Neeraja review: A woman-oriented film that focuses on a daring subject

Actor Shruthi Ramachandran’s latest outing — Neeraja — is a remake of the Kannada movie Nathicharami (2018).

Its poster gives an insight into the storyline — how a widow lives as she faces some serious questions from society and from her over-concerned parents, and about her sexual needs, to mention a few. Such brave themes are less explored in Malayalam films in recent times.

Since these themes are considered taboo in a conservative society, not many filmmakers are coming up with projects discussing such topics.

Well-intentioned movie

Directed by debutant Rajesh K Raman, Neeraja is a well-intentioned movie with many layers. It delves into the physical needs of Neeraja, a widow played by Shruthi Ramachandran. 

Neeraja loses her husband Alex (Govind Padmasoorya) in an accident after which she lives alone. However, she keeps cherishing his fond memories, even two years after his demise, by decorating their house as per Alex’s tastes and wishes.

In fact, a song sequence at the beginning of the film establishes the love life of the happy couple (Neeraja-Alex).

Two years on, Neeraja works at Infopark in Kochi as an IT professional. However, she still lives in denial mode about her husband’s death.

As she gets lonelier by the day and the trauma keeps haunting her, Neeraja stares at a nervous breakdown.

Also Read: ‘Yadha Yadha Hi’ is a not-so-impressive remake of Telugu superhit film ‘Evaru’

On the advice of her colleague, she registers herself on a dating app but to no avail. Finally, she seeks help from a psychologist.

Meanwhile, she meets up with Arun (Jinu Joseph), a civil engineer-cum-typical male chauvinist who is married to Meera (Srinda).

As friendship blooms between the two, Neeraja asks Arun if he could satisfy her sexual needs. A miffed Arun wonders how she could ask him to make out with her.

Interestingly, Arun has no love for his wife but he decides to spend his time with Neeraja as they both mend ways.

Emphasis on mental health

Neeraja discusses a topic that is relevant to youngsters, and unmarried people, who are facing hurdles when it comes to their sexual needs.

Had Neeraja been an unmarried woman/man, her sexual desires would be considered human nature but since she’s a widow she’s judged.

All this is something that has not been showcased in mainstream films to date.

Debutant director Rajesh Raman succeeds in narrating the core theme.

The therapy sessions with the psychologist are a good attempt to stress the importance of mental health in one’s life. Through the sequences, the director reveals how sexual desires and other issues take a toll on one’s mental health.

Indeed, in one scene, the psychologist explains that most women in our society face depression as they absorb all the sadness simmering in their relationships/family and do not even complain, which is an undeniable fact!

Also Read: ‘Pareshan’ is a madcap village story with the right dose of humour

Superficial ending

Towards the climax, the movie ends on a happy note but it isn’t convincing. Neeraja’s physical needs do get satisfied to an extent, but it all appears superficial.

In a scene where Arun and Neeraja get intimate, one can see in her eyes her love for her late husband Alex. In the next scene, Arun returns home and makes love to his wife.

All these transformations aren’t well connected and could have been handled more realistically.

Also, though Neeraja wants to lead her life without a companion, she ends up being alone in the end. Through this, the director wants to convey that marriage is not the only solution for a woman to be happy.

Performances

Shruthi Ramachandran is apt for the role of Neeraja. Not all actresses would have done the brave scenes like her.

The scene where Shruthi demands “sorry” from her senior male colleague after he misbehaves with her is well-executed.

Govind Padmasoorya as Alex appears for little time but his chemistry with Sruthi is too good.

Jinu Joseph is good as Arun. Srinda’s role could have been given more importance rather than showing her as a nagging housewife.

Sachin Shankar Mannath’s music plays an important role in the movie by giving a romantic feel to the story.

Also Read: Dr Vishnuvardhan’s 51 cut-outs enter Asia Book of Records

Final Take

 Neeraja is a good attempt to showcase the problems faced by women, especially widows. It takes a brave stand by becoming vocal about the sexual needs of a widow — a much less discussed topic.

(Views expressed are personal.)