Ethiroli(1970)
Ethiroli is a 1970 Indian Tamil-language legal drama film directed by K. Balachander. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan as Advocate Shankar and K. R. Vijaya as his daughter Vijaya. The story follows Shankar, a respected lawyer who gives his daughter seven moral principles to live by. When a blackmailer threatens him, Shankar breaks every rule, leading to personal and professional ruin. The film explores the moral decay of a man who loses his way. It was the only collaboration between Balachander and Ganesan. The Indian Express praised it as a successful study of a blackmailer and the blackmailed. The film was released on 27 June 1970.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 16 June 1970
- Director
- K. Balachander
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 46m 0
Storyline
Advocate Shankar gives his daughter seven rules for living an honest life. When a blackmailer threatens to expose his secrets, Shankar breaks every rule to save himself. His lies destroy his case, his family, and his reputation. Now he must face the echo of his own words.
“Seven rules. One broken man.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ethiroli
Cast reunions in this film: Nagesh & Major Sundarrajan (43 films together), K. R. Vijaya & Nagesh (38 films together), Nagesh & Sivaji Ganesan (38 films together), Sivaji Ganesan & Major Sundarrajan (38 films together), Nagesh & K. V. Mahadevan (37 films together), and Sivaji Ganesan & K. V. Mahadevan (35 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Tamil film to be shot extensively in Kashmir, featuring scenic locations like Dal Lake and Gulmarg.
- The film marked the debut of actor Sudhakar, who later became known for his supporting roles in Tamil cinema.
- K. Balachander reused the core plot idea of a box of money causing trouble in his later Hindi film 'Aaina' (1977).
- The movie's climax involving a speechless witness was considered a novel narrative device in Tamil thrillers at the time.
- Actress Jayasudha, who played the daughter Raji, was only about 15 years old during filming.
- The soundtrack by M.S. Viswanathan included a hit song 'Kannama Nichayamada' sung by P. Susheela and T.M. Soundararajan.
- Despite being a thriller, the film heavily emphasized family drama, reflecting Balachander's signature style.