Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, also referred to as Idhaaba or more commonly as Balakumara, is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language comedy film, written and directed by Gokul. Produced by Leo Visions, the film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Ashwin Kakumanu, Swati Reddy, Nandita Swetha, Pasupathy, and Soori. The film upon release received highly positive reviews from critics. The film got remade into Kannada language as Jackson starring Duniya Vijay in the lead. The title of the film is inspired by the novel with the same name written by Balakumaran. The film released on 2 October 2013.
Plot
Kumaravel is a typical lower middle class youth who mainly lives in TASMAC bars. His friends and neighbors have nicknamed him Sumaar Moonji Kumar alias SMK, and he is crazy about Kumudha, the girl staying opposite to his flat. It is a one-way love. Kumudha's father has sought the help of Annachi, the local boss, to find a solution and teach SMK a lesson. On a parallel track, another alcoholic named Balakrishnan is a smart bank salesperson but is always under pressure from his boss Poochandi and possessive girlfriend Renu. One night, the life of the principal characters gets entangled, leading to the climax.
Cast
Vijay Sethupathi as Kumaravel aka Sumar Moonji Kumar
The film was said to be based on the daily comical things that happen in our day-to-day life. Siddharth Vipin, who did the background score for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, was roped in to do the music for the film. Soori was playing an important role and Madhan Karky penned the dialogues for this film. Pasupathy was roped in to play an important role in this film. The latest to join was Ashwin Kakumanu, who made his debut in Mankatha. The film's pooja was held on 11 March 2013. The title of the film was inspired by a line in Thanga Padhumai.
Marketing
On 12 August 2013, a song from the film called "Prayer song" was released as a single. The single track was an instant hit garnering lakhs of views.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack album was composed by Siddharth Vipin who earlier composed background score for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and this is his full-fledged debut as music composer. The lyrics were penned by Madhan Karky and Lalithanand. The single, 'Prayer Song' was released on 12 August 2013. The complete album was released on 30 August 2013 at Sathyam Cinemas. The album was released by Jiiva in the presence of director Balaji Sakthivel and received by the film cast. The single was believed to have been inspired by Jaron and the Long Road to Love's Pray for You which Madhan Karky denied, concluding that both songs only had the same concept. The chorus of the song "En Veetula" samples the Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai song "Sau Saal Pehle". The album consists of three tracks composed by Siddharth Vipin and an additional track by Ved Shankar.
Release
The satellite rights of the film were sold to STAR Vijay. The film was given a "U" certificate by the Indian Censor Board. Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara released on 2 October 2013 coinciding with Gandhi Jayanthi in 300+ screens worldwide.
Box office
The film raked 100% occupancy on first day, collecting which is the biggest opening for Vijay Sethupathi. In first two days of its release, the film collected over in Tamil Nadu alone. The film first weekend collection is at the box office. The film collected at the box office and declared as a Blockbuster.
Critical reception
The film received very positive reviews from critics with most critics praising Vijay Sethupathi's performance. The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara lacks the sophistication of a Soodhu Kavvum or Pizza but makes up for it in sheer likeability. His debut Rowthiram was an uneven effort but in Idhaaba, Gokul is more sure-footed, deftly weaving plotlines and confidently untying the knots in his script". IANS gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara doesn't merely entertain, but also addresses a domestic issue with a very strong dose of humour. It's undoubtedly one of the smartest yet funniest Tamil films in recent times. Behindwoods gave 3.25 stars and stated "Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara is not an adhesive that keeps you glued on the seat, but is a spring that might make you bounce with laughter". The critics from Sify.com mentioned "Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara is a good fun ride. It is a comedy film laced with black humour and works due to its smart writing." Rediff gave 3 out of 5 stars, wrote "Director Gokul in his film, Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara has created some weird, quirky and offbeat characters in hilarious situations who keep the audience entertained, writes" and called it a "laugh riot". Oneindia gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Director Gokul has done a good job in making the film a worth entertainer. His screenplay, though has jerks at parts, is good and the introductory scene gets a special mention" and called the film "a one time watchable movie". In contrast, Baradwaj Rangan from The Hindu wrote "Gokul's Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara isn't a lazy movie. It is, in fact, the opposite. There's too much of everything – too much plot, too much mood, with three narrative strands infused with three unique sensibilities. He concluded that the film provided "Some mild laughs" and "Lots of tedium".
