Singh is found guilty and arrested, and Valli resumes athletics. Harish later opens and runs a training academy under his original name, Kunjithapadham. A man named Dinakaran, acting on Harish's advice, proposes his love to Valli, and she accepts.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Development[edit | edit source]

Ethir Neechal is the directorial debut of R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, a former assistant of Vetrimaaran. It was produced by Dhanush via Wunderbar Films. Senthilkumar initially wanted him as the lead actor, but Sivakarthikeyan was instead cast.[1][2] Priya Anand, the lead actress, revealed that Ethir Neechal is a city-based story without cheap comedy, vulgar dialogues or inappropriate scenes.[3] The film's title was derived from the 1968 film of the same name.[4] It was reported that Dhansika was cast as the second heroine;[5] however Nandita Swetha was signed on.[6] Anirudh Ravichander was hired as the music composer, after his debut film 3. The technical crew includes 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,[7] and Baba Bhaskar as dance choreographer.[citation needed]

Filming[edit | edit source]

Principal photography commenced on 23 July 2012, with the first shot taken by Balu Mahendra.[8] Dhanush and Nayanthara appeared in a special appearance, dancing together in the dappankuthu number "Sathiyama Nee Enakku (Local Boys)", with Nayanthara designing costumes for herself. The song was shot in Nagercoil at a Punjabi dhabha restaurant.[9] Principal photography wrapped on 22 February 2013,[10] with the post-production activities being commenced after the shoot which was completed on 24 April 2013.[11]

Music[edit | edit source]

Main article: Ethir Neechal (soundtrack)

The soundtrack features six songs that belonged to varied genres; Vaali, Dhanush and R. S. Durai Senthilkumar penned lyrics for two songs each. For the title track "Ethir Neechal" composer Anirudh hired Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh,[12][13] and Adhi from the duo Hiphop Tamizha, to croon the rap versions of the song.[14] The album's final mixing took place in Mumbai.[15]

It was announced that Sony Music had brought the marketing rights for the film's soundtrack album.[16] The making of the album was launched by the film's crew members, prior to the audio launch.[17]

Release[edit | edit source]

The distribution rights of Ethir Neechal were secured by Vendhar Movies. The film was initially scheduled to release in April 2013,[18] but later pushed to 1 May.[19][20] It was given a U (unrestricted) certificate by the censor board with no cuts.[21]

Ethir Neechal was released in 300 screens across Tamil Nadu, clashing with Soodhu Kavvum and Moondru Per Moondru Kadal.[19] Apart from the Tamil Nadu release, the film was simultaneously released in the United States by Gramaphone LLC.[22]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Critical reception[edit | edit source]

M Suganth of 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'."[23] Baradwaj Rangan for The Hindu wrote "Sivakarthikeyan looks like he's getting there — 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".[24] Malini Mannath of The New Indian Express stated "Ethir Neechal is a mild passable entertainer".[25] IANS 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."[26] S. Saraswathi of Rediff.com 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."[27]

Box office[edit | edit source]

The film opened 80 – 90% occupancy on first day collected ₹4 crore (US$560,000).[28] The film collected ₹17.97 lakh (US$25,000) in UK and ₹10.60 lakh (US$15,000) in United States in first weekend. The film collected ₹5.51 lakh (US$7,700) in United States in first day, ₹9.12 lakh (US$13,000) in three days including Thursday previews, around ₹1.5 lakh (US$2,100) on 5 April and total collection of ₹17.97 lakh (US$25,000).[29] The film's success was celebrated at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Switzerland.[30]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Priya Anand in Dhanush's home production". Sify. 31 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Not Sivakarthikeyan, This Actor Was Durai Senthilkumar's First Choice For Ethir Neechal". News18. 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 4 November 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  3. ↑ Jeshi, K. (17 March 2013). "In a happy place". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 March 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  4. ↑ "Dhanush's 'Ethir Neechal' has Siva Karthikeyan". Sify. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  5. ↑ "Dhansika likely in 'Ethir Neechal'". The New Indian Express. 27 July 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  6. ↑ Jeshi, K. (4 October 2012). "A good start". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  7. ↑ Manigandan, K. R. (9 June 2012). "Cool connect". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  8. ↑ Suganth, M. (24 July 2012). "Balu Mahendra directs Sivakarthikeyan!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  9. ↑ "Nayanthara designs her own costume". The Times of India. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  10. ↑ "Ethir Neechal shooting wrapped up". The Times of India. 22 February 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  11. ↑ "Ethir Neechal nearing completion". The Times of India. 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  12. ↑ "Anirudh introduces new talent in Tamil". The Times of India. 9 November 2012. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  13. ↑ "Listen: Honey Singh raps for Tamil film 'Ethir Neechal'". News18. 18 December 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  14. ↑ Suganth, M. (16 November 2012). "Aadhi raps for Anirudh". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  15. ↑ "Ethir Neechal final mix in Mumbai". The Times of India. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  16. ↑ "Ethir Neechal: Sony Entertainment bags audio rights". News18. 7 December 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  17. ↑ "Ethir Neechal's funny audio making". The Times of India. 6 December 2012. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  18. ↑ "Ethir Neechal ready for a summer release". The Times of India. 4 March 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Ethir Neechal on Ajith's birthday!". The Times of India. 19 April 2013. Archived from the original on 20 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  20. ↑ "Ethir Neechal confirms release on May 1". Sify. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  21. ↑ "Ethir Neechal censored with U!". Sify. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  22. ↑ "Ethir Neechal to release in the US". The Times of India. 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  23. ↑ Suganth, M (2 May 2013). "Ethir Neechal". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  24. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (5 May 2013). "Run culture". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  25. ↑ Mannath, Malini (4 May 2013). "Ethir Neechal (Tamil)". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  26. ↑ "Tamil review: 'Ethir Neechal' nothing exceptional, yet watchable". News18. IANS. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  27. ↑ Saraswathi, S (3 May 2013). "Review: Ethir Neechal is an absolute delight". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  28. ↑ "'Ethir Neechal' spells profit for Dhanush". Zee News. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  29. ↑ Adarsh, Taran [@taran_adarsh] (4 May 2013). "Tamil film #EthirNeechal USA Fri $ 5,696 from 6 locations. Total: $ 10,234 [Rs 5.51 lacs]" (Tweet). Retrieved 19 September 2024 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  30. ↑ "Vendhar Movies to hold four functions in Switzerland". The Times of India. 25 May 2013. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

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