‘Ethir Neechal’ has the right ingredients of a mass entertainer.  

‘What’s in a name?’ asked Shakespeare.
Plenty if it happens to be ‘Kunjithapatham,’ (Siva Karthikeyan) as the lead character of Tamil film ‘Ethir Neechal,’ found out through his growing years when this name became the butt of all jokes. The joke continued into his adult years and at work as well. ‘Kunjithapatham’ in fact gave him an inferiority complex. Completely fed up, he takes his friend Peter’s suggestion seriously and goes for a name change.
In his new identity Harish, he finds a new job and life looks up for the better. He even finds love in Geetha, (Priya Anand) a school teacher! 
Just when all seems to be going great, the old name crops up creating confusion and misunderstanding in his love life. That’s when Kunjithapatham, sorry Harish decides to participate in a marathon in order to prove himself to his lady love.
‘Ethir Neechal’ is not just about swimming against the tide for Kunjithapatham and winning his love; it also becomes a voice for championing the rights of Valli, (Nandita) his marathon coach and a wronged athlete in the politics of sports and ambition.
Siva Karthikeyan, who has proved himself in comedy roles, reveals his ability to take on serious roles. Matching pace with him is Priya Anand.  Nandita, last seen in ‘Attakathi’ gets into the skin of Valli’s character with ease.
Dhanush, who has produced this film, makes an entry in a kuthu number with Nayanthara, adding to the commercial element of the story.
The first half of the film is laced with humour and is a breeze. Post interval the story of the underdog and the thrill of the marathon keeps viewers hooked. Of course, it has a predictable ending. 
But then like Shakespeare said, ‘What’s in a name? Kunjithapatham could not have agreed more.
R. S. Durai Senthil Kumar on his debut scores with this story.