Neru (2023) Movie Review
"Neru Movie": Getting Mohanlal's character, Vijaymohan, a lawyer feeling worn out and disheartened, back into action isn't a tough task. The case at hand is pretty serious – it involves the rape of a blind sculptor named Sara, played by Anaswara Rajan. But Sara is a strong-willed fighter ready to endure the challenges of court to seek justice. Vijaymohan's motivation to re-enter the courtroom is fueled by her determination. He says, "I might fail, but I don't want her to fail." Now, making a film about a superstar where the focus is on the survivor's story and victory isn't simple. Yet, director Jeethu Joseph, along with co-writer and actor Shanti Mayadevi, manages to create a legal drama that stays firmly centered on its purpose.
Jeethu has pitched "Neru 2023 Movie" as an 'emotional courtroom drama,' downplaying the high expectations set by his previous films. While it is emotional, the dominant feelings are those associated with suspense. Given the nature of the crime, it naturally comes with discomfort and trigger warnings. Luckily, the filmmakers avoid unnecessary graphic scenes. They keep it minimal, giving us a sense of the seriousness without going too disturbing. The film is clear about whose side it's on, who we should support, and who we should dislike. As mentioned earlier, the film stays true to its core throughout. This is evident in a crucial moment where a woman's presence of mind in a perilous situation becomes a key talking point.
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"Neru" is like the opposite of "Drishyam." In "Drishyam," the suspense revolves around a man avoiding capture after a crime, but in "Neru," the twist is that we actually want the suspect to face severe punishment. The catch is, he's the son of a wealthy businessman who hired a sharp and tough defense lawyer named Rajashekar (played by Siddique). Now, can Vijaymohan, a lawyer who's been away from the courtroom for a while, stand a chance against such a formidable opponent?
The movie bombards us with details, making it a challenge to keep track of everything. It doesn't waste time on unnecessary stuff and swiftly moves from one scene to another. Unlike some movies that dwell on a character's sad past to gain sympathy, "Neru" skips the melodrama. Vijaymohan, played by Mohanlal, doesn't drown in self-pity despite past failures. There's no grand entrance with slow-motion shots or a dramatic background score when he returns to the courtroom – just a casual decision to take an Uber.
However, the film doesn't completely skip the 'heroic' moments, keeping a balanced focus. Mohanlal's performance, Anaswara's impactful portrayal, and Siddique's manipulative role keep the film engaging, despite some lapses in energy.
Yet, "Neru" faces familiar issues seen in previous Jeethu Joseph films: a weak supporting cast and occasional intrusion of outdated Malayalam film sensibilities. Some performances register comically in serious moments, and certain characters feel like they're from old-school Malayalam cinema.
There are moments where the information is delivered blandly, akin to a boring classroom lecture. The film attempts realism with courtroom interruptions but fails to apply it consistently.
However, "Neru" has good ideas, especially intricate backstories affecting the case. The film tackles various legal intricacies and urges sensitivity toward the less privileged. Despite its flaws, it prompts viewers to broaden their understanding of legal complexities. The standout scene involves a powerful ending, emphasizing respect and sensitivity.