 "#Pray_for_Neasamani: Who is Contractor Neasamani and why are people 'praying' for him on Twitter?")
On 29 May, Indian Twitter went on an overdrive as hashtags #Pray_for_Neasamani and #Nesamani began trending. The hashtag insisted everyone ‘pray’ for someone called Neasamani and it soon gained momentum online. For the uninitiated, Contractor Neasamani is a character played by comedian Vadivelu in the Tamil film Friends in 2001. This film – a remake of a Malayalam film by the same name – starred Vijay, Suriya and Devayani. In the scene, Neasamani is a building contractor and is trying to restore a historic building, but is struggling with his bumbling assistants who insist on taking everything he says literally. Late Wednesday night, the character mysteriously reappeared on social media and created the kind of buzz that had even celebrities jumping in.
For those who aren't aware, it is a ref to Nesamani, a character by Vadivelu who played the role of a painting contractor in the 2001 movie 'Friends'. In the movie, there is a scene where Nesamani gets hurt when a hammer was accidentally dropped on his head.#Pray_for_Neasamani
— Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) May 29, 2019
How it all began : The origin of the trend is a popular Facebook meme page that shared a photo of a hammer with a caption, “What is the name of this tool in your country?”
An overenthusiastic Vadivelu fan was quick to connect the hammer with the scene from Friends, in which Contractor Neasamani ends up with an injury due to the hammer. Users mockingly began asking, ‘is he okay?’ and stating, ‘We are all praying for him.’ What started as a fun banter soon escalated into Twitter trends and memes.
Within 12 hours of it gaining traction online, over one lakh mentions were made across social media. And the tweets were hilarious. Users created photoshopped ’tweets’ of world leaders “praying for Neasamani.” There’s a popular meme where US President Donald Trump calls PM Modi to ask about Neasamani’s health. In another one, world leaders hold a meeting to discuss Neasamani’s health. Here are some of the best #Pray_for_Neasamani reactions online:
There were three guys always plotting against Neasamani. First, they carried him on the bed while he's sleeping and beat him.
— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) May 29, 2019
Second, one of them deliberately dropped a hammer on his head.
Third, they tied his legs with rope and slid him along the ground. #Pray_for_Neasamani pic.twitter.com/yA2QEamXkf
#Pray_for_Neasamani #Nesamani the whole world is with you nesamani.. Prayers conducted across the globe for his recovery.. pic.twitter.com/dc59HQR7X1
— #Contractor Arun Kumar (@arun1208kumar) May 30, 2019
Not to this extent
— Fredy Francis (@fredddiiee_) May 30, 2019
#Nesamani #Pray_for_Neasamani #PrayForNesamani pic.twitter.com/ANIyLY3rvm
Shri Modiji consoles Thiru OPS who broke down after visiting Nesamani at the hospital. #Pray_for_Neasamani pic.twitter.com/WsWukp7jjl
— Navmi (@navmikrishna) May 29, 2019
My uncle's friend who is a doctor in that hospital says that #Nesamani is doing fine. I have a very strong source in that hospital 🤣 #Pray_for_Neasamani
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) May 29, 2019
Deeply shaken to hear about the hammering Nesamani seems to have unfairly got, while trying to do his duty. The video grab clearly proves dereliction of duty by the others. This was a premeditated kill.
— Sudhir Srinivasan (@sudhirsrinivasn) May 29, 2019
Sincerely hope he gets justice.#PrayForNesamani #Pray_for_Neasamani pic.twitter.com/Xox1nxJs9r
When the storm reached Vadivelu, he was rather surprised. Speaking to the The News Minute, the actor thanked his fans and said, “This entire trend is a victory given by God, a victory for the movie’s director Siddique and the victory for the people who enjoy my comedy.”
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
