'Ithiri Neram' review: A tender reunion elevated by Roshan Mathew and Zarin Shihab

Love takes on many forms, each with its own expression—some rooted in possession, others in selfless giving—each a unique shade or hue. It is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating emotions to capture on film. Yet, how often do we see movies that truly celebrate love in all its complexity? On the silver screen, most often love is idealised—where the hero sacrifices everything to save the woman he adores. 'Kal Ho Na Ho' stands as a testament to this kind of sacrificial love. But when the credits roll, can emotions truly be so fleeting, so disposable, that we simply let them go once the climax has passed?

‘Ithiri Neram’, director Prasanth Vijay’s third feature film, is an exploration of what love could feel like if given a second chance, echoing the sentiments of its tag line – First Love Gets a Second Chance. At the heart is Anish and Anjana – two individuals who meet after several years long after they move on with their lives.

Malayalam films like director Mohan’s ‘Pakshe’ dared to enter that space several decades ago – when a victimised husband Balan (Mohanlal) stumbles upon a former lover Nandini (an accomplished writer who remains unmarried in honour of their past love). These second chances at love make for an intriguing plot, exploring a space that not many filmmakers dared to enter in the past (Kamal’s Meghamalhar is yet another exception) but are now quite eager to. C Premkumar’s Tamil film ‘96’, belongs to that mould, a stand out film that explores the emotional reunion of two former lovers making it one of the most iconic films in the genre. Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’ and Avinash Arun’s ‘Three of Us’ also shine as modern portrayal of undying love- while offering a glimpse of their present lives and partners.

‘Ithiri Neram’ is yet another intriguing addition to the kind of films that celebrate ‘love that could have been’, while setting the story closer home in Thiruvananthapuram, where the protagonists had spent their college days. Anish (Roshan Mathew) is married and is gearing up for the baptism of his son while Anjana (Zarin Shihab) has arrived at the capital, for reasons we shall know later in the film.

Prasanth, who has previously directed 'Athishayangalude Venal' and 'Inheritance,' is keenly aware of the space he creates for his characters, allowing each of them to explore their emotions in a way that feels authentic. What's particularly striking is how he subtly unveils their pasts—without ever relying on flashbacks. Instead, a simple gesture, a lingering look, or a quiet moment speaks volumes, offering us a glimpse into their histories and their journey from the past.

The dialogues in the story are rich with subtle undercurrents, often ending in a silence that draws the audience into the unfolding narrative set in public spaces. At times, however, the conversations between Anish and Anjana lack fluidity, disrupting the flow of the scene. But if you approach it from the perspective of two individuals shaped by their unique backgrounds, this becomes a forgivable flaw.

It is also interesting to see writer Vaisakh Sakthi crafting these characters with agency, even though much of the story is told through Anish’s point of view.

At its core, 'Ithiri Neram' is a love story that captures the heart, but its narrative extends beyond just the two leads. Anish's friends, played by Nandu and Anand Manmadhan, become integral to the plot, providing comic relief while also offering deeper insights into the central character. Initially, it might take the audience some time to fully embrace their roles, especially with the already compelling love story unfolding in the other track. However, as the story progresses, their presence gradually becomes more engaging and essential to the narrative.

Roshan, known for his ability to convey vulnerability like no other young generation of actors in Mollywood at present, is compelling in his depiction of Anish, as he wears the cap of a content creator hosting a show titled ‘Ithiri Neram’. Zarin Shihab, known for her powerful performances in 'Aattam' and 'Rekhachitram,' brings a much-needed spark to the on-screen chemistry between the leads. Rakesh Dharan's cinematography beautifully captures the essence of Thiruvananthapuram—busy yet effortlessly charming. Amid a landscape dominated by fast-paced beats and rap music, Basil C. J. makes a lasting impression with his soothing romantic tracks and atmospheric background score, which serve as a perfect complement to this heartfelt love story.

Overall, ‘Ithiri Neram’ is the kind of film that that happens once in a while in Malayalam, and the kind that can be celebrated for its unique take and conversations on intimacy.