NEELIRA Review - Despite errors, it is a night to remember!

Ashwin Ram

Premise: Taking place in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, a military unit takes control of a house for their operation, where a family of fifteen is gathered for a wedding. What happens with the war front forms the remaining story.

Writing/ Direction: A film that does waste even a minute with a deviation or any sort of commercial compromise. The treatment is realistic and the pacing is sluggish, so it feels dry at some parts. Yet so many things to discuss and appreciate about, cent percent nativity is maintained right from setting the story. The script is so unique, so as the drama, relatable yet so fresh, because of the Sri Lankan backdrop. There are plenty of films with a different subject on a familiar setup or vice versa, but this one nicely comprehends each other. In fact, the family within which a wedding going to happen changes the entire ball game of the events. The situation is war, beauty of the movie lies on how both sides conclude their conflict. There is a saying in the ending of Karthik Subbaraj’s Mercury, that goes like ‘We Always End Up Fighting Wrong Wars’, looks like director Someetharan took it personally and has come up with a calm approach. The importance of peace is conveyed subtly without stressing on the intended message. Dialogues are so authentic with respect to the Sri Lankan slang, demands a viewer’s full attention to grasp and some may even needs subtitles, thankfully attached in the print. Downside writing wise, there are some disappointing stretches, Sananth’s backstory needs lot more detailing and clearly lacks, so the impact falls flat. Some clichéd characters with, the aggressive army officer for example, who was conveniently used to create tension in the screenplay, the angle felt forced. Also some crucial battle face-offs fell  flat, probably they were meant to be foreshadowing for the ending.

Performances: A meaty role for Naveen Chandra, he balanced his uniform’s valour and composed internal shade well. Sananth enters late to the party and tries his best, an important character in the storyline, less screen time and the impact is minimal too. Casting is pitch-perfect, each and every artist made sure they deliver the Ceylon slang well and behave within the hesitant vulnerable zone.

Technicalities: Absolutely no songs and the focus is only on the content. Silence is used at ample places by letting the drama unfold on its own, rather than experimenting with pathos. Cinematography complements the director’s vision, unhurried camera movements that go well with the pacing. Editing is a mixed bag, 90 minutes duration is a huge plus for a genre as such, but the film actually needed some more time for the emotions to evolve.

Verdict:Not those high-octane action packed soldier films. The drama is the frontline warrior here, choosing peace over war. Dry flick with some scripting flaws, yet the peculiar situations of the conflicts balance it out.

NEELIRA - Despite errors, it is a night to remember!

Rating - 2.75/ 5.