Neram (English: Time) is a 2013 Indian romantic comedy thriller film written, directed and edited by Alphonse Putharen in his directorial debut. Simultaneously made in theMalayalam and Tamil languages, it stars Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim and Simhaa in both versions. Supporting roles were essayed by Manoj K. Jayan, Shammi Thilakan, and Lalu Alex in Malayalam and Nassar, Thambi Ramiah and John Vijay portrayed the characters in Tamil. The whole film is set within one day in Chennai. The music was scored by debutant Rajesh Murugesan while Anand C. Chandran handled the cinematography.[2] The Malayalam version released on May 10, 2013, while the Tamil version released on May 17.[3] The film's both versions received positive reviews upon release.[1][4][5][6] After the success of the Malayalam and Tamil versions, Putharen is planning to remake the film in Hindi.[7]
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| Neram | |
|---|---|
 First look posters of Neram (Malayalam/Tamil) | |
| Directed by | Alphonse Putharen |
| Produced by | Koral Viswanathan |
| Written by | Alphonse Putharen |
| Starring | Nivin Pauly Nazriya Nazim Simhaa |
| Music by | Rajesh Murugesan |
| Cinematography | Anand C. Chandran |
| Editing by | Alphonse Putharen |
| Studio | Winner Bulls Films |
| Distributed by | Malayalam LJ Films Tamil Red Giant Movies |
| Release date(s) |
|
| Running time | 109 minutes (Malayalam) 117 minutes (Tamil)[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam Tamil |
| Budget |  1 crore(US$180,000)[citation needed] |
| Box office | 4.2 crore(US$770,000)[citation needed] |
Plot [edit]
Neram is all about the life of Mathew (Vetri in Tamil version; played by Nivin Pauly) and Jeena (Veni in Tamil version; played by Nazriya). Mathew is a computer engineering graduate but is now jobless. His life is a little complicated now, because he has taken a loan from a private moneylender and is not able to repay the amount. The clash between romance and unemployment is highlighted in the movie. Jeena is Mathew's childhood friend and she is the one who help him economically and mentally. She has a small job in a company. The other trouble Mathew face is from Jeena's father Johny Kutty (Lalu Alex). Johny Kutty's animosity towards Mathew is the other mess which Mathew faces and as the story develops a series of problems is waiting for this young engineering graduate. How Mathew makeup his situation and start a better living is the core of the movie. Manoj K. Jayan is doing an important role in the movie with a nick name RAY BAN. The entire secret behind the film is its narrating style and the treasure that he gets in between the story along with a bulk of problems.[clarification needed]
Cast [edit]
Malayalam version:
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Tamil version:
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Production [edit]
Neram marks the feature film debut of Alphonse Putharen.[8][9] According to Putharen, it was the success of Yuvvh that prompted him to move to the feature film format.[9] He stated that Neram would be a "thriller-cum-black comedy" set in Chennai's Mandaveli, where he had lived for some time.[8] The lead pair of Yuvvh, Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim, was selected to essay the lead roles in Neram as well, making their debut in Tamil cinema.[10] Nazriya Nazim replaced Bhama, who was initially cast in the lead female role and had also shot for ten days,[11] but opted out as she became busy with other projects.[12] Putharen decided to shoot it simultaneously in Tamil and Malayalam. He modified the Malayalam version and filmed it with an entirely different cast, retaining only the lead pair in both versions.[13] Rajesh Murugesan, who had worked with Putharen on his short films, was chosen as the film's composer, also making his feature film debut.[14]
The crew began filming by mid-2012, which was first held across various parts of Tamil Nadu,[15] and later in Chennai.[11] Shooting was further carried out in Chennai in August 2012, with Bhama's portions being reshot with Nazriya.[13] In March 2013, Putharen informed that the entire filming had been completed.[16] The film was shot in Malayalam and in Tamil at the same time, which Nivin described as tough and challenging.[17]
Soundtrack [edit]
Rajesh Murugesan composed the soundtrack and film score of Neram. A promo song titled "Pistah: The Run Anthem" was released in March 2013 and went viral.[3][14] The song's meaningless lyrics were taken from a comedy track from Sathyan Anthikkad's filmKinnaram (1983), featuring Jagathy Sreekumar.[16] Nivin Pauly stated that the song was a tribute to Sreekumar, who had met with an accident just over a year before its release.[3] The Tamil audio release was launched by Anirudh Ravichander which the cast and crew attended as well along with the distributor Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Malayalam version [edit]
- "Pora Pora" - Benny Dayal
- "Njan Uyarnu Pogum" - Haricharan
- "Vaathil Melle" - Sachin Warrier
- "Pistah" - Sabareesh Varma
- "Phone Booth"
- "Neram Theme"
Tamil version [edit]
- "Evan Avan" - Benny Dayal
- "Kaatru Veesum" - Haricharan
- "Kadhal Ennulle" - Ranjith Govind
- "Pistah" - Sabareesh Varma
- "Phone Booth"
- "Neram Theme"
Release [edit]
By late March 2013, Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies acquired the film's distribution rights in Tamil Nadu.[18] The film was distributed in Kerala by Lal Jose's LJ Films. Film trailers in both languages were released on April 19, 2013. The film released in 73 screens across Kerala and in 200 plus screens in Tamil Nadu.[19]
Critical reception [edit]
Malayalam version [edit]
The film's Malayalam version opened to mostly positive responses upon release. Padmakumar K of Malayala Manorama rated the film 2.5 in a scale of 5 and said, "Though the concept is nothing new, the way of presentation and the setting is a merited deviation from the beaten track. The movie is watchable for some surprises it throws up now and then. There are some unseen extraordinary scenes and events not usually seen in Malayalam cinema." The reviewer was all praise about the film's technical aspects, especially Alphonse Putharen's editing and direction, and Anand C. Chandran's camera works. He also praised the acting by Manoj K. Jayan, Simhaa, Shammi Thilakan and Nazriya Nazim while commenting that Nivin "still has to come out of his usual self".[20] Sify.com's critic gave the verdict as "good" and said, "For a debut attempt with lots of fresh faces in its cast and crew, director Alphonse Putharen's Neram could leave you pleasantly surprised. With a rather okay script, the film scores with a brilliant narration, interesting performances, good visuals and peppy music."[21] Aswin J Kumar of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and said, "Neram has a romantic charm, an exciting trait which infuses it with a good measure of likability."[22] Rediff.com's Paresh C Palicha rated the film 2.5 out of 5 and said that "Neram has an interesting narrative but lacks on the humour quotient".[23] Vincent of Malayalam Net gave an above average rating of 2.5/5 and said that its second half is good.[24]
Tamil version [edit]
Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) rated the film 4 in a scale of 5 and said, "There is absolutely nothing new about the story, yet what differentiates Neram from other films is its brilliant non-linear screenplay, never seen before in Tamil cinema. The film grows on you very gradually despite its brooding first half, but what follows post interval is top class and is worth every applaud or hoot that came its way."[25][26] Baradwaj Rangan of The Hindu, while appreciating the film's narrative style and cinematography, commented, "Almost everything is perfect on paper. But something is lost on screen. We feel we should be laughing more, and that there are a few too many flat passages."[27] Malini Mannath of The New Indian Express said that "the light, interesting narrative style and quirky characters makes it [the film] a pleasant one-time watch."[28] N. Venkateswaran of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 in a scale of 5 and said, "Alphonse Putharen is a welcome addition to the new wave of Tamil film directors, and is a sign of the good times ahead for Indian cinema."[29] Mythily Ramachandran of Gulf Times said, "Puthren joins the league of a growing number of young directors in Tamil and Malayalam who are making a mark with their fresh ideas and novel presentation. Neram is a delightful way to while away time."[30]Shanmugan of Oneindia.in said, "Director Alphonse Putharen has created a working plot for Neram. Adding romantic charm and has come up with an enjoyable trait, which is infused with a good measure of likability."[31] Sify.com's gave the verdict as "Good" and concluded the review saying, "Neram is genuinely a good attempt to make something unusual by a group of youngsters, which has to be encouraged.".[32] Nirmalraj AK of Just for Movie Freaks gave 4 out of 5 and wrote "nothing new in the plot, the film is highly entertaining with its screenplay, romance and few hilarious scenes. Alphonse has done a very good job in his debut."
Box office [edit]
The film netted 81 lakh (US$150,000) from 73 screens in its opening weekend (May 10–12) in Kerala.[19]
81 lakh (US$150,000) from 73 screens in its opening weekend (May 10–12) in Kerala.[19]Hindi remake [edit]
Following the success of the Malayalam and Tamil versions, Alphonse Putharen has announced a Hindi remake to the film. Putharen himself will direct the film but the cast has not been finalised yet. "I do have some people in mind but I don't want to reveal the names until they sign the dotted line," he says.[7]
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