The film, produced by Kalpathi S. Agoram's AGS Entertainment, features music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography by Arthur A. Wilson, and editing by Suresh Urs.

Saamy falls for a college student named Thenmozhi (Madhu Shalini), who is initially intimidated by his rough ways but eventually reciprocates his love.

Just as he is about to leave, Thirthapathi requests him to stay and witness Walter's acting skills, who shows off his depictions of the nine emotions (Navarasas) and impresses everyone, especially Saamy, who is moved to tears by his performance.

Allegedly Bala had come to this decision, since his earlier films, despite receiving critical acclaim, garnered poor or only average box office returns.

[9] During the post-production phase, Bala disclosed that the film was "fun till the last 15 minutes, after which it turns serious", adding that he decided to "change tracks", after several people including his mentor Balu Mahendra advised him to do so.

[11] During the launch, Bala told that unlike his earlier films, Avan Ivan would have an "extra dose of comedy, besides action and family sentiments.

"[11] He had also disclosed that, unlike his earlier films, he will complete Avan Ivan within eight months of time and be ready for a release in late 2010.

Real-life siblings Surya and Karthi,[7] as well as Jeeva and Githan Ramesh were considered for the roles,[4][15] which were at last won by Arya, renewing his association with Bala after Naan Kadavul, and Vishal Krishna.

In late November 2009 in association with Indiaglitz.com, a "heroine hunting" program was conducted through the internet, where women, who were 18 years old and could understand Tamil, could apply for the role.

[22] In November 2009, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, daughter of actor Sarath Kumar, who would later debut in Podaa Podi alongside Silambarasan, was reportedly roped in for the role.

[23] However, at the official press meet in late January 2009, it was revealed that Janani Iyer, a Chennai-based model, who had appeared in several television advertisements, was chosen for the role of Police Constable and Vishal character's love interest.

For another lead female character, Pooja Umashankar, who was also part of Bala's Naan Kadavul,[24] and Nivedhitha, who had starred in small-budget films Kathai and Porkkalam were initially considered.

[12] Eventually, former Telugu VJ, model and actress Madhu Shalini was finalised,[25] to portray the role of a college student and the love interest of Arya's character,[26] while she was also made by Bala to dub for herself.

[11] About replacing his usual music director Ilaiyaraaja by his son, Bala said that since it was a youth-centric film, Yuvan Shankar Raja can "bring the right feel".

[4] The film's shooting, which was supposed to commence on 10 February 2010 in Tenkasi and Shenkottah and to be completed in two schedules,[4] started with a slight delay nine days later in Courtallam,[32] where a major portion was shot.

[42] Avan Ivan's soundtrack is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and marks his second collaboration with Bala, following a highly critically acclaimed work in Nandha.

[48] It was reported to be distributed and marketed by Sun Pictures, however following the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election the production studio AGS Entertainment decided to release the film directly.

[1] The film, which was dubbed in Telugu as Vaadu Veedu,[51] released worldwide on 17 June 2011 simultaneously along with the Tamil version,[52] to mixed critical response.

Behindwoods gave two and a half out of five stars citing that the film had a "loose screenplay" but was compensated by a "power packed performance" by the actors.

"[54] Rohit Ramachandran of nowrunning.com gave it two out of five stars stating that "Avan Ivan, in the end, is Vishal and Arya battling for recognition in the acting arena.

But director Bala doesn't really capitalize on its strengths, and never pulls you into the story except in parts which is disappointing, as he is among today's trend-setters in Tamil cinema.

"[58] A critic from Oneindia.in cited: "Watch the film for the expression of 'Nava Rasas' just after the interval bang and the climax scene and you will get a feel that it is a 100 per cent paisa vasool.

As a result the movie turns out to be a disappointing experience despite having stunning performances",[60] while Indiaglitz commented: "All said, Avan Ivan is not a typical Bala film, and it has its own dull moments, courtesy clichéd scenes and dragging second half.

The lack of balance between Bala's emphatic portrayal of different kind of life and his effort to provide fun is the major problem of the movie.