Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara

Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara, also referred to as Idhaaba, is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language comedy film, written and directed by Gokul. Produced by Leo Visions, the film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Ashwin, Swathi, Nandita, and Pasupathy. It was released on 2 October 2013. The film received positive reviews from critics and became a success. It was remade in Kannada as Jackson (2015).

Plot
Kumaravel is a lower middle class youth who mainly lives in TASMAC bars. His friends and neighbours have nicknamed him "Sumaar Moonji Kumar" (average-looking Kumar) alias SMK, and he is stalking Kumudha, the girl living opposite his flat. 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.

Production
The film was announced in February 2012 as a dual hero comedy subject with Jai as one of the heroes. In February 2013, the film was announced to be produced by Leo Visions and to feature Vijay Sethupathi, Nandita and Swati. It 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 chosen to do the music for the film. Soori was playing an important role and Madhan Karky penned the dialogues for this film. Pasupathy was selected to play an important role in this film. The latest to join was Ashwin Kakumanu, who made his debut in Mankatha. The film's puja was held on 11 March 2013. The title of the film was inspired by a line in Thanga Padhumai (1959).

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. It was an instant hit garnering lakhs of views. The song 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 complete album was released on 30 August 2013 at Sathyam Cinemas. The album was released by Jiiva in the presence of Balaji Sakthivel and received by the film cast. The album consists of three tracks composed by Siddharth Vipin and an additional track by Ved Shankar.

Release
Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara released on 2 October 2013 coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti in 300+ screens worldwide.

Box office
The film raked 100% occupancy on first day, collecting inr 90000000 which was the biggest opening for a Vijay Sethupathi film to that point.

Critical reception
The film received positive reviews from critics, with most critics praising Vijay Sethupathi's performance and the writing.

M. Suganth of The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote the film "lacks the sophistication of a Soodhu Kavvum or Pizza but makes up for it in sheer likeability". Suganth added, "His debut Rowthiram was an uneven effort but in Idhaaba, Gokul is more surefooted, deftly weaving plotlines and confidently untying the knots in his script". IANS gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (IAB) 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". S. Saraswathi of Rediff.com 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". In contrast, Baradwaj Rangan wrote for The Hindu, "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".

Legacy
The character of Sumar Moonji Kumar inspired a song titled "Sumar Moonji Kumaru" in Bruce Lee (2017). A spin-off titled Corona Kumar entered development in 2020 before being stalled.