A widow lives in the cherished memories of her late husband but feels profoundly lonely. Seeking to satisfy her sexual needs, she seeks the guidance of a psychiatrist (portrayed by Guru Somasundaram). However, she faces challenges as she must navigate her own mental trauma and the delicate male ego. The essence of ‘Neeraja’, the Malayalam adaptation of the 2018 Kannada film ‘Nathicharami’, which garnered five awards at the 66th National Film Awards, lies in the unfolding of her journey.
The film presents an intriguing premise by delving into the sexual desires of a widow (played by Shruti Ramachandran). While her parents urge her to remarry, she is determined to remain faithful to her late husband’s memory. Nevertheless, she acknowledges her physical needs. Expressing her doubts to her mother, she questions, “Do I need to marry in order to live happily with a man?” This reaffirms that marriage encompasses more than just sex—it involves emotional needs and trust.
As Neeraja attempts to navigate her life in one part of town, the filmmakers shift their focus to another married couple dissatisfied with their relationship. Arun (portrayed by Jinu Joseph) works in construction and is frustrated with his wife Meera (played by Srinda), perceiving her as merely a “village girl” at heart. Meanwhile, Meera desperately yearns for her husband’s love. Throughout the film, Meera puts forth her best efforts to win over her husband, who often overlooks her heartfelt gestures.
