The film opens with a doctor discussing the effect of Thrombasthenia, a kind of bleeding disorder which could be fatal. He refers to Pugazh, a boy afflicted by the disorder years ago, and wonders how he is faring. The narration shifts to Pugazh, now a strapping youth and an athlete preparing for the National Sports Meet to be held at Chennai.
The debutant director generates sympathy for his protagonist even before we see him; and builds our curiosity about the when-and-how of the calamity, which could ultimately affect the protagonist. But then he opts for a more practical ending than a dramatic one, which is kind-of what we’d expect. The film, fairly neatly scripted in the first half, meanders in the second, losing some of its focus.
The narration in the early part shuttles between Thanjavur and Chennai. Pugazh in Thanjavur is training under coach Devarajan (a fine performance from Naren), preparing for the National Meet. Meanwhile, in Chennai, some antisocial elements under kingpin Sampath are into activities that threaten to destroy the economy of the country. A wrong call connects Pugazh and Gayatri, a Chennai-based college girl. These characters meet in Chennai and get entangled in each other’s affairs.
The first half manages to sustain interest, with a smooth flow of scenes. It soon shifts to a thriller mode with plenty of action as Pugazh inadvertently crosses the path of Aega, Sampath’s henchman. It’s evident that Atharvaa has done undergone intensive training in the sport, as his jumps resemble that of a seasoned hurdler. His well-toned physique and the competence with which he essays Pugazh, make him noteworthy. With her wholesome appeal, Sridivya is likable as Gayatri. The duo shares pleasant screen chemistry. Some of the fight scenes are well choreographed.
On the flip side, the screenplay abounds in co-incidences and forced-in situations. Like the scene in the pre-interval block which brings the lead characters in a contrived and a frenzied rush towards each other. The songs, though melodious, are forced in towards the latter part, slackening the pace. The narration could have been crisper in the second half.
Slow motion-shots are frequently used. But the effective ones are those where Pugazh performs his hurdle-jumps. If Eetti is watchable despite its glitches, it’s because of its lead pair, and it’s inspiring moments that lend it a feel-good flavour.