Dear (2024 film)

Dear (stylized as DeAr) is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Anand Ravichandran, and produced by Nutmeg Productions. The film stars G. V. Prakash Kumar and Aishwarya Rajesh in the lead role, alongside Rohini, Kaali Venkat, Ilavarasu, and Thalaivaasal Vijay.

The film was officially announced in December 2022 under the tentative title Production No. 3, as it is the third production for the former house, and the official title was announced in May 2023. Principal photography commenced the same month as the former month, and wrapped by early August 2023. The film has music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, cinematography handled by Jagadeesh Sundaramoorthy, and editing by Rukesh.

Dear was theatrically released on 11 April 2024.

Plot
A newly married couple faces challenges when the wife's snoring interrupts the husband's sleep, and they must make compromises.

Development
On 11 December 2022, Nutmeg Productions officially announced their third production venture, which would be helmed by Sethum Aayiram Pon (2019) director Anand Ravichandran. The project would feature G. V. Prakash Kumar and Aishwarya Rajesh in the lead role, pairing opposite each other in the film, in their maiden pairing. The technical crew consisting of Prakash (as the music composer), cinematographer Jagadeesh Sundaramoorthy and editor Kripakaran was revealed along with the official stills of the muhurat puja held the same day in Chennai. The film's official title, Dear, was announced on 4 May 2023.

On the similarities of the storyline between Dear and Good Night, Anand stated "I know Manikandan, who's playing the hero in that film, through a common friend. Before we went to shoot, we sat down and spoke. Except for the fact that the films are about snoring, they are vastly different in terms of treatment. Ours is more commercial, and even visually, the treatment is different." According to Anand, most of the film was shot with sync sound; as he found it too difficult to recreate "the beauty of drama" through dubbing. On 5 April 2024, with the release of the film's trailer, Kripakaran was revealed to have been replaced by Rukesh due to reasons unknown.

Filming
Principal photography began with the first schedule on 11 December 2022. After being predominantly shot in Chennai, principal photography wrapped on 1 August 2023 with a cake-cutting celebration.

Release
Dear was theatrically released on 11 April 2024. The post-theatrical streaming rights of the film were bought by Netflix.The film had its digital premiere on the streaming platform from 28 April 2024.

Reception
123 Telugu critic rated the film 2.5/5 stars and stated that "The film's narrative lacks strength, its execution is mediocre, and it fails to evoke genuine emotional depth. Alternative entertainment options may provide a more satisfying viewing experience".

Roopa Radhakrishnan of The Times of India rated the film 2/5 stars and wrote that the "Film lackluster portrayal of marriage and underdeveloped characters, with missed opportunities for deeper exploration of gender dynamics".

Bhuvanesh Chandar from The Hindu wrote "The tumultuous relationship drama necessitated meticulous storytelling and a concentrated examination of its core conflict".