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Neram
Posters in Malayalam and Tamil
Directed byAlphonse Puthren
Written byAlphonse Puthren
Based onNeram (short)
by Alphonse Puthren
Produced byKoral Viswanathan
Starring
CinematographyAnend C. Chandran
Edited byAlphonse Puthren
Music byRajesh Murugesan
Production
company
Winner Bulls Films
Distributed by
Release dates
  • 10 May 2013 (2013-05-10) (Malayalam)
  • 17 May 2013 (2013-05-17) (Tamil)
Running time
  • 109 minutes (Malayalam)
  • 117 minutes (Tamil)
CountryIndia
Languages
  • Malayalam
  • Tamil
Budget₹1.5 crore[1]
Box officeest. ₹18 crore[2]

Neram (transl. 'Time') is a 2013 Indian black comedy thriller film written, directed and edited by Alphonse Puthren in his directorial debut. Malayalam and Tamil languages versions of the film were simultaneously made. It is an extended version of the short film of the same name, which he directed in 2009. It stars Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim (in their Kollywood debuts) and Bobby Simha in both versions. Supporting roles were played by Manoj K. Jayan, Shammi Thilakan, Lalu Alex, and Willson Joseph in the Malayalam version, while Nassar, Thambi Ramiah, John Vijay and Shabareesh Varma portrayed the characters in the Tamil version.

The whole film is set within one day in Chennai. Shooting for the film commenced on mid-2012, were completed in March 2013. The music was scored by debutant Rajesh Murugesan, while cinematography was handled by Anend C. Chendran.[3] The Malayalam version was released on 10 May 2013, while the Tamil version was released a week later, on 17 May 2013.[4]

Neram's both versions received positive reviews upon release and was a commercial success at the box-office.[5] The film is remade in Telugu as Run (2016) starring Sundeep Kishan and in Kannada as Kismath (2018) starring Vijay Raghavendra.[6][7][8][9] This film is about to be remade in Hindi.[10]

Plot

[edit]

Mathew/Vetri is a computer engineering graduate but lost his job. His life is complicated now because he has taken a loan from a private moneylender named Vatti Raja and is not able to repay the amount because he has no income. Jeena/Veni's father Johnykutty/Saravanar denies her marriage with Mathew/Vetri as he is jobless. Jeena/Veni decides to elope with Mathew/Vetri, and his friend John gives him money for paying off his debt to Raja. On their way, Jeena/Veni's chain is snatched, and Mathew/Vetri's money is stolen. Raja calls Mathew/Vetri and asks him to settle the money within 5PM.

Johnykutty/Saravanar lodges a complaint with SI Ukken Tintu/Katta Kunju against Mathew/Vetri on charges of kidnapping Jeena/Veni and gives his number. Tintu/Kunju calls Mathew/Vetri and tells him that he should come along with Jeena/Veni to the police station within 5PM, but problems are yet to come: Mathew/Vetri's brother-in-law asks some amount of money from him to start a business, and even that is scheduled for 5PM. On the other hand, Jeena/Veni is kidnapped by Raja's men, assuming her to be another man's girlfriend who also has to return money to Raja.

Mathew/Vetri comes across the same man and decides to snatch his chain, but unfortunately at the moment he tries to do so, the man meets with an accident, and Mathew/Vetri takes him to a hospital. The man's brother RayBan/Dhandapani, who has influence, assures Mathew/Vetri of a job in his company. Suddenly, Tintu/Kunju arrives there and tells that Raja died in an accident. It is revealed that Lighthouse, the man who stole Jeena/Veni's chain and Mathew/Vetri's money, had also borrowed some money from Raja. Lighthouse planned with two others in having the money for themselves and stole Raja's car.

While the plan worked out perfectly, Raja's men went behind the car, and Raja goes behind the other man. In the chase, Raja was hit by an auto and died. Coincidentally, the auto driver was the driver who hit RayBan/Dhandapani's brother Manick with his vehicle, too. Later, Mathew/Vetri meets the men who stole his money and gets in a brawl with them. He finds his money and a chain inside the car and also finds Jeena/Veni in the car's rear (Raja hid her in his car). Mathew/Vetri gives the money to his brother-in-law, and the movie ends with a happy note that "Time is of two types: good time and bad time. Good will come following every bad time in life".

Cast

[edit]
Actor (Malayalam) Actor (Tamil) Role (Malayalam) Role (Tamil)
Nivin Pauly Mathew Vetri
Nazriya Nazim Jeena Veni
Bobby Simha Vatti Raja
Ramesh Thilak Lighthouse
Lalu Alex Thambi Ramaiah Johnykutty, Jeena's father Saravanar, Veni's father
Manoj K. Jayan Nassar Rayban M. Dhandapaani
Shammi Thilakan John Vijay Sub-Inspector Ukken Tintu Sub-Inspector K. Katta Kunju
Willson Joseph Shabareesh Varma John
Krishna Shankar Ananth Nag Manikunju (Manick) Manickam (Manick)
Joju George Sai Prashanth Jiju, Mathew's brother-in-law Vetri's brother-in-law
Charle Mayilsamy
Crane Manohar Auto Rickshaw Driver
Anju Kurian Mathew's sister Vetri's sister
Deepak Nathan
Sharaf U Dheen Tutor
Tamil version:

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Alphonse Puthren who made several short films[11] and also the studio album Yuvvh had announced his directorial debut after the album's success that prompted him to move to the feature film format.[12] He announced that the film will be titled as Neram which would be a "thriller-cum-black comedy" set in Chennai's Mandaveli, where he had lived for some time.[11] He further added that the film's title and the story is all about the significance of time in human lives.[13] It was considered to be an extended version of the short film of the same name starring Vijay Sethupathi, which he directed in 2009.[14]

Casting

[edit]

Initially Alphonse wrote the script with Jai and Vaibhav as the lead actors who declined the offers citing schedule conflicts.[14] Later his friend and actor Nivin Pauly, who contributed to the short film by offering him a budget of ₹3,000 for the project, was approached as the lead actor, marking his debut in Tamil cinema.[15] It was Nivin's second project he signed after his breakthrough with the Malayalam film Thattathin Marayathu. Bhama was chosen as the lead actress against Nivin and had also shot for ten days,[16] but due to her busy schedules, she was replaced by Nazriya Nazim as the lead actress, who also made her debut in Tamil with the film.[17] Alphonse 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.[18] Rajesh Murugesan, who had worked with Alphonse on his short films, was chosen as the film's composer, also making his feature film debut.[19]

Filming

[edit]

The crew began filming by June 2012, which was first held across various parts of Tamil Nadu,[20] and later in Chennai.[16] Shooting was further carried out in Chennai in August 2012, with Bhama's portions being reshot with Nazriya.[18] In March 2013, Alphonse informed that the entire filming had been completed.[21] The film was shot in Malayalam and in Tamil at the same time, which Nivin described as tough and challenging.[22]

Music

[edit]
Main article: Neram (soundtrack)

Rajesh Murugesan composed the soundtrack and film score of Neram, making his feature film debut. A promotional song titled "Pistah" performed by Shabareesh Varma, was released on 29 March 2013 and went viral.[4][19] The audio of the film's Tamil and Malayalam versions were released on 3 May 2013 under the Think Music label.

Release

[edit]

The first look posters of the film was released on 21 February 2013.[23] On 28 March 2013, Red Giant Movies, production house of Udhayanidhi Stalin acquired the film's distribution rights in Tamil Nadu,[24] while the film was distributed in Kerala by Lal Jose, under his production house LJ Films. Trailers in both languages were released on 19 April 2013.

The Malayalam version was released on 10 May 2013, in 73 screens across Kerala, while the Tamil version was released on 17 May 2013 in 200 plus screens in Tamil Nadu.[25]

The satellite rights of the film's Tamil version were sold to Sun TV and the rights of the film's Malayalam version was acquired by Mazhavil Manorama. AP International released the Malayalam version on Blu-ray, DVD and VCD on 1 August 2013.

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

Neram received positive reviews from critics with praise towards the cast performances (particularly Nivin, Nazriya and Simha), cinematography, editing, black comedy, screenwriting and direction.

Malayalam version

[edit]

Padmakumar K of Malayala Manorama rated 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "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 praised the film's technical aspects, especially Alphonse Puthren'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".[26] Sify gave the verdict as "good" and wrote "For a debut attempt with lots of fresh faces in its cast and crew, director Alphonse Puthren'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."[27] Aswin J Kumar of The Times of India rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Neram has a romantic charm, an exciting trait which infuses it with a good measure of likability."[28] Paresh C Palicha of Rediff rated 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Neram has an interesting narrative but lacks on the humour quotient".[29]

Tamil version

[edit]

IANS rated 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "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."[30][31] Baradwaj Rangan of The Hindu appreciates the film's narrative style and cinematography, but 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."[32] Malini Mannath of The New Indian Express wrote "the light, interesting narrative style and quirky characters makes it [the film] a pleasant one-time watch."[33] N. Venkateswaran of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Alphonse Puthren is a welcome addition to the new wave of Tamil film directors, and is a sign of the good times ahead for Indian cinema."[34] Mythily Ramachandran of Gulf Times wrote "Alphonse 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."[35] Sify 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."[36]

Box office

[edit]

The film netted ₹81 lakh (US$96,000) from 73 screens in its opening weekend (10–12 May) in Kerala.[37]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Date of ceremony[a] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Asiavision Awards 15 November 2013 New Sensation in Acting Nazriya Nazim Won [38]
Asianet Film Awards 10 January 2014 Best Star Pair Nivin Pauly & Nazriya Nazim Won
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards 8 January 2014 Best Debut Actor Nivin Pauly Won [39]
Best Debut Actress Nazriya Nazim Won
Vanitha Film Awards 18 January 2014 Best Comedian Shammi Thilakan Won [40]
Vijay Awards 5 July 2014 Best Story, Screenplay Writer Alphonse Puthren Nominated [41]
Best Debut Actor Nivin Pauly Nominated
Best Debut Actress Nazriya Nazim Won
Best Supporting Actor Bobby Simha Nominated
Filmfare Awards South 12 July 2014 Best Male Debut – Tamil Nivin Pauly Won [42]
Best Female Debut – Tamil Nazriya Nazim Won
South Indian International Movie Awards 12—13 September 2014 Best Debut Director – Malayalam Alphonse Puthren Won [43]
[44]
[45]
Best Male Debut – Tamil Nivin Pauly Nominated
Best Female Debut – Tamil Nazriya Nazim Nominated
Best Actor in a Negative Role – Malayalam Bobby Simha Nominated
Best Actor in a Negative Role – Tamil Nominated
Best Fight Choreographer – Malayalam Run Ravi Nominated

Remakes

[edit]

The film was remade in Telugu as Run (2016) and in Kannada as Kismath (2018).[10] Alphonse has announced intentions for a Hindi remake to the film which he will direct.[10]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Neram

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Neram is a Indian bilingual black comedy written, directed, and edited by in his feature directorial debut. Starring as the protagonist Mathew (Vetri in the Tamil version) and as his love interest Jeena (Veni), the film unfolds over a single chaotic day in , where the unemployed engineer races against time to repay a to a ruthless moneylender while grappling with romantic entanglements and family obligations. Produced simultaneously in and Tamil languages, Neram was released on 10 May and marked a breakthrough for its young cast and crew, blending fast-paced action, humor, and innovative visual storytelling. The film's narrative structure emphasizes themes of time and misfortune, with supporting roles by actors such as Bobbili Simha as the menacing moneylender and , enhancing its dynamic. Shot using a distinctive color palette and real locations in Mandaiveli, , Neram incorporates quirky chase sequences underscored by its , composed by , which integrates songs seamlessly into the action. Critically acclaimed for its fresh take on the thriller genre and the natural chemistry between the leads, it earned a 3.5/5 rating from for its romantic charm and exciting pace, though some noted occasional flat moments in pacing. The movie's success propelled Puthren's career, leading to remakes and influencing subsequent youth-oriented .

Plot and narrative

Synopsis

Neram follows the chaotic day in the life of (known as Vetri in the Tamil version), a recently unemployed software engineer in who borrowed money from the ruthless moneylender Vatti Raja to cover expenses for his sister's . On this pivotal day, must repay the loan by 5 p.m. to avoid severe repercussions from Vatti Raja and his henchmen, Karuppu and Vellai. Compounding his troubles, is deeply in love with Jeena (Veni in Tamil), his longtime sweetheart, whose father has reluctantly agreed to their only if secures a stable job—a condition unmet after his company's . Desperate to elope and start anew, the couple pools their savings, but the day spirals into mayhem when pickpockets steal their money during a tense encounter. As races through the sweltering streets, he becomes unwittingly involved in a scheme when Jeena is abducted by Vatti Raja's , who mistake her for the girlfriend of a wealthy target they intend to . Dodging gangsters, a bumbling , and absurd mishaps—including car breakdowns and chases involving eccentric figures like the flashy Manick— scrambles to recover the stolen funds and rescue Jeena, who is bound and hidden in the trunk of a black car. His desperation peaks as multiple deadlines converge: settling a with his brother-in-law, evading the police who suspect him in Jeena's disappearance, and confronting the escalating threats from the moneylender. Through a series of fortunate coincidences and bold actions, forms unlikely alliances and navigates the criminal underworld. In the film's climax, a high-stakes pursuit leads to Vatti Raja's accidental death when he is struck by an auto-rickshaw driven by one of the pickpockets during the chase. Mathew retrieves the recovered money, frees Jeena from her captors, and resolves his familial obligations by paying his brother-in-law. The couple reunites, and the story concludes on a reflective note as Mathew muses on the nature of time, affirming that it comes in good and bad phases, with fortune destined to turn for the better.

Narrative structure

Neram employs a distinctive non-linear narrative structure that interweaves events across , present, and implied timelines, all compressed within the framework of a single tumultuous day for the . This approach begins with an opening sequence that connects a distant, seemingly unrelated event to the central character's circumstances in through a , establishing across global and temporal distances without adhering to strict . The story spans not only the immediate day but also flashbacks to preceding weeks and months, such as romantic developments and job struggles, creating a mosaic of interconnected incidents that heighten the sense of inevitability and chaos. This format, expanded from director Alphonse Puthren's of the same name, allows for a layered exploration of while maintaining a tight focus on time-sensitive dilemmas like debt repayment and personal crises. The film's editing techniques are integral to its narrative execution, featuring rapid cuts and parallel storylines that juxtapose multiple character arcs to amplify tension and inject humor. Quick transitions during chase sequences through urban settings, such as narrow streets and crowded areas, propel the momentum, blending with thriller elements as parallel threads— involving loan sharks, romantic pursuits, and bureaucratic hurdles—converge unexpectedly. Time-jumps are handled seamlessly, often through visual motifs like clocks and calendars in the , enabling the structure to shift between timelines without disorienting the viewer, thereby building suspense around escalating obstacles within the day's confines. These techniques, executed by Puthren himself, draw from his style to create a brisk pace that underscores the and urgency of the unfolding events. Thematically, the narrative structure reinforces time as a central motif, portraying it as an impartial force that delivers both fortune () and misfortune (ketta neram), without delving into overt . By framing the non-linear progression around a ticking-clock —where the races to resolve a kidnapping-related amid romantic and financial pressures—the editing and temporal jumps emphasize time's relentless pressure, enhancing the black comedy's ironic tone. This structural choice elevates everyday mishaps into a of coincidences, highlighting how fragmented timelines mirror the unpredictability of life's "bad times" while keeping the focus on resilient navigation through adversity.

Cast

Lead roles

The lead roles in Neram, a 2013 bilingual simultaneously produced in and Tamil, are portrayed by and , who drive the central narrative through their characters' romantic relationship and the ensuing comedic and thriller elements. plays Mathew in the Malayalam version and Vetri in the Tamil version, depicting a hapless young protagonist struggling with unemployment, mounting debts from his sister's wedding, and tight deadlines imposed by a ruthless moneylender, which propels the film's fast-paced plot. portrays Jeena in the Malayalam version and Veni in the Tamil version, serving as Mathew/Vetri's supportive girlfriend who becomes entangled in peril, particularly through conflicts involving her family and external threats, thereby heightening the romantic and suspenseful dynamics. The film was shot in both languages concurrently, with Pauly and Nazim delivering their dialogues directly in and Tamil without for the lead roles, allowing for seamless integration across versions while adapting character names to suit linguistic contexts. Their performances as the central lovers underscore the story's blend of humor, romance, and thriller tension, with /Vetri's chaotic escapades often intersecting with Jeena/Veni's emotional support and vulnerability.

Supporting roles

Bobby Simha portrays Vatti Raja, the ruthless moneylender and primary antagonist who lends money to the protagonist and escalates the central conflict through threats and chases, appearing in both the and Tamil versions of the film. His character drives much of the thriller elements, including subplots involving debt recovery and confrontations that propel the narrative's urgency. In the Malayalam version, plays Johnykutty, Jeena's overprotective and comically dyspeptic father, whose antics provide relief amid the tension and contribute to humorous family dynamics. Willson Joseph appears as John, Mathew's loyal friend who assists in schemes to resolve financial woes, adding camaraderie and light-hearted support in key sequences. and fill minor roles, such as authority figures involved in the chases and kidnappings that heighten the chaos. The Tamil version features distinct supporting performers for several roles, with as Johnykutty, delivering eccentric humor through his portrayal of the irritable father, while enacts a bumbling for comic interludes. Nassar takes on a prominent minor role as a flamboyant figure entangled in the subplots, and appears in a quirky supporting part during the film's frantic pursuits, adapting the ensemble to suit Tamil audiences without altering the core functions of conflict and relief.

Production

Development

Neram originated from a short film of the same name directed by in 2009. The project gained momentum following the success of Puthren's 2012 music album Yuvvh, particularly the hit "Nenjodu Cherthu" featuring and , which prompted him to announce his directorial debut. Puthren handled the scripting himself, expanding the short film's narrative into a bilingual screenplay for simultaneous and Tamil releases to target wider audiences across . Despite facing rejections from approximately 30 producers, he opted for self-production under the banner of Winner Bulls Films, securing a modest budget of ₹1.5 . Key challenges during development included adapting the concise short film structure into a full-length feature while maintaining its fast-paced, non-linear storytelling, as well as early negotiations for bilingual distribution rights to ensure parallel releases in both languages. These efforts underscored Puthren's determination to realize his vision independently, setting the stage for the film's innovative production approach.

Casting

The director initially envisioned the lead role for actors Jai and Vaibhav, but both declined due to scheduling conflicts, paving the way for and to be cast in their Kollywood debuts. was selected for the based on his established suitability following his breakthrough performance in (2012), while was paired opposite him after the project's announcement, replacing Bhama who had initially been chosen and shot for ten days but opted out due to prior commitments. was brought on board for the antagonist role of Vatti Raja, infusing the character with a distinctive comic villainy that complemented the film's tone. Given its bilingual nature, Neram was filmed simultaneously in and Tamil, necessitating dubbing for select supporting actors and adaptations like renaming the leads from Mathew/Jeena in to Vetri/Veni in Tamil to suit regional sensibilities.

Filming

for Neram commenced in mid-2012 and wrapped up in March 2013. The production was primarily shot in and surrounding areas of , leveraging the city's bustling urban landscape to depict the story's chaotic timeline within a single day. Chase sequences, central to the thriller elements, were filmed on narrow urban streets and through slums, emphasizing the protagonist's frantic pursuits amid everyday city grit. Cinematographer Anend C. Chandran utilized dynamic camera work to capture the film's high-energy action, contributing to its raw, immersive visual style. The non-linear narrative structure posed logistical demands during shooting, with scenes coordinated out of chronological order, and was refined through post-production editing handled by director himself to seamlessly integrate the timeline jumps. Lead actors and participated actively across both the and Tamil versions during the shoots.

Music

Composition

, a newcomer to film composition after graduating from College in , made his debut with Neram, where he was entrusted with creating both the songs and the background score. His selection stemmed from prior collaborations with director on zero-budget short films during his studies in audio engineering, allowing him significant creative freedom despite his lack of experience. This four-year project enabled Murugesan to tailor the music for the bilingual film's dual audiences in and Tamil, conducting research to adapt rhythms and styles accordingly. The comprises seven tracks that blend indie and commercial elements, fusing genres like , kuthu, rock, and with wacky and trippy beats to create a retro, fun, and instrumental-heavy vibe. Standout hits include "Pistah," a high-energy promo anthem mixing borrowed with upbeat rhythms, and "Thaka Thaka," which incorporates playful, dramatic treatments to echo the film's tone. "Pistah" was released early to build anticipation for the film. Murugesan's background score emphasizes upbeat, rhythmic motifs with elements like electric guitars, clarinets, and drum rolls to match the movie's fast-paced narrative and heighten its tension and humor. Recorded after , the score integrates diverse influences, such as beat-boxing and traditional naadaswaram interludes, to support the story's quirky progression without overpowering the visuals.

Release and reception

The soundtrack for Neram was released in both and Tamil versions on May 3, 2013, by India. A promotional single, "Pistah (The Run Anthem)", sung by , was unveiled earlier on March 29, 2013, and quickly gained traction through music channels and online platforms. The audio launch event featured the composer and cast members, highlighting the album's blend of energetic and melodic tracks. The Tamil version features distinct titles and singers, such as "Kadhal Yennulle" (Ranjith Govind) and "Evan Avan Avan" (). The album comprises seven tracks, blending folk, rock, and electronic elements. Key songs include:
  • "Neram Theme Music" (instrumental, composed by Alphonse Puthren and Rajesh Murugesan)
  • "Vaathil Melle" (sung by Sachin Warrier, lyrics by Santhosh Varma)
  • "Thaka Thaka" (sung by Shabareesh Varma, lyrics by Jagath Sreekumar)
  • "The Phone Booth" (instrumental, composed by Rajesh Murugesan)
  • "Njan Uyarnu" (sung by Vijay Yesudas, lyrics by Santhosh Varma)
  • "Pistah" (sung by Shabareesh Varma, lyrics by Shabareesh Varma)
  • "Malayalam Theme Variation" (instrumental)
The soundtrack received widespread praise for its fresh, innovative sound, particularly the fusion of traditional instruments like with modern guitar riffs and eclectic grooves. Critics noted the high-energy tracks like "Pistah" and "Thaka Thaka" for their adrenaline-fueled vocals and catchy rhythms, while melodic pieces such as "Vaathil Melle" were lauded for their emotional depth and honest melodies. In and , the album achieved significant chart success, with "Pistah" emerging as a viral hit that topped regional charts and later served as the promo for IPL 2016, transcending language barriers due to its EDM-infused appeal.

Release and distribution

Theatrical release

The version of Neram premiered on 10 May 2013 across 73 screens in , marking director Alphonse Puthren's feature film debut. The bilingual production was certified 'U' by the , indicating suitability for unrestricted public exhibition and appealing to family audiences. The Tamil version followed a week later on 17 May 2013, with a wider rollout in exceeding 200 screens to capitalize on the lead actors' growing popularity in the region. Initial marketing positioned Neram as a bilingual black comedy-thriller, highlighting its fast-paced narrative and youthful cast to attract crossover audiences from and markets. Advance bookings for the Tamil release began shortly before its debut, building anticipation through trailers and audio launches.

Home media and rights

The satellite rights for the version of Neram were acquired by , which has aired the film on its channel and streaming service. The Tamil version's satellite rights were sold to Sun TV, enabling television broadcasts and availability on its OTT platform . releases included a Blu-ray and DVD edition distributed by AP International, launched in on August 1, 2013, featuring the version in resolution with DTS-HD 5.1 audio. An international DVD version was also made available in markets such as . Following its theatrical run, Neram's digital rights evolved to include streaming on OTT platforms, with the Malayalam version accessible on manoramaMAX and the Tamil version on Sun NXT as of 2025. International distribution remained limited, primarily through select releases and digital access via regional OTT services, without widespread overseas theatrical screenings beyond initial Indian promotions.

Reception

Critical reception in Malayalam

The Malayalam version of Neram garnered generally positive reviews from critics upon its release, with major outlets assigning ratings averaging around 3.5 out of 5. praised its romantic charm and likability, awarding it 3.5/5 for blending thriller elements with humor in a crisis-ridden narrative. Critics lauded debut director Alphonse Puthren's innovative approach, noting his ambitious use of a ticking-clock structure infused with tongue-in-cheek humor that set it apart in . commended Puthren for crafting an entertaining thriller that "lives up to its title," emphasizing the eccentric humor through quirky characters and references, such as a world-cinema instructor citing "Victoria D’Silva." The on-screen chemistry between and was a standout, with the Times of India describing their performances as natural and warm, adding realism and boldness to the leads' romantic dynamic. echoed this, calling the film a "dark comedy" that effectively captures joy, sorrow, and mirth through the duo's interplay. However, some reviews pointed to inconsistencies in pacing, particularly in the film's concluding sections and less tense passages, which diluted the overall momentum despite the strong setup. The Hindu noted that while "almost everything is perfect on paper," flat moments and a tension-free resolution left something lost in translation on screen. also critiqued the narrative for occasionally lingering too long in search of stimulus, affecting the flow in its non-linear detours. Despite these flaws, the film's debut innovation and heartfelt elements were seen as promising signs for Puthren's future work in regional cinema.

Critical reception in Tamil

The Tamil version of Neram garnered positive reception from critics, particularly for its innovative blend of thriller and comedy elements tailored to appeal to Kollywood audiences. The Times of India rated it 3.5 out of 5, commending the film's irreverent humor, unique narrative treatment, and the debut performances of Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim, who portrayed a relatable young couple navigating chaos with natural chemistry. The review highlighted how director Alphonse Putharen's direction brought a fresh energy to the genre, describing him as "a welcome addition to the new wave of Tamil film directors." Behindwoods echoed this sentiment, calling Neram an "interesting product which sparkles in bits and pieces" despite its uneven pacing, and praised the stylized visuals, sharp dialogues, and standout supporting roles by actors like John Vijay and Thambi Ramiah that injected vitality into the proceedings. The site's analysis appreciated the film's conceptual chase sequences and song placements, which contributed to its engaging, bit-sized appeal for urban viewers. The New Indian Express also noted the light-hearted take on a protagonist's disastrous day, generating "some good laughs" through quirky characters and peppy music, though it pointed out contrived plot coincidences as a minor flaw. Reviewers frequently lauded the setting for infusing an authentic urban vibe, making the story's frantic events feel grounded and relatable to Tamil audiences, with the gritty enhancing the metro's chaotic atmosphere. While the overall tone was upbeat, some critiques touched on occasional lip-sync inconsistencies in the Tamil adaptation, which slightly disrupted immersion in dialogue-heavy scenes.

Box office

Neram grossed ₹81 from 73 screens during its opening weekend in . The film was released on 73 screens in and over 200 screens in , leading to stronger performance in the latter region due to the wider distribution. In alone, it collected ₹37.36 in the opening weekend, with subsequent weeks showing steady occupancy of 25-35%, contributing to an average verdict in the city. Produced on a budget of ₹1.5 , Neram emerged as a moderate hit, grossing over ₹5 overall and achieving profitability. Estimates place its worldwide gross at around ₹18 , bolstered by its bilingual appeal. The film's extended theatrical run of 50 days was supported by positive word-of-mouth and the popularity of its soundtrack, composed by , which featured chart-topping tracks that enhanced audience engagement.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

Neram earned acclaim at major South Indian film award ceremonies between 2013 and 2014, with particular recognition for the debut efforts of its cast and crew. At the 61st Filmfare Awards South in 2014, received the Best Male Debut (South) award for his performance as the protagonist Mathew, sharing it with Gautham Karthik for Kadal. won the Best Female Debut (South) for her role as Vani in the same ceremony. The film's director, , was honored with the Best Debut Director (Malayalam) at the 2014 (SIIMA). additionally secured a Special Prize for Best Actress at the for her work in Neram. The lead pair, and , won the Best Star Pair award at the in 2014. Neram also received nominations at the SIIMA 2014 in the Tamil categories, including Best Male Debutant for , Best Female Debutant for , and Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for . No significant awards or nominations have been added since 2014.

Remakes and adaptations

The Telugu remake of Neram, titled Run, was released in 2016 and directed by Anil Kanneganti. Starring in the lead role alongside , the film retained the core anthology structure and thriller elements of the original, including themes of debt, romance, and chaotic pursuits, while localizing the setting to Telugu cultural contexts such as urban Hyderabad locales. reprised his antagonistic role from the original, adding continuity to the . In 2018, a Kannada adaptation titled Kismath was released, marking the directorial debut of , who also starred in the lead. The film preserved the essential of a young man's frantic day entangled in loans, relationships, and mishaps but incorporated additional local flavor, including -specific humor and references to Bengaluru's everyday life, to resonate with regional audiences. played the female lead, opposite Raghavendra, emphasizing the romantic subplot amid the thriller elements. A remake of Neram was announced in 2013, with original director set to helm the project. However, as of 2025, the project has seen no further development or production updates, remaining in limbo despite initial producer discussions.

Cultural impact

Neram significantly boosted the careers of its key contributors in South Indian cinema. For director Alphonse Puthren, the film marked his feature directorial debut following his participation in a short-filmmaking competition, achieving commercial success as a bilingual release and establishing him as a promising talent in both Malayalam and Tamil industries. For lead actor Nivin Pauly, Neram represented a major step forward, serving as his Kollywood debut and earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South, which helped transition him from supporting roles to leading man status across regional cinemas. Similarly, Nazriya Nazim's performance propelled her from child artiste to a sought-after heroine, resulting in a surge of film offers in Malayalam and Tamil, with audiences quickly embracing her as a versatile actor and heightening her industry profile. The film's innovative non-linear narrative structure contributed to the growing popularity of indie-style thrillers in and during the early . By blending with in a bilingual format, Neram exemplified a fresh approach to that resonated with younger audiences, influencing subsequent cross-regional experiments in genre-bending films. Its success as a debut project underscored the viability of independent voices in commercial cinema, paving the way for more experimental works from emerging directors. Neram has garnered a dedicated fanbase, particularly for its witty humor, memorable dialogues that inspired online memes, and the infectious appeal of its , which continues to enjoy popularity on streaming platforms. The film's light-hearted take on chaotic life events has sustained its relevance among urban viewers, fostering a cult-like appreciation years after its release. On a broader level, Neram offered a relatable depiction of urban youth struggles in , portraying the challenges of unemployment, financial pressures, and personal aspirations faced by a software engineering graduate navigating the city's underbelly. This insider perspective, drawn from director Puthren's Chennai roots, highlighted the evolving cultural ties between and Tamil film industries, contributing to narratives of migration and city life in South Indian cinema.

References

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