NETRU INDHA NERAM – REVIEW
Cast: Shariq Hassan, Haritha, Monica Ramesh, Divakar Kumar, Anandraj
Director: Sai Roshan K.R
Netru Indha Neram is a mystery thriller that follows a group of seven college friends—Aadithya, Rohith, Rithika, Nikhil, Nithya, Hrithik, and one other—who embark on a vacation to Ooty. Despite their apparent friendship, the group seems to harbor a significant animosity towards each other, raising questions about the dynamics that brought them together for this extended trip.
The central plot revolves around the disappearance of Nikhil, which occurs after a heated altercation with Rohith over their shared romantic interest in Rithika. The film’s narrative is driven by the subsequent police investigation, led by a chief investigator who conducts multiple rounds of questioning with each member of the group. There’s also a serial killer is on the loose in Ooty, adding another layer of suspense to the story.
However, Netru Indha Neram struggles to utilize its premise, as it falls victim to a series of clichéd dialogues and questionable character decisions. The interactions between the characters often feel contrived, with exchanges such as “What, you gonna propose to me?” followed by a surprised “How did you find out?!” showcasing a lack of subtlety in the writing. Similarly, the repetition of trite phrases like “Do you really love me?” further underscores the film’s inability to craft interesting and nuanced conversations.
The characterization of the male leads, particularly Nikhil and Rohith, relies heavily on stereotypical tropes of drunkenness and emotional immaturity. Their decision to settle their differences through high-stakes gambling while intoxicated stretches credibility, especially when Nikhil nonchalantly parts with a substantial sum of money after losing. The film’s portrayal of the female characters is equally disappointing, as they lack agency and cannot remove themselves from the toxic group dynamic.
The narrative structure of Netru Indha Neram also proves problematic, with the fight between Nikhil and Rohith being rehashed multiple times throughout the film. The investigative officer’s repeated interviews with the group members feel circular. You sense the movie is stuck. The officer’s sudden transformation into a love counselor, offering advice on romantic psychology, is just…
The serial killer lacks proper integration. Despite seeing the killer multiple times, Rohith stayed. Think one would have just dashed if they saw a serial killer in their neighbourhood!
Netru Indha Neram squanders its potential as a mystery thriller, hampered by weak writing, one-dimensional characters, and a disjointed narrative. Hackneyed dialogues and contrived plot points ultimately overshadow any genuine intrigue that the central mystery may have generated.