The film’s title, Neram (Time), is not just a name; it is the protagonist’s enemy. The movie runs on real-time tension. Director Alphonse Putharen uses literal on-screen countdowns and a ticking clock sound design to keep your heart racing. The non-linear narrative (inspired by Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino) was relatively fresh for Kollywood at the time.

Neram was a sleeper hit. It didn't have a massive star (Nivin was known in Malayalam, but not Tamil), yet it succeeded purely on word of mouth. It won the (Tamil) for Alphonse Putharen.

★★★★☆ (4/5)

The film stars as Vetri, a software engineer struggling to find a job in Chennai. He is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Jeena (played by Nazriya Nazim ). However, life is anything but romantic.

The story centers on Vetri, an unemployed software engineer in Chennai who is struggling with "bad time". His day quickly spirals out of control:

Vetri is drowning in debt due to a personal loan he took for his sister’s wedding. The lender, a ruthless thug named "Johnny" (John Vijay), gives Vetri a strict ultimatum: repay the money by today, or face deadly consequences.

Rajesh Murugesan (famous for the viral song "Pistah") Highlights

(2013) is a landmark Indian black comedy thriller that marked the directorial debut of Alphonse Puthren . Simultaneously shot in Tamil and Malayalam, the film is celebrated for its unique non-linear storytelling, quirky humor, and for launching the careers of Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim in the Tamil film industry. Plot Overview: A Race Against Time

This was the film that solidified the adorable on-screen pairing of Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim. Unlike loud, dramatic Tamil romances, their relationship feels genuine, playful, and modern. Their banter provides the perfect emotional anchor amidst the violent chaos.