Neru

If it were 20 years ago I would have been overly impressed like the rest of the audiences. But now you could see a mile ahead how the plot is deliberately being sabotaged to create thrilling moments. This is evident when the blind victim is asked to prove her ability to sculpt a bust through her sense of touch. Even if this is true, the subject cannot be permitted to be someone who is directly involved in the case like the lawyer as he can purposely influence the outcome to discredit the victim. This was an manufactured scene to prove it to be a David and Goliath case. There are many such instances throughout the movie. But besides this obvious tweaking of the plot the movie is definitely watchable as somewhere in this movie there is a sad commentory on the Indian judicial system where victims of such heinous crime do not get justice, just the shame. So this movies can be added to the likes of the movie "Pink" which deals in the same subject.

Even with a predictable storyline Jeethu Joseph's mastery of scriptwriting with Shanthi Mayadevi's knowledge as an advocate makes this engaging and effective. Jeethu Joseph has always been a better writer than a director and there are a lot of instances in the movie that clearly shows that aspect. Some of the smaller characters' acting was not very good, the music was overused a lot and there were a few things that could've been trimmed out. But when it works, the film works great. Even though, it's not something very novel, Mohanlal saying some dialogues did make me clap hard, knowing that I'm sitting in a packed theatre with a lot of families. Anaswara and Siddique were brilliant in their roles and Mohanlal has done a role that is subtle, vulnerable and serious in a very effective way after a long time. Despite the film using easy ways to tell a lot of things, despite the plot being nothing new, it being not new makes more of a case of how it is still so important in every aspect, due to which I was very satisfied by the end of the movie.

The same team had done Drishyam 10 years ago, which has become a milestone movie, not just in Malayalam but across Indian movie industry. Any movie they do now will be compared to that movie.

There are some common elements, but Neru is a totally different movie, both the theme and the mood of the movie. This is emotionally more draining than Drishyam, while it does not have the sheer audacity and shock value that Drishyam had

The best part of the movie is the script. After 10 minutes or so, the movie just hooks you in, and you can't look away even for a minute, till the very last scene in the climax, which will most probably leave you teary eyed.

Performances are top notch. Special mentions to Sidhique and Jagadish. Two actors who were doing Tier 2 comedy movies 30 years ago, but their acting careers are on a totally high trajectory.

But this movie is carried by Mohanlal and then Anaswara Rajan. Yes, Mohanlal is one of the greatest actors in India and his performance is expected, but Anaswara matches him best for best. Their scene together in the first half and then in the climax will leave you spell bound

On the flip side, don't expect any out of the world movie making techniques. Technically the movie is just passable, but that is a typical Jeethu Joseph style. He let the script and performances take centre stage. The Cameraman, editor and music director just do their job in the back ground

Last but not the least, spare a thought for the genius of Jeethu. Making one edge of the seat thriller like Drishyam is impossible for 9/10 writer directors. But he has now done 4 movies at that level (Drishyam 1 & 2, Memorie and Neru). Hats off man, and hope you outdo yourself in your next one.

Anyone would agree that its just a standard legal drama. The casting and the setting doesnt seem very expensive or captivating. But the brilliant direction is evident in every detail. Main characters have been casted very well in every way possible. Jeethu joseph does not need any special introduction in such a genre since he has proved his excellence in many of his previous movies. As an average mohanlal enthusiast and a consistent critique of his work, I feel that this must go down as one of his best modern work. He has input an element of his own as well as adhered to the character presented by the director. Movie portrays characteristics of resilience and persistence. A must watch.

No story, no suspense, just plain.

Expected a stronger and more engaging plot from Jeetu Joseph. Disappointed.

The crime was done and culprit was found in the first ten minutes. Then the seen too many times case where the hero first does not show interest and everyone else requests him to take the case. Hero accepts and then a very ordinary court proceedings follow. No real challenges faced by the hero. Overhyped obstacles. Villain is rich and has employed a Supreme Court advocate. No display of high intelligence from hero. No mass dialogues nor anything engaging.

A mediocre movie made on an interesting topic!