Ethir Neechal

My review: Ethir Neechal

"Ethir Neechal" is one of those movies that gives you a sense of satisfaction when you come out of theater after watching it. It is almost a perfect movie that entertains to a great extent with a very valid message incorporated in it as well. After struggling with his previous three movies Sivakarthikeyan has finally gotten a movie which is sure to take him places. This is a perfect movie for the vacation and would surely become one of the biggest hits of the year so far. 

Written and directed by debutant R.S.Durai Senthilkumar, "Ethir Neechal" doesn't have a complicated story or multi-layered non-linear screenplay but its forte is the simplicity of the story taken and lucidity of the screenplay which makes up for an engaging viewing. Layered with thread of humour throughout movie moves at flashing speed in the first half filled with fun, laughter and romance. At the intermission point itself one gets a feeling of having gotten his money's worth. 

Second half is more purposeful and tends to get serious though the lighter vein is also not abandoned. The subject that the movie alludes to in the second half is topical. It talks about the plight of sportspersons and how money, favoritism and corruption plays havoc in their professional as well as personal lives. 

Durai's dialogues are too good, especially his comedy oneliners are damn hilarious. There is no undue preaching and even the climax speech that alludes to the plights of the sportspersons is not overboard but reflects the views of a common man. Simplicity and the casual language of the dialogues further enhances the proceedings.

  

This movie would be a big break for both Sivakarthikeyan and Priya Anand. Both talented but unlucky so far. Siva is confident onscreen carrying whole movie on his shoulder and he has done it with elan. His casual oneliners and timing dialogue delivery which are his forte come to the fore this time too. He has done well in serious sequences too. His footwork in dance sequences have improved a lot, watch out for him trying to match the steps of Danush in "Sathiyama nee enaku" number.

Priya Anand is gorgeous and has come a long way from her "Vamanan" days as far as acting is concerned. Nanditha impresses in a serious role of the fallen athlete who coached Siva. Satish as Peter is a big revelation. He gets to mouth the best comical oneliners of the movie and brings down the roof. Watch out for him, he has a bright future ahead. Jayaprakash is dignified.

Songs of Anirudh are already a rage with the youngsters. Whole album is rocking and worthy follow-up to "3". "Velicha poove" and "Bhoomi enna suthuthe" are lovely melodies while "Sathiya nee enaku" is foot-tapping number."Unn parvayil" is one of the best bit number since "Nenjai poopol " from "Minnale". His background score is also good. Only thing is that why this enthusiasm in including a misogynistic love-failure songs without a strong reason. Though the song and dance sequence is good it looks forced in.

Velraj's camera work is good. Especially the "Velicha poove" song and the Marathon sequences are nicely shot.

Though the movie is not bereft of the regular cliches associated with sports related movie, on the whole, "Ethir Neechal" has too many better things in it that will ensure that it would become a huge hit.

Bottomline: Sure shot hit.

3.5/5