Neerali Review : Mohanlal starts 2018 like a pro

Sunny George is a gemologist, is happy to learn that he’s going to become a father after so many years. In order to be with his wife who’s about to go into labour, he is going with his driver, Veerapan, portrayed by Suraj. Neerali begins with an unfortunate accident that happens and the character’s struggles to escape. The entire affair of rescuing and a man’s state of mind in a very dangerous situation, where he is conflicted about the professional and personal is drawn out beautifully. Mohanlal’s first film in 2018, doesn’t fall short of the expectancy. Hardcore fans expecting the macho side of the actor, may consider the movie as not up as giving much of a wave of coolness in the theatre. In an interview, the director had mentioned that, genre of the movie is experimental and was doubtful whether the audience will accept it completely. Hollywood films like Castaway, starring Tom Hanks, makes the survival movie genre very realistic. In fact, it is hard to pin point a movie like that, in our industry.

Characters of Mohanlal and Suraj steals the limelight. Although Nadia Moythu has only a minimal presence in the movie, she has played her character well. The same goes for Dileesh Pothan and Nasar. Naina played by Parvathy lacked a bit of depth, but considering her on screen duration, it wasn’t much of a problem. The sound effects employed in the movie stands apart, although the same could not be said about the VFX which appears to be cartoonish and artificial. The various drop/pull sound manipulations are cleverly used to give an atmosphere of tension. The songs, which includes one by Lal himself, doesn’t disappoint.

The second half of the movie isn’t as thrilling as the first but watchable. One has to appreciate the courage the director and the script writer has to have to do experimental techniques in a industry where formulas are repeated. Even for Mohanlal, the next list of movies in line, like Odiyan and Lucifer are the results of his versatility in acting and a commitment to a role. Neerali elevates itself to the status of a ‘gem.’