Neram

My review: Neram

Both Tamil and Malayalam cinema industry is seeing emergence of young talent with fresh ideas, new styles and daring attitude. Over the last couple of years in Malayalam cinema and a year in Tamil cinema there has been many small movies which are turning the heads of cinema lovers in both these states. With "Neram"  a wonderful confluence of talents from both the industries has resulted in yet another promising movie which is a fun-filled ride for about two hours with its rich and intelligent making.

Though the story is not that novel (the makers themselves admit the same in their promos ) but it is the making of the movie that makes it special. Following the neo-noir style of film making Alphonse Putharen has written and directed movie with confidence of a veteran. Attention to detail, judicious use of various colour shading and slow-motion shots, well written lines at appropriate places, wonderful casting who have delivered adequately makes "Neram" one of the better movies in recent times.

One should appreciate Alphonse for taking up such a challenging screenplay in his first movie itself and making it in a stylish manner. In a industry in which bluish shading, shooting in foreign locales and actors strolling around in designer blazers and coolers in slow-mos are recognized as stylish movie making, "Neram" is a refreshing attempt in which there is seamless confluence of stylish making as well as showcasing of people's livelihood deeply rooted in our very own neighborhood.

"Neram" has numerous enjoyable sequences which are well conceived and shot. In the initial reels only Alphonse's acumen comes to the forefront when he shows how the financial status of the protagonist declines with just shots of the tooth paste and his mode of transport. The  cute and very short love-story of the lead pair, characterization of Nasser, under-renovation police station, chase sequences with the "Pistah" song in the background are some of the many pointers towards the mastery over the medium with which Alphonse has made this movie. After a long time it feels like watching a "director's" movie.

Nivin Pauly is good as Vetri who is plagued by bad times in his life which is about to turn for the better. He is already an established actor in Malayalam confidence of which shows in this Tamil debut of his. Nazriya is cutey pie and she seems to have good grasp of acting too. Look out for this kid, she is going to be the next big thing in Tamil cinema by this year end. Shima gets a substantial role finally. Veteran of short-film circuit, Shima shows his potential this time. He is first-class having used the opportunity he deserved. Nasser's cameo is a scream. It is a well written role with each and every dialogues of his bringing the roof down with laughter. Movie boasts of stellar performances from its supporting cast which includes names like Thambi Ramaih, Charlie and John Vijay.

Rajesh Murugesan is the music composer. His "Pistah" song is already a huge hit in the youtube and the social networking sites. "Kaatru veesum" and "Kadhal ennule" are nice melodies. He shows his potential in the background score also. Especially various versions of the now famous "Titan" ad music towards the climax warrants special mention.

Anand C.Chandran's cinematography and Alphonse's editing makes the movie technically grand and stylish. Never seen Mandeveli area so beautiful on screen. Kudos to Anand.

On the whole, "Neram" is a routine story told in an unconventional manner, intelligently made and thoroughly enjoyable.

Bottomline: Pistah filimu....!

3.5/5