Narivetta

Narivetta (2025) : Movie Review -

Narivetta is inspired by real-life events and bravely attempts to break the silence surrounding systemic oppression by government officials-a bold move, especially in a cinematic space where many cop dramas prefer to play it safe. While this thematic foundation places it in familiar territory, making the narrative somewhat predictable, the film manages to rise above its limitations thanks to its raw honesty and emotional weight. The final 30 minutes, in particular, hit hard-both in execution and sentiment-and are bound to leave audiences shaken. For many of us living in urban, privileged societies, the Muthanga Tribal Agitation might be a footnote in history books-if it exists there at all. But Narivetta forces you to confront the reality: the plight of tribal communities is not only real but far more complex and widespread than imagined. It's not just Wayanad; similar stories of displacement and discrimination unfold across the country, and this film offers a much-needed window into that world.

The story follows Varghese (Tovino Thomas), a young man aiming for a higher post in the police force. Though selected for a constable's role, he initially refuses, wanting something more prestigious like an SI position. But under family pressure and emotional expectations, he takes up the job. His training leads him to the dense forests of Wayanad, where tribal communities are protesting for their basic rights-land and housing. Initially instructed to disperse the protestors, Varghese approaches the task with youthful aggression, only to be reined in by his seniors. As he slowly uncovers the truth behind the police action and the desperate pleas of the protestors, a moral transformation begins. The question lingers-will he choose to stand by the truth, even at personal risk?

Narratively, Narivetta is a slow-burn. At over two and a half hours, it feels stretched-especially in the first three quarters. The pacing drags, and while one could argue that the screenplay uses this time to develop context and emotional stakes, it often feels more meandering than meaningful. The story lacks suspense, and the key twist-one involving betrayal and brutality from within the system-is one we've seen before. You can sense it coming from miles away. Despite that, the final act pulls everything together with striking clarity and emotional depth, thanks to a chilling portrayal of state violence that is as disturbing as it is necessary.

Tovino Thomas once again proves his acting prowess with a restrained performance, though the character arc written for him feels somewhat inconsistent. For a young man with dreams and intellect, his actions often come off as naïve or confused. This works to some extent, making him more human than heroic, but it also leaves the audience distanced from fully sympathizing with him. Suraj Venjaramoodu makes the most of his limited screen time, delivering a role that quietly anchors the film's message. Cheran, however, steals the show with a performance full of gravitas, emotional range, and conviction. Arya Salim also impresses, supported well by Pranav Teophine and Priyamvada Krishnan. Other supporting actors, including Prasanth Madhavan, Rini Udayakumar, Badusha NM, and Nadhu, provide decent contributions.

Technically, Narivetta may not be a high-budget affair, but it certainly looks like one. The cinematography by Vijay is stunning, capturing both the haunting beauty and the oppressive weight of the forest landscapes. Editing by Shameer Muhammed could have been sharper, particularly in the first half where scenes linger too long. The art direction is serviceable, while the film's music and background score-rich with local textures-enhance the emotional stakes and atmosphere. The soundtrack immediately grabs your attention, whether or not you're familiar with the cultural and language setting. Director Anuraj Manohar, known for the emotionally resonant Ishq (2019), returns with a film of a very different genre but a similarly lasting impact. Narivetta is not without its flaws-it's lengthy, thematically familiar, and predictable in places-but it lands where it matters. The director focuses on details, sometimes at the cost of pace, but the payoff in the finale is worth the wait. This is not just a film, but a statement-about privilege, injustice, and the human cost of silence. In final words, Narivetta is a brutal, realistically fictionalized take on a real-life tragedy that has long been ignored. It deserves to be watched-not for entertainment, but for awareness. And if nothing else, watch it for those unforgettable 30 minutes that will haunt you for a while at least.

RATING - 6/10"

Reached the theatre late.

Tovino has performed reasonably. Great music work from Jakes Bejoy.

The script is pretty light for a subject as intense.

When the attrocities appeared on the screen, I was shaking. So through a seemingly innocent and simple narrative, the movie did find me emotionally.

Suraj gave a good short performance.

The movie is Tovino centric, and Tovino has done well.

The script set up a daunting challenge, and gave an easy win. The writing has it's issues.

Movie does fizzle out from the expectation it set. Nothing stark and bold in the movie.

It does have a heart, and wants to stand by the adivasis of Muthanga.

Vaada Veda song has more fire in it than the movie.

Kudos to the team for shedding light on a dark chapter in history - the Kerala government's and police's brutal treatment of tribal groups. The film is well-crafted, with impressive cinematography and background score, making for a engaging viewing experience. However, the narrative's impact is somewhat diminished by the choice of central character. By not making the protagonist a member of the affected tribal group, the film misses an opportunity to authentically portray the struggles and injustices faced by the victims.

The casting is mostly fine, with Arya standing out, but Tovino and Cheran's performances feel artificial. The movie's pacing is also marred by unnecessary subplots, including a cringe-worthy love story and family drama. These scenes waste valuable screen time that could have been used to delve deeper into the core theme, diluting the seriousness of the central plot.

Despite these flaws, the movie is well-intentioned and tackles a significant subject. With some tweaks and a better script it could have been even more effective in conveying the gravity of the issue. The film's good intentions and technical proficiency make it worth watching, but it's clear that a more nuanced approach would have elevated the narrative. Overall, it's a commendable effort that falls short of its full potential due to some questionable creative choices.

This movie is claimed to be inspired by 2003 Muthanga protest by tribal community at Kerala. The entire movie is about the protest of Tribal men for their rights vs Atrocities of police on them. Movie is quite slow, first half is very shallow. Second half makes it a little worth it. This movie reminded me of 'Jai Bhim' Telugu movie which was centred around similar concept but that was brilliant. But this movie showcases nothing about the in depth struggles of Tribal community. Originally a Malayalam movie dubbed in all South Indian languages including Hindi. Available in SonyLiv, my ratings 6.5/10!

I always said, Tovino is the Crime thriller genre king. When it comes to story selection from mollywood Tovino wears all the hats!

Just watched "Narivetta" and I'm absolutely blown away by your performance! The way you portrayed the character's internal conflict, his journey from reluctance to a deep understanding of justice, was incredibly powerful. It's such a bold and essential story that "Narivetta" tells, and your acting truly brought its important message to the forefront.

You made me feel every bit of his struggle and his eventual resolve.

Thank you for giving us such a powerful and thought-provoking performance!

Whether this message finds you or not, as a fan, I felt compelled to share how deeply your portrayal resonated with me.

Verdict: Semi-Hit.