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Ithu Engal Neethi (1988) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 17 Jul 2026

Ithu Engal Neethi (1988) Review

Released on 12 Feb 1988, Ithu Engal Neethi (1988) is a Tamil action, drama movie starring Ramki, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Nizhalgal Ravi. Directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar. Ithu Engal Neethi is a 1988 Indian Tamil film, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and produced by S. S. Neelakandan and Shoba Chandrasekhar. The film stars Ramki, Radhika, Ramki and Vani Viswanath in lead roles. The film had musical score by Ilayaraja. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Runtime: 2h 20m.

Ithu Engal Neethi
ABOVE AVERAGE

Ithu Engal Neethi(1988)

Tamil · Action, Drama

2h 20m · 12 Feb 1988

Music: Ilaiyaraaja | Writer: S. A. Chandrasekhar

DramaAction

Ratings

IMDbIMDb6.6
LetterboxdLetterboxd0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TraktTrakt35
IMDbIMDb6.8

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Ithu Engal Neethi is a Tamil action drama revolving around themes of justice and morality. The story follows the protagonist as he confronts corruption and fights for the rights of the oppressed. Interpersonal relationships and social issues are woven into the narrative, providing a backdrop for the hero's journey towards establishing truth and order.

🔍 Analysis

Ithu Engal Neethi delivers a straightforward narrative centered on justice and social values, typical of late 1980s Tamil cinema. The screenplay maintains a steady pace, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts effectively, while the second half escalates the tension with action sequences and moral confrontations. The film's pacing is consistent, though some scenes tend to drag, impacting the overall momentum.

The music by Ilaiyaraaja stands out as a highlight, with songs that complement the emotional tone of the film. The background score effectively underscores dramatic moments, enhancing the impact of key scenes. However, the cinematography lacks innovation and remains functional without adding much visual flair.

While the film adheres to conventional storytelling methods, it benefits from strong performances and a clear moral message. The songs are melodious and well-integrated, though the narrative could have been tighter to avoid predictability. Overall, Ithu Engal Neethi is a typical commercial entertainer of its time with commendable music and earnest performances.

🎭 Performances

Ramki: Delivered a convincing portrayal of the righteous protagonist with earnestness.

Radikaa Sarathkumar: Provided emotional depth and strong presence in her role.

Nizhalgal Ravi: Played a pivotal supporting role with subtlety.

Vani Viswanath: Added charm and energy to the narrative.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong moral theme
  • ✓Ilaiyaraaja's music and background score
  • ✓Solid performances by lead actors
  • ✓Consistent pacing
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of innovative cinematography
  • ✕Predictable screenplay
  • ✕Some dragging scenes affecting momentum

🎬 Direction & Writing

S. A. Chandrasekhar's direction is straightforward and focused on delivering a clear social message. The writing is conventional but effective in conveying the film's themes, though it lacks novelty.

📰 Critic Reviews

Gathering critic reviews…

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
6.6
LetterboxdLetterboxd
0
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TraktTrakt
35
IMDbIMDb
6.8

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
PositiveMusic and performances
NeutralStory and screenplay
NegativePredictability and cinematography

Critics

Due to the film's age and regional nature, there is limited availability of numeric critic ratings from the specified sources. Contemporary reviews praise the music and performances but note the film's conventional approach.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Ithu Engal Neethi release in theatres?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi released on 12 February 1988 (1988).

Is Ithu Engal Neethi a hit or flop?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Ithu Engal Neethi online? OTT release date?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Ithu Engal Neethi?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar. Produced by Shoba Chandrasekhar.

Who are the main cast members of Ithu Engal Neethi?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi stars Ramki, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Nizhalgal Ravi, Vani Viswanath.

What is the Tollybo rating for Ithu Engal Neethi?▾

Tollybo rates Ithu Engal Neethi 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Ithu Engal Neethi?▾

Music for Ithu Engal Neethi composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

What is the genre and runtime of Ithu Engal Neethi?▾

Ithu Engal Neethi — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 140 minutes, Language: Tamil.

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