Neru (film)

Sara, a blind girl, is raped while she is alone at home. The police are unable to identify the offender due to Sara's blindness. Sara sculpts a statue of her rapist and based on the similarities, they arrest Michael, the son of Christopher Joseph, a Mumbai-based rich businessman. Michael's parents hire Advocate Rajashekhar, a renowned defense lawyer. Due to the Public Prosecutor unreliability, alongside Rajashekhar's twisting questioning tactics, Michael is granted bail, an unforeseen situation in a case like this. While Sara's family receive a settlement offer, they decide to fight the case.

CI Paul Varghese, the investigating officer, recommend Vijayamohan as the special public prosecutor, since no other lawyers will take up the job owing to Rajashekhar's influence. However, Vijayamohan no longer practices as a lawyer due to an incident that occurred few years earlier. Vijayamohan was a junior to Rajashekar along with his daughter Poornima, whom he got close to. Unhappy with their relationship, Rajashekar committed foul play that resulted in Vijayamohan getting debarred from practising law for 5 years. Initially reluctant to take up the case, Vijayamohan meets Sara and changes his mind, after meeting her.

As the trial begins, Rajashekar uses many tactics such as character assassination of Sara's parents; her father, Muhammed, was in a previous marriage and left his first family for Sara's mother Parveen. He tries to accuse Muhammed as the culprit, by deducing that his story was fabricated as a way of trapping Michael and family due to their wealth. Vijayamohan's key witness, Sara's neighbor and Michael's friend Vinod, whom Michael had stayed with on the day of the incident, change their version of events, making the case hard to believe. Additionally, no semen sample was found, leaving no scientific evidence or eyewitness to link Michael to Sara's assault, causing the case to be open-and-closed.

Rajashekar argues that at the time of the incident, Michael was with his friends at a party in a different location. CCTV footage prove his alibi, shocking Vijayamohan. However, Vijayamohan discovers that the footage was edited by Rajashekar and that Michael had left his phone in the car of his driver to make it seem like he was there. Vijayamohan proves in the court that the footage was edited and Rajashekar won many cases by presenting fake evidences. The judge debars Rajashekar and Poornima takes the position as the defense lawyer. Media activists make the case go viral, leading to Michael's fiancée to break off their engagement. Enraged, Michael shows up at Sara's house again and threatens her to withdraw the case.

Sara's family, however, continue to fight the case. Witnesses who claimed to be with Michael at the time of the crime are disproven by Vijayamohan due to errors in their story. Towards the end, Vijayamohan proves that Micheal's alibi was fake. He also states that Michael had a history of committing rape once in Mumbai but the case was cold and he was not punished for it. Vijayamohan is still not convinced that this case can be won, as Sara has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty and the current eyewitnesses cannot do so. The sculpture, which was Sara's way of ‘sight’, is discredited, due to her father also being a skilled sculptor and possibly its creator. Vijayamohan convinces the judge to allow Sara to create a sculpture based on a random person in the courtroom to prove her skills. But Poornima objects as it's a waste of time and can't be a proof. The judge allows Sara to create a sculpture in the court as the court is creating a history. Poornima takes the chance of selecting the person and Rajashekar is picked and tries distracting her so that the sculpture is messed up. But towards the end, Sara manages to create the sculpture perfectly, making an exact replica of Rajashekar, which shocks everyone in the court. Michael is found guilty and given life imprisonment and paying fine. Vijayamohan shocks everyone with his talent as a lawyer and he gets appreciated for his brilliance. After winning the case, Sara touches him, implying that she is going to make a sculpture and a replica of Vijayamohan, after which she walks out of the courtroom with no cover, refusing to be anonymous and gaining respect from the media around her (who refuse to film her) and the world.

{{Cast listing|

• Mohanlal as Advocate Vijayamohan, Sara's special public prosecutor
• Anaswara Rajan as Sara Mohammed, the blind sculptor
• Priyamani as Advocate Poornima Rajasekhar, Rajasekhar's daughter
• Santhi Mayadevi as Ahana, Vijayamohan's assistant
• Siddique as Advocate Rajasekhar, Michael's defense lawyer
• Jagadish as Mohammed, Sara's father and Parveen's husband
• K. B. Ganesh Kumar as CI Paul Varghese
• Sreedhanya as Parveen Mohammed, Sara's mother
• Haritha G. Nair as Advocate Ashwathy, Vijayamohan's junior
• Sankar Induchoodan as Michael Joseph
• Abraham Joseph as Christopher Joseph, Michael's father
• Sabita George as Ancy, Christopher's wife
• Mathew Varghese as the Judge
• Dinesh Prabhakar as Robin, Michael's driver
• Krishna Prabha as Doctor
• Reshmi Anil as Seema, Mohammed's house servant
• Nandhu as Public Prosecutor Sajan Varghese
• Harikrishnan as Jayachandran, Michael's friend
• Aditi Ravi as Nikhila, Jayachandran's wife
• Prashant Nair as CI Martin Joseph
• Antony Perumbavoor as Mohammed's neighbor
• Rajesh Hebbar as Thomas, Resort Manager
• Poojappura Radhakrishnan as Vijayamohan's clerk
• Kalesh Ramanand as Vinod, Michael's friend
• Kalabhavan Jinto as Junior Advocate

}}

{{Quote box

|quote = I asked Shanti to write down in order as to how the legal procedures would unfold for such a case. But once she wrote it, I realised that it would be ideal for a series but there are different sets of challenges when you package it for a film. Also, there is a risk of monotony that can creep into the narrative. So the challenge was to keep it engaging and play to the gallery a bit without taking away the authenticity.

| sstyle=text-align:right

| source =  – Jeethu Joseph about the challenges in writing.

| align = right

| width = 40%

}}

On 13 July 2023, producer Antony Perumbavoor officially announced an untitled film directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal. This project, with a working title Production No.33, signifies the 33rd production from Aashirvad Cinemas, with filming set to commence in August that year.{{cite news|author=ETimes.in|title=Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph to collaborate for Production No. 33|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-and-jeethu-joseph-to-collaborate-for-production-no-33/articleshow/101720829.cms|access-date=26 November 2023|work=The Times of India|date=13 July 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126093000/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-and-jeethu-joseph-to-collaborate-for-production-no-33/articleshow/101720829.cms|url-status=live}} It was reported that Mohanlal would complete his work in a single short schedule before the commencement of the filming of Prithviraj Sukumaran-directed L2: Empuraan, which was postponed due to Prithviraj's leg injury, allowing Mohanlal to engage in Neru.{{cite news|author=Team Newsable|title=Malayalam superstar Mohanlal to star in Jeethu Joseph's next film; read details|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/malayalam-superstar-mohanlal-to-star-in-jeethu-joseph-s-next-film-read-details-rba-rxqefy|access-date=26 November 2023|work=Asianet News|date=13 July 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126093000/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/malayalam-superstar-mohanlal-to-star-in-jeethu-joseph-s-next-film-read-details-rba-rxqefy|url-status=live}}

The title was officially announced on 12 August with a moster featuring the tagline "seeking justice," along with the title presented in Braille inscription. Neru marks the fifth collaboration between Mohanlal and Jeethu. The film was authored by Santhi Mayadevi and Jeethu, with the former having previously collaborated with Jeethu as an actress in Drishyam 2.{{cite news|last=Chakraborty|first=Saikat|title=Mohanlal teams up with Drishyam director Jeethu Joseph for legal drama Neru|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mohanlal-teams-up-with-drishyam-director-jeethu-joseph-for-legal-drama-neru/cid/1958941|access-date=26 November 2023|work=Telegraph India|date=14 August 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126092959/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/mohanlal-teams-up-with-drishyam-director-jeethu-joseph-for-legal-drama-neru/cid/1958941|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=ETimes.in|title=Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph team up for 'Neru'; here's the first look poster|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-and-jeethu-joseph-team-up-for-neru-heres-the-first-look-poster/articleshow/102681540.cms|work=The Times of India|date=12 August 2023|access-date=24 November 2023|archive-date=24 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124125318/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-and-jeethu-joseph-team-up-for-neru-heres-the-first-look-poster/articleshow/102681540.cms|url-status=live}} Jeethu conceived the story several years ago. Santhi, a professional lawyer, was initially hired by Jeethu to assist him in writing the court scenes in Drishyam 2.{{cite news|last=Prajith|first=P.|title='ദൃശ്യം 2-ന്റെ സമയത്ത് കേട്ട കഥ, കോർട്ട് റൂം ഡ്രാമയാണ്, സസ്പെൻസും ട്വിസ്റ്റും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കരുത്'|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/music/jeethu-joseph-antony-perumbavoor-and-mohanlal-about-neru-movie-1.9162772|access-date=20 December 2023|work=Mathrubhumi|date=17 December 2023|language=ml|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220212637/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/music/jeethu-joseph-antony-perumbavoor-and-mohanlal-about-neru-movie-1.9162772|url-status=live}} Impressed by her contributions, he invited her to co-write Neru.{{cite web|last=Menon|first=Neelima|title=Jeethu Joseph: 'Mohanlal's fans are used to larger-than-life characters of the actor'|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/jeethu-joseph-mohanlals-fans-are-used-to-larger-than-life-characters-of-the-actor-11904391.html|publisher=Moneycontrol.com|access-date=20 December 2023|date=14 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220005159/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/jeethu-joseph-mohanlals-fans-are-used-to-larger-than-life-characters-of-the-actor-11904391.html|url-status=live}} Jeethu shared the story with her on the set of Drishyam 2. She characterized the genre of the film as a "courtroom drama". Santhi explained that they approached the courtroom scenes in a more realistic manner, deviating from the dramatic courtrooms typically portrayed in films.{{cite web|last=നായർ|first=ഗ്രീഷ്മ എസ്.|title='ലിയോയിലേക്ക് വിളിച്ചത് വീൽ ചെയറിലിരിക്കുമ്പോൾ'; മമ്മൂട്ടി മുതൽ വിജയ് വരെയുള്ളവരുടെ വക്കീലായി ശാന്തി മായാദേവി|url=https://www.thefourthnews.in/entertainment/santhi-mayadevi-actress-who-played-lawyer-role-in-vijay-movie-leo-talk-about-the-film-experience|publisher=The Fourth|access-date=4 December 2023|language=ml|date=19 October 2023|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204110609/https://www.thefourthnews.in/entertainment/santhi-mayadevi-actress-who-played-lawyer-role-in-vijay-movie-leo-talk-about-the-film-experience|url-status=live}} According to Jeethu, his intention was to make an authentic courtroom drama that incorporates all technical procedures while maintaining a balance between dramatic elements and procedural tone. He said he was careful not to "stretch" the film with excessive realism. His objective was to offer a real courtroom experience to the majority of the audience who may not have encountered such a setting in real life.

Mohanlal plays a lawyer in the film.{{cite news|author=Indo-Asian News Service|title=Mohanlal looks serious in legal robes in latest 'Neru' poster|url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1143224|access-date=26 November 2023|work=Daiji World|date=25 November 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126101526/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1143224|url-status=live}} Priyamani was cast in an important female role.{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=B. V. S.|title=Priyamani doing courtroom drama with Mohan Lal|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/250923/after-jawan-priyamani-signs-mohan-lals-neru.html|access-date=26 November 2023|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=25 September 2023|archive-date=16 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216124407/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/250923/after-jawan-priyamani-signs-mohan-lals-neru.html|url-status=live}} She joined the sets in September 2023.{{cite web|last=Goud|first=Priyanka|title=After Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, Priyamani bags her next with a big superstar; Details inside|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/after-shah-rukh-khans-jawan-priyamani-bags-her-next-with-a-big-superstar-details-inside-1242857|publisher=Pinkvilla|access-date=26 November 2023|date=13 September 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007025323/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/after-shah-rukh-khans-jawan-priyamani-bags-her-next-with-a-big-superstar-details-inside-1242857|url-status=live}} Anaswara Rajan was cast as Sara, a blind sculptor, around whom the story unfolds.{{cite web|last=Manu|first=Hridyambika A.|title=Neru – Anaswara Rajan is a visually-challenged sculptor in Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph's film? Find out here...|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/neru-anaswara-rajan-is-a-blind-sculpture-artist-in-mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-film-find-out-here/a3de780a16371|publisher=OTT Play|access-date=21 December 2023|date=6 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221094109/https://www.ottplay.com/news/neru-anaswara-rajan-is-a-blind-sculpture-artist-in-mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-film-find-out-here/a3de780a16371|url-status=live}} Santhi Mayadevi, who initially had no plans to act in her own screenplay, eventually took on a role in the film at the invitation of Jeethu. The cast also includes Jagadish, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Siddique, Aditi Ravi, Nandhu, Dinesh Prabhakar, Sankar Induchoodan, Mathew Varghese, Kalesh Ramanand, Ramadevi, Sreedhanya, Kalabhavan Jinto, Resmi Anil, and Prashant Nair.

Principal photography commenced on 17 August 2023, coinciding with the commencement of the Malayalam month of Chingam, considered an auspicious day. It began with a customary pooja function held at the Freemasons Club in Vazhuthacaud, Kerala. Subsequent filming took place in and around Thiruvananthapuram.{{cite news |author1=Entertainment desk |title=ജിത്തു ജോസഫ് മോഹന്‍ലാല്‍ ടീം വീണ്ടും; ആശിർവ്വാദ് സിനിമാസിന്റെ നേരിന് പൊന്നിൻ ചിങ്ങത്തില്‍ തുടക്കം; ഏറെ കാലത്തിനു ശേഷം ലാല്‍ സിനിമയുടെ ഷൂട്ടിംഗ് തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് |url=https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/story/mohanlal-jeethu-joseph-movie-neru-shooting-in-thiruvananthapuram-635958-2023-08-17 |access-date=25 November 2023 |work=India Today Malayalam |date=17 August 2023 |language=ml |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125202156/https://malayalam.indiatoday.in/cinema/story/mohanlal-jeethu-joseph-movie-neru-shooting-in-thiruvananthapuram-635958-2023-08-17 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|author=Local News Desk|title=Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph's Upcoming Film Neru Goes On Floors|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-upcoming-film-neru-goes-on-floors-8541400.html|access-date=25 November 2023|work=CNN-News18|date=17 August 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126101525/https://www.news18.com/movies/mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-upcoming-film-neru-goes-on-floors-8541400.html|url-status=live}} Mohanlal joined the sets in Chitranjali Studio in early September.{{cite news |author=Correspondent |title=Mohanlal begins shooting for Jeethu Joseph's 'Neru' |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/04/mohanlal-shooting-jeethu-joseph-malayalam-movie-neru.html |access-date=25 November 2023 |work=OnManorama |date=4 September 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104122450/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/04/mohanlal-shooting-jeethu-joseph-malayalam-movie-neru.html |url-status=live }} Filming was wrapped up on 4 October 2023. Satheesh Kurup was the cinematographer.{{cite news |author1=ETimes.in |title=It's a wrap for Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph's 'Neru' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-neru/articleshow/104202329.cms |access-date=25 November 2023 |work=The Times of India |date=6 October 2023 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125203421/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-neru/articleshow/104202329.cms |url-status=live }} Art director was Boban, while costumes were designed by Jeethu's wife Linta Jeethu.

The film's music was composed by Vishnu Shyam with lyrics for the songs written by Vinayak Sasikumar. A pre-release single, "Roohe", was released on 19 December 2023, sung by Karthik along with a chorus by Shyam and Cathy Jeethu. The Times of India called it an "evocative composition" that showcases the "emotional ambiance of the narrative" which "further cemented the film's genre as an emotional drama".{{cite news|author=ETimes.in|title=Mohanlal's 'Neru' strikes emotional chords with the release of the track 'Roohe'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlals-neru-strikes-emotional-chords-with-the-release-of-the-track-roohe/articleshow/106118635.cms|access-date=20 December 2023|work=The Times of India|date=19 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220014831/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlals-neru-strikes-emotional-chords-with-the-release-of-the-track-roohe/articleshow/106118635.cms|url-status=live}} The soundtrack was released, two days later, which includes themes from the film and the trailer.{{cite web |title=Neru (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|website=Apple Music |date=2023-12-21 |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/neru-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-single/1721893690 |access-date=2024-12-20 |language=en-GB}}

{{track listing

| headline = Neru (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| total_length = 08:00

| title1 = Roohe

| length1 = 03:11

| extra1 = Karthik

| title2 = Neru Theme

| length2 = 02:43

| extra2 =

| title3 = Neru Trailer Theme

| length3 = 02:20

| extra3 =

}}

Neru was released in theatres worldwide on 21 December 2023.{{cite news|author=ETimes.in|title=Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph's film 'Neru' gets a release date|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-film-neru-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/104919640.cms|access-date=25 November 2023|work=The Times of India|date=2 November 2023|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125203423/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlal-jeethu-josephs-film-neru-gets-a-release-date/articleshow/104919640.cms|url-status=live}} According to the media, the slot, initially reserved for Mohanlal's directorial debut, Barroz, was reassigned to Neru due to delays in post-production.{{cite web|author=Team OTTplay|title=Confirmed! Mohanlal's Neru will clash with Salaar and Dunki after all|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/confirmed-mohanlals-neru-will-clash-with-salaar-and-dunki-after-all/63365f2d6b198|publisher=OTTPlay|access-date=26 November 2023|date=2 November 2023|archive-date=26 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126093001/https://www.ottplay.com/news/confirmed-mohanlals-neru-will-clash-with-salaar-and-dunki-after-all/63365f2d6b198|url-status=live}} The film competed with other major Christmas releases, such as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Dunki, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire.{{cite news|author=ETimes.in|title=Christmas 2023: From 'Salaar' to 'Neru,' dive into the holiday movie extravaganza|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/christmas-2023-from-salaar-to-neru-dive-into-the-holiday-movie-extravaganza/photostory/105994850.cms|access-date=20 December 2023|work=The Times of India|date=14 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220212638/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/christmas-2023-from-salaar-to-neru-dive-into-the-holiday-movie-extravaganza/photostory/105994850.cms|url-status=live}}

The streaming rights of the film were acquired by Disney+ Hotstar.{{cite web|last=Krishna|first=Gayathri|title=Mohanlal could only watch Jailer and Joaquin Phoenix's Napoleon this year; here is why|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mohanlal-could-only-watch-jailer-and-joaquin-phoenixs-napolean-this-year-here-is-why/6bac78d581283|publisher=OTT Play|access-date=20 December 2023|date=16 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220212640/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mohanlal-could-only-watch-jailer-and-joaquin-phoenixs-napolean-this-year-here-is-why/6bac78d581283|url-status=live}} The film was premiered on Disney+ Hotstar from 23 January 2024.{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2024 |title=Mohanlal's Neru is now streaming on this OTT platform |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/mohanlals-neru-is-now-streaming-on-this-ott-platform.html |website=123telugu.com|date=23 January 2024 }}

Neru opened to positive reviews from critics praising the cast performances (particularly Mohanlal, Anaswara Rajan and Siddique), screenplay and direction.

Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote that Mohanlal's and Siddique's David-Goliath battle "keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and emotional for the full 152-minute duration of the film. You will barely take your eyes off the screen" and noted that the film merits from its realistic story, "nonetheless, it is no less massy, and will appeal to all audiences". She also praised the cast, particularly Mohanlal's "superb subdued performance".{{cite news|last=Mathews|first=Anna|date=21 December 2023|title=Neru: Seeking Justice Movie Review : Mohanlal-Jeethu combo delivers superb legal drama|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/neru-seeking-justice/movie-review/106180305.cms|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221113032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/neru-seeking-justice/movie-review/106180305.cms|url-status=live}} Sajin Shrijith of The New Indian Express rated 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it a "sensitive, insightful legal drama with an unwavering focus", acknowledging the makers for ensuring "Mohanlal's presence doesn't take the limelight away from Anaswara and the issues addressed". He singled out the performances of Mohanlal, Anaswara and Siddique, and praised the makers for exploring "various intricacies of the legal system" and its call for increased sensitivity from the public.{{cite news|last=Shrijith|first=Sajin|title='Neru' film review: Sensitive, insightful legal drama with an unwavering focus|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/dec/22/neru-film-review-sensitive-insightful-legal-drama-with-an-unwavering-focus-2643870.html|access-date=22 December 2023|work=The New Indian Express|date=22 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222131459/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/dec/22/neru-film-review-sensitive-insightful-legal-drama-with-an-unwavering-focus-2643870.html|url-status=live}}

Sowmya Rajendran of Moneycontrol stated that "the screenplay is so fast-paced and the performances so superlative that Neru is almost always riveting even when it takes cinematic liberties".{{cite web|last=Rajendran|first=Sowmya|title=Neru review: Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal are back with a satisfying courtroom drama|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/neru-review-jeethu-joseph-mohanlal-are-back-11942901.html|publisher=Moneycontrol|access-date=22 December 2023|date=22 December 2023}} K. Janani of India Today gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Neru is a riveting courtroom drama that holds your attention throughout. And to have Mohanlal belting out dialogues on consent, women's rights and victim-shaming makes this film a worthy addition to the long list of women empowerment films."{{cite news|last=Janani|first=K.|date=21 December 2023|title=Neru Movie Review: Mohanlal delivers compelling courtroom drama with few misses|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/neru-movie-review-mohanlal-delivers-compelling-courtroom-drama-with-few-misses-2478841-2023-12-21|work=India Today|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221195527/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/neru-movie-review-mohanlal-delivers-compelling-courtroom-drama-with-few-misses-2478841-2023-12-21|url-status=live}} S. R. Praveen of The Hindu said the film "almost delivers a cathartic high" and that "Mohanlal is back to form with an understated performance, while Jeethu Joseph has found his mojo in this mostly riveting legal drama".{{cite news|last=Praveen|first=S. R.|title='Neru' movie review: Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal's courtroom drama almost delivers a cathartic high|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/neru-movie-review-jeethu-joseph-and-mohanlals-courtroom-drama-almost-delivers-a-cathartic-high/article67661846.ece|access-date=22 December 2023|work=The Hindu|date=21 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221135645/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/neru-movie-review-jeethu-joseph-and-mohanlals-courtroom-drama-almost-delivers-a-cathartic-high/article67661846.ece|url-status=live}}

Nirmal Narayanan of International Business Times India commented that "Neru is not a fully-fledged commercial entertainer. But it is an emotional courtroom drama which will make you thrill until the credit starts rolling". He particularly praised the acting of Mohanlal and Anaswara, and the background score.{{cite news|last=Narayanan|first=Nirmal|title=Neru Malayalam movie review: Mohanlal and Anaswara Rajan shines in courtroom drama|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/neru-malayalam-movie-review-mohanlal-anaswara-rajan-shines-courtroom-drama-864845|access-date=22 December 2023|work=International Business Times|date=21 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222131459/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/neru-malayalam-movie-review-mohanlal-anaswara-rajan-shines-courtroom-drama-864845|url-status=live}} Pavithra A. of The Week called it an "engaging courtroom drama" and concluded that "Jeethu Joseph's touch is evident throughout the film, reminding me of Drishyam and its sequel". She praised Mohanlal, Anaswara, and Siddique and rated 3 out of 5 stars.{{cite news|last=A.|first=Pavithra|title='Neru' review: An engaging courtroom drama|url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/12/21/neru-review-an-engaging-courtroom-drama.html|access-date=22 December 2023|work=The Week|date=22 December 2023|archive-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221145444/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/12/21/neru-review-an-engaging-courtroom-drama.html|url-status=live}} Rating 3 out of 5 stars, Cris from The News Minute described it a "poignant court drama" and added that "despite its amateurish setting, Neru becomes an important film with a few careful arguments, strongly worded and delivered by its key actors, from Mohanlal to Anaswara Rajan".{{cite news|author=Cris|title=Neru review: Mohanlal is no-nonsense in Jeethu Joseph's poignant court drama|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/neru-review-mohanlal-is-no-nonsense-in-jeethu-josephs-poignant-court-drama|access-date=22 December 2023|work=The News Minute|date=21 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222131459/https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/neru-review-mohanlal-is-no-nonsense-in-jeethu-josephs-poignant-court-drama|url-status=live}}

Swathi P. Ajith of Onmanorama wrote, "Neru is undeniably a satisfying and enjoyable watch, marking a successful return for Mohanlal in more serious roles. Witnessing Mohanlal portraying a lawyer and participating in thrilling courtroom debates for the case is truly refreshing."{{Cite web |last=P. Ajith |first=Swathi |date=21 December 2023 |title='Neru': Mohanlal's courtroom drama explores the emotional turmoil of legal battles {{!}} Movie review |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/12/21/neru-malayalam-movie-review-mohanlal-jeethu-joseph.html |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221195528/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/12/21/neru-malayalam-movie-review-mohanlal-jeethu-joseph.html |url-status=live }} Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote that Mohanlal's performance makes the "150-minute runtime feel less prolonged. By fully immersing himself in the narrative and the filmmaker’s vision, Mohanlal avoids letting his star persona become a burden to the story. He adeptly portrays the role of Vijayamohan with precision, balancing the character’s vulnerability and abilities without overshadowing Vijayamohan’s ordinary nature".{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=21 December 2023 |title=Neru movie review: Mohanlal has started his journey back |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/neru-movie-review-mohanlal-has-started-his-journey-back-9077471/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221195527/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/neru-movie-review-mohanlal-has-started-his-journey-back-9077471/ |url-status=live }}

Netizens pointed out that the film has similarities with the plot and climax scenes of Sketch Artist II: Hands That See, and that this is an inspired remake of it.{{Cite web |title=Is Mohanlal starrer 'Neru' strangely similar to the Hollywood movie 'Sketch Artist II'? |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/12/31/neru-mohanlal-jeethu-joseph-movie-inspiration-sketch-artist-hollywood-movie0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231110742/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/12/31/neru-mohanlal-jeethu-joseph-movie-inspiration-sketch-artist-hollywood-movie0.html |archive-date=31 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=OnManorama}}{{Cite web |title=Mohanlal's Neru inspired by a Courteney Cox film? Netizens left baffled by this Hollywood thriller's resemblances to Jeethu Joseph's superhit |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mohanlals-neru-inspired-by-a-courteney-cox-film-netizens-left-baffled-by-this-hollywood-thrillers-resemblances-to-jeethu-josephs-superhit/7b72642340443 |access-date= |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-29 |title=Neru: Is Mohanlal's Legal Drama Inspired By a Courteney Cox Television Film? Here's What We Know! (Watch Video) {{!}} 🎥 LatestLY |url=https://www.latestly.com/entertainment/south/neru-is-mohanlals-legal-drama-inspired-by-a-courteney-cox-television-film-heres-what-we-know-watch-video-5658820.html |access-date= |website=LatestLY |language=en}}

Neru collected {{INR}}30 crore worldwide in 5 days of its release.{{Cite web |title='Neru' box office collection: This Mohanlal-starrer crosses Rs 30 crore worldwide |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/12/26/neru-mohanlal-movie-total-gross-collection-rs-30-crore-worldwide.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.onmanorama.com}} It reached the {{INR}}50 crore mark within 8 days of its release.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-30 |title=Mohanlal's Neru Enters Rs 50-Crore Club In Just 8 Days |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/mohanlals-neru-enters-rs-50-crore-club-in-just-8-days-8722601.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=News18 |language=en}} The film crossed {{INR}}60 crore globally in 11 days.{{Cite web |author=Web Desk |date=2023-12-31 |title=നേര്: 11 ദിവസം 60 കോടി; ഇത് മോഹൻലാലിന്റെ വമ്പൻ തിരിച്ചുവരവ് |url=https://www.mediaoneonline.com/entertainment/movies/mohanlals-neru-crosses-60-crore-rupees-box-office-report-241268 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.mediaoneonline.com |language=ml}} The film grossed {{INR}}75.25 crore on its 15th day with an overseas collection of {{INR}}29.50 crore and a domestic gross of {{INR}}45.75 crore.{{Cite news |date=2024-01-07 |title='Neru' box office collections day 15: Mohanlal starrer mints more than Rs 38 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/neru-box-office-collections-day-15-mohanlal-starrer-mints-more-than-rs-38-crores/articleshow/106609466.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The film reached the {{INR}}80 crore mark in 18 days.{{Cite web |title=നൂറു കോടി ക്ലബ്ബിലേക്ക് 'നേര്'; ഇതുവരെ നേടിയത് 80 കോടി |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2024/01/08/neru-enters-80-crore-club-within-its-third-week.html |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=www.manoramaonline.com}} The film has grossed {{INR}}84.50 crore worldwide by collecting {{INR}}51.50 crore from India and {{INR}}33 crore from overseas.{{Cite web |last=honey |title=നേട്ടമുണ്ടാക്കുന്ന നേര്, വിദേശത്ത് മോഹൻലാല്‍ ചിത്രം നേടിയതിന്റെ കണക്കുകള്‍ |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment/box-office/mohanlal-starrer-neru-overseas-collection-report-out-earns-more-than-33-crore-hrk-s773ql |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}} In its final theatrical run, Neru grossed {{INR}}85.30 worldwide.{{Cite web |last=nithya |title='നേര്' നാളെ ഒടിടിയിൽ; കേരളത്തിലെ എക്കാലത്തെലും നാലാമത്തെ ഹിറ്റ്, അജയ്യനായി 2018 ! |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/mohanlal-movie-neru-ott-streaming-from-jan-23rd-on-disney-plus-hotstar-nrn-s7n7y3 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ml}}

The allegations arose when Deepu K Unni filed a case with the Kerala HC that Jeethu Joseph and Santhi Mayadevi had plagiarized the script that he had written. Deepu alleged that he had met Jeethu and Santhi and narrated the story.

There were reports that Neru is inspired by the film Sketch Artist II: Hands That See directed by Jack Sholder

and Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey directed by Jim Donovan.

In a pre-release promotional discussion in December 2023, Mohanlal, Jeethu, Santhi, and Antony disclosed that potential sequels to Neru might happen if the first film proves successful at the box office. These sequels would explore additional cases handled by advocate Vijayamohan.{{cite web|author=Aashirvad Cinemas|title=Truth Unveiled – With The Cast Of Neru {{!}} Mohanlal {{!}} Jeethu Joseph {{!}} Antony Perumbavoor {{!}} Anaswara|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVuyYA8KkCY&ab_channel=AashirvadCinemas|publisher=YouTube|access-date=20 December 2023|date=17 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220212637/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVuyYA8KkCY&ab_channel=AashirvadCinemas|url-status=live}} Mohanlal also mentioned the possibility of spin-offs centered around other characters.{{cite web|last=Menon|first=Akhila|title=Mohanlal confirms Neru spin-off – 5 Malayalam film franchises that brought back famous characters to the silver screen|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mohanlal-confirms-neru-spin-off-5-malayalam-film-franchises-that-brought-back-famous-characters-to-the-silver-screen/45a5711ac8215|publisher=OTT Play|access-date=20 December 2023|date=17 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220212638/https://www.ottplay.com/news/mohanlal-confirms-neru-spin-off-5-malayalam-film-franchises-that-brought-back-famous-characters-to-the-silver-screen/45a5711ac8215|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title}}

{{Jeethu Joseph}}

{{Aashirvad Cinemas}}

Category:Aashirvad Cinemas films

Category:Indian courtroom films

Category:Indian legal drama films

Category:Films about lawyers

Category:Films about blind people in India

Category:Films about rape in India

Category:Fictional portrayals of the Kerala Police

Category:Films shot in Thiruvananthapuram

Category:Films directed by Jeethu Joseph