‘Neram Nallarukku’ (Time is Good), directed by Arivazhagann Abel, is a Tamil-language comedy short that combines high tension with effortless humor. Varun (played by Abel himself) is a man plagued by crippling anxiety as he builds up the courage to confess his love to a woman (Meenashre Sivakumar). With his best friend Nachiappan on a hands-free call offering encouragement – the plan is set. However, just as Varun attempts to share his feelings, the two are shockingly kidnapped, flipping what could have been a typical love confession into a chaotic, laugh-out-loud scenario.
The beauty of ‘Neram Nallarukku’ is in how it never sacrifices its comedic pulse, even as the stakes rise. The well-timed edits and sharp cinematography by Mridul Samrat adds a level of professionalism not always seen in short films. The lighting is intentionally dark and moody, a stylistic choice that gives the film a gritty, thriller-like edge – a daring contrast that makes the humor even sharper. The high production quality is evident; the visuals are striking, and the technical execution is impressively neat.
The film’s pacing is impeccable, balancing tension and laughs to keep viewers entertained from start to finish. Abel and Sivakumar’s performances add heart and relatability, and the entire cast nails the comedic timing, which is essential to the story’s success. For non-Tamil-speaking viewers, the English subtitles allow easy access to the humor and plot twists, making ‘Neram Nallarukku’ a delightful watch for all audiences.
In 22-minutes, the short proves to be more than a typical comedy. It’s a suspenseful, high-quality production that brings a fresh approach to the genre, showing that unexpected detours can sometimes lead to the funniest destinations. Highly recommended.
