A Fictional Story Rooted in Uncomfortable Truths
Narivetta, directed by Anuraj Manohar, is not just another Malayalam action drama—it is a socially charged narrative inspired by the haunting real-life Muthanga tribal protest of 2003. Set in the rustic backdrops Wayanad, this film explores the deeply rooted issues of police brutality, political manipulation, and tribal marginalisation.
While the film wears the cloak of fiction, its emotional core is unmistakably grounded in disturbing historical realities. At its heart, Narivetta is a bold cinematic take on the injustices faced by the Adivasi community and how the state’s power structure often silences their voices.
Plot Summary – The Making of a Whistleblower
From Rebellious Youth to Reluctant Cop
Tovino Thomas plays Varghese Peter, a 28-year-old from Kuttanad who scoffs at the idea of an “ordinary” government job. But heartbreak and financial pressure push him to reluctantly join the police force as a constable. What begins as a personal compromise soon turns into a moral awakening, as he finds himself posted to Cheeyambam in Wayanad—a hotspot of tribal unrest.
As Varghese navigates the forested tension zone, he befriends his mentor, the empathetic Officer Bashir Ahmed (Suraj Venjaramoodu). When Bashir disappears during a covert mission, Varghese is forced to confront the murky collusion between law enforcement and political powers.
Performances – Stellar Acts Elevate the Film
Tovino Thomas delivers one of his most emotionally layered performances, portraying Varghese’s journey from arrogance to accountability with impressive restraint. His transformation from a naive, apolitical man to a determined truth-seeker anchors the film.
Suraj Venjaramoodu once again proves his versatility. As Bashir, he brings quiet strength and compassion, grounding the story with a human touch. Arya Salim shines as tribal leader CK Shanti, a character inspired by real-life activist CK Janu, bringing fire and authenticity to the screen.
Cheran, in his Malayalam debut, plays DIG Keshavadas—a morally ambiguous figure—but his screen presence feels slightly underwhelming for such a critical role.
Direction, Writing, and Technical Brilliance
Anuraj Manohar balances storytelling with realism in Narivetta. The film never veers into documentary territory, yet it never shies away from exposing uncomfortable truths either. Abin Joseph’s screenplay succeeds in creating an emotional bridge between the audience and the oppressed, though some narrative decisions—like an overly naive protagonist early on—feel slightly forced.
The real strength of the film lies in its execution. The protest sequences are staged with gripping intensity. Vijay’s cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the forest landscape with finesse, while Shameer Muhammed’s crisp editing and Jakes Bejoy’s haunting background score elevate the emotional gravity.
Flaws – A Few Missed Beats
Despite its powerful message, Narivetta is not flawless. The first half feels slightly stretched due to an unnecessary focus on Varghese’s romantic subplot. The character development of Varghese, especially in the initial parts, may come across as too simplistic for some viewers. Also, the police procedural details, while fascinating, sometimes slow down the momentum.
Final Verdict – A Brave Film That Deserves to Be Watched
Narivetta is a rare Malayalam film that dares to speak truth to power. It does so through an emotionally engaging, technically well-crafted narrative led by a strong central performance from Tovino Thomas. While the film simplifies some complexities for broader appeal, its core message resonates deeply.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆ (4/5 Stars)
Narivetta is currently streaming on SonyLIV