Legal Controversy Surrounding “Neru” Casts Shadow Before Release

The much-awaited courtroom drama “Neru,” featuring the iconic duo of Mohanlal and director Jeethu Joseph, is entangled in a legal debacle mere hours before its scheduled release on December 21. The Kerala High Court has issued a legal notice based on a petition by author Deepak Unni, accusing Jeethu Joseph and co-writer Shanti Mayadevi of plagiarism.

Allegations of Plagiarism

Deepak Unni’s petition claims that he discussed with Jeethu Joseph and Shanti Mayadevi in 2020, sharing a 49-page script under the guise of seeking advice for an emotional court drama sequence. Subsequently, he alleges being sidelined from the project. Unni asserts that the film’s trailer contained sequences identical to what he had penned, leading him to suspect plagiarism.

Legal Notice and Release Status

Amid widespread concerns about the film’s impending release, the Kerala High Court declined to stay the release of “Neru,” allowing the scheduled premiere to proceed despite the ongoing legal tussle.

Backdrop and Collaborations

“Neru” marks the fourth collaboration between Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph, following the successful Drishyam franchise and “12th Man.” The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Priyamani, Siddique, Jagadish, Anaswara Rajan, Dinesh Prabhakar, among others.

Behind the Scenes

Produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas, “Neru” boasts music by Vishnu Shyam, cinematography by Satheesh Kurup, and editing by VS Vinayak.

Upcoming Ventures for Mohanlal

Despite the turmoil surrounding “Neru,” Mohanlal has a busy lineup. Following “Neru,” he stars in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s period action film “Malaikkottai Vaaliban,” slated for release on January 25, 2024. The actor is set to make his directorial debut in “Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure,” scheduled for release on March 28. Additionally, he reunites with Jeethu Joseph for the action thriller “Ram,” slated for a two-part release. Collaborations with Joshiy for “Rambaan” and the much-anticipated sequel “L2- Empuraan” add to his exciting projects in the pipeline.

The legal dispute surrounding “Neru” has cast a shadow over its release, drawing attention to the intricate complexities that often accompany highly anticipated cinematic endeavors.

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