NENJUKUL NEEDHI is an official remake of the political drama Hindi film ARTICLE 15 which went on to be a critical hit. This film is produced by Boney Kapoor and written by Anubhav Sinha and directed by Arunraja Kamaraja.
Udaynidhi in a recent interview said that he asked from a particular director for a “controversial “script as his next film with that director. A clear illustration of the “agenda” that some stars and the film makers in TFI have adopted. NN is not a frame to frame remake of the original. It can’t be, because the star is the political heir of the largest political party in the state and the characterization of the lead role has been carefully chartered. There are loads of sermons and loud messages. The original had a much defined protagonist who unravels his own belonging and the issues that afflict the society. Here the discovery aspect is lost as the hero is one who acts unaware despite being aware. The story telling in NN is largely ceremonial and the narration doesn’t sink in as it is at times too jagged for comfort. Scenes are contrived to suit political needs and that look out of place.
Udaynidhi has made significant strides as an actor and here though stiff he does manage. Suresh Chakravarthy is good. Shivani Rajashekar is decent.
Dinesh Krishnan’s cinematography is very functional. Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s background score is effective. Ruben’s editing is good. Dialogues are crisp and direction is neat.
NENJUKUL NEEDHI is quite an underwhelming film considering the original that they had to emulate.
NENJUKUL NEEDHI – NERTHI KADAN !!
2.25 /5
B.U.Shreesha
