Narivetta Movie Review: Everything You Need to Know
Director Anuraj Manohar has taken a bold leap with Narivetta, a Malayalam political drama that does not flinch from sensitive realities. Featuring powerful performances by Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Cheran, the film draws inspiration from the 2003 Muthanga tribal protest in Kerala. This real-life incident, which involved Adivasi communities clashing with law enforcement over land rights, remains one of the most controversial and politically charged moments in the state’s recent history.
Narivetta arrived in theatres on May 23, 2025, and quickly sparked both critical acclaim and public debate. While the film navigates emotionally heavy territory, it also highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught within powerful systems.
Plot Summary
The film centers on Constable Varghese Peter, portrayed by Tovino Thomas, a soldier in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) posted to Wayanad during a tribal protest. At the start, Varghese follows orders without questioning their implications. His job requires him to maintain law and order, even when the orders involve using force against unarmed protesters.
As the agitation escalates, Varghese begins to witness atrocities that shake his beliefs. Tribal leaders, including the character played by Arya Salim, attempt to negotiate peacefully, but officials show little interest in dialogue. The police crackdown grows more violent, and Varghese’s internal conflict deepens. He starts questioning the state’s definition of justice and his role in enforcing it.
Through Varghese’s eyes, the film unfolds as a powerful narrative of awakening, human rights, and moral courage. His transformation forms the emotional and philosophical backbone of Narivetta.
Performances
Tovino Thomas brings quiet strength and emotional depth to the character of Varghese. His restrained body language, expressive eyes, and nuanced delivery allow viewers to connect with Varghese’s inner struggle. Tovino avoids melodrama and instead focuses on portraying an authentic moral crisis. Audiences and critics alike have hailed his performance as one of his best to date.
Suraj Venjaramoodu appears in a supporting role as a senior police officer. He uses his screen presence effectively to highlight the complex hierarchy within the law enforcement system. Suraj never reduces his role to a stereotype; instead, he portrays a man who uses institutional rigidity to mask personal insecurity.
Cheran delivers a memorable performance as a human rights advocate who attempts to mediate between the protesters and the government. His character embodies logic, compassion, and resilience, offering a voice of reason amid the chaos.
Arya Salim, who plays a key tribal leader, commands attention in every scene. Her portrayal reflects strength, sorrow, and defiance in equal measure. Many viewers have compared her performance to real-life activist C.K. Janu, whose presence during the actual Muthanga protest influenced public discourse across Kerala.
Direction and Screenplay
Anuraj Manohar directs Narivetta with clarity and conviction. He focuses on realism and avoids unnecessary embellishments. Manohar trusts the power of silence, body language, and emotional authenticity to carry the narrative forward.
Screenwriter Abin Joseph crafts a script that balances political commentary with human emotion. The first half spends time establishing the setting and characters, occasionally slowing the narrative pace. However, the second half gains momentum, offering more dramatic tension and emotional payoff.
Joseph uses Varghese’s inner conflict to explore systemic violence without resorting to preachy dialogue. His writing never shifts blame onto individuals alone; instead, he exposes the bureaucratic machinery that perpetuates inequality.
Visuals and Music
Cinematographer Vijay captures Kerala’s forested landscape with haunting beauty. He frames wide-angle shots of tribal settlements, mist-covered valleys, and tense confrontations with artistic precision. The visuals serve as both background and metaphor, reinforcing the idea of a paradise threatened by invisible forces.
Jakes Bejoy’s musical score complements the film’s emotional register. He uses subdued instrumentation during moments of sorrow and swelling orchestration during pivotal confrontations. The soundtrack blends traditional tribal rhythms with contemporary orchestral tones, amplifying the film’s emotional impact without overpowering the dialogue or setting.
Critical Reception
Critics across India have responded positively to Narivetta. The Times of India awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that the film courageously tackles political truths while delivering strong performances.
India Today praised the film’s second half and described the screenplay as emotionally resonant and socially relevant. The publication highlighted Tovino Thomas’s restrained performance and Arya Salim’s breakthrough role.
Cinema Express commended the film’s intention and emotional sincerity but suggested that the first half could benefit from tighter pacing. The News Minute echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while the story avoids sensationalism, it could have probed deeper into the historical complexity of tribal rights in India.
Audience Response
Audiences responded with empathy and admiration for Narivetta. Viewers described the film as an “eye-opener” and appreciated its commitment to storytelling grounded in real-life events. On social media, many applauded Tovino’s ability to embody a morally torn officer without theatrical excess.
In Kerala, where the events of Muthanga remain fresh in public memory, many viewers found the film both painful and cathartic. Several filmgoers expressed gratitude that the film gave voice to a neglected chapter in state history.
Film buffs across Malayalam cinema circles began comparing Narivetta with classics such as Piravi and Kathavasheshan, two other politically conscious films from Kerala.
Box Office Performance
On opening day, Narivetta collected approximately ₹1.2 crore across India. The film posted a Malayalam language occupancy rate of 28.55%, especially performing well in cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode.
With a modest production budget of ₹10 crore, the film needs to gross around ₹25 crore globally to become a commercial success. Analysts believe it stands a strong chance, given the positive critical reception and increasing word-of-mouth buzz.
Initial international response from Gulf countries, where Malayalam cinema enjoys strong patronage, also points toward a steady overseas contribution. Distributors in the UAE and Qatar have already added more screens after opening weekend numbers exceeded expectations.
Conclusion
Narivetta does more than tell a story—it forces viewers to think, reflect, and engage. The film bravely addresses systemic oppression and state brutality through the lens of one man’s moral awakening. Tovino Thomas delivers a stellar performance, and the ensemble cast supports him with sincerity and skill.
Though the first half takes time to find its rhythm, the film builds steadily into a poignant, unsettling, and ultimately empowering experience. Director Anuraj Manohar does not take shortcuts, and his commitment to realism makes Narivetta one of the most important Malayalam films of the year.
For viewers seeking meaningful cinema that fuses political conscience with human drama, Narivetta stands as an essential watch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
