Avan Ivan is from the legendary director Bala, who was behind hits such as Sethu, Nandha, Pitha Magan and Naan Kadavul. In addition to being commercial hits, Bala's movies tend to disturb the inner heart of the audience. Both these aspects raise the expectation level of Avan Ivan.

Avan Ivan is a comical venture that revolves around agnate siblings who live in a village where robbery is the primary job venture. The movie opens with the funny introductions of Vishal, Arya and Ambika. Director Bala uses these sequences to narrate their life style and attitude in a neat manner.

The complete first half is hilarious, filled with chapters like Vishal’s interest in acting, Arya’s talent in cheating, their love for Madhu Shalini & Janani Iyar and their attachment with the Zamindar G. M. Kumar. However, the movie seems to jog along without any storyline, and this certainly leaves the audience with an empty effect. The second half is also fun filled with some good sentiments and Surya's cameo, and the movie ends with a predictable climax.

Good characterization and solid acting are evident. However, it is not enough to overshadow the fact that Avan Ivan's script does not have any depth. Some tragical sequences in the second half means that the movie cannot be treated as a pure comedy. Further, many sequences leave us with unanswered questions like what happened to the lorry that is kidnapped by Vishal and why the police frequent every sequence but the climax.

Arya fits in his role very much and he has given a great performance and shines though he has lesser space when compared to Vishal. Whenever he teases Vishal, he gets a grand applause from the audience. He also scored well in the romance with Madhu Shalini, which is crisp and good.

Vishal and G. M. Kumar have stolen the show of Avan Ivan. Vishal has beautifully played his role as a squint-eyed person. His introduction dance, stage performance and his part in the climax sequence is fantastic. G. M. Kumar is at his best with a very realistic performance. His performance in the climax is outstanding. Surya gives a cameo appearance.

Janani Iyar is casted opposite Vishal and plays as a police constable. Her performance is impressive. Madhu Shalini, casted opposite Arya, has also played well. Yesteryear actress Ambika plays as Vishal's mother, and justifies her presence with some matured acting. Azhagar Malai fame R. K plays as an animal slaughterer. His 10 minute screen presence has come out well with some good expressions and body language.

Arthur A Wilson's camera is brilliant and neatly captures the beauty of the villages near Theni. Suresh Urs' editing is also great, and it has excelled in the climax. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music is another asset to the movie, and his background score is amazing in adding value to the visuals. His songs are equally mind blowing. Rasathi Pola and Dia Dia Dolu are the good song numbers and will stay with the music channels for some time to come. T. Muthuraj's art direction is awesome and he has sculpted every frame in a very realistic manner. Super Subbarayan's stunts and Suchitra Chandrabose's dance are also appreciable. S. Ramakrishnan's dialogues are impressive and are interlaced with fun and nativity.

Overall, Bala's predictable script with visuals similar to his previous movies are disappointing. However, he makes up for it with fantastic casting, perfect performances and hilarious comedy. Avan Ivan, though not fitting the bill of a block buster, is very much a Can Watch!