✅ Narivetta (2025) is a hard-hitting Malayalam-language political action thriller that unflinchingly delves into the sensitive issues of land rights, state authority, and systemic injustice against marginalized communities. Directed by Anuraj Manohar and starring Tovino Thomas, the film draws inspiration from the real-life Muthanga Incident, offering a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Released on May 23, 2025, it’s a compelling narrative that blends drama, crime, and thriller elements to expose uncomfortable truths. With strong performances, a gripping storyline, and a commitment to addressing urgent social issues, Narivetta aims to not just entertain but also spark crucial conversations.
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Narivetta
Director: Anuraj Manohar
Writers: Abin Joseph
Stars: Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran
Country: India
Genres: Drama, Action
Languages: Malayalam, Tamil
Overview: A police officer uncovers a conspiracy based around state-sanctioned violence against victimized villagers.
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Narivetta (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-FilmyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Narivetta (2025)
- Language: Malayalam (also released in Hindi)
- Budget: Estimated $1.2 Million (₹10 Crore)
- Revenue: Approx. $3.7 Million (₹31.43 Crore Worldwide, as of June 2025)
- Runtime: 138 Minutes (2 Hours 18 Minutes)
- Release Date: May 23, 2025 (Theatrical) | July 11, 2025 (SonyLIV)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Political Action
- Cast: Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Priyamvada Krishnan, Cheran, Arya Salim, Rini Udayakumar, Kumar Sethu
- Directors: Anuraj Manohar
- Screenplay: Abin Joseph
- Studios & Producers: Indian Cinema Company (Producers: Tippushan VE, Shiyas Hassan)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Indian Cinema Company -
Image via Indian Cinema Company -
Image via Indian Cinema Company -
Image via Indian Cinema Company -
Image via Indian Cinema Company -
Image via Indian Cinema Company
Plot Summary
“Narivetta (2025)” is a gripping political action thriller inspired by the real-life 2003 Muthanga Incident, which involved a protest by Adivasi (tribal) communities in Kerala for land rights. The film centers on Varghese Peter (Tovino Thomas), a young police constable who, as part of a CRPF battalion, is tasked with monitoring the tribal agitation. Initially, Varghese is dispassionate about his duty, focused more on his career. However, as he witnesses the harsh realities and brutal tactics employed by the state against the marginalized protesters, his conscience begins to awaken. He slowly uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving state-sanctioned violence and the systematic oppression of these communities. The narrative follows Varghese’s internal conflict and his perilous journey as he grapples with the betrayal of the very system he is sworn to protect. He is forced to choose between his loyalty to the force and his newfound commitment to justice for the exploited tribals. The film delves into the complexities of power, corruption, and the fight for human dignity, culminating in a powerful and emotionally charged struggle for truth and revolution against an oppressive establishment.
Cast & Crew
The cast of “Narivetta (2025)” delivers powerful performances that lend credibility and emotional depth to its sensitive subject matter. Tovino Thomas leads the film as Varghese Peter, a police constable grappling with moral dilemmas. Thomas delivers a nuanced and impactful performance, portraying Varghese’s transformation from a duty-bound officer to a morally conflicted individual with conviction and empathy, marking it as one of his challenging roles. Suraj Venjaramoodu, as Basheer, provides a strong supporting act, bringing gravitas and authenticity to his character. His interactions with Tovino Thomas are pivotal in shaping Varghese’s perspective. The film also marks the Malayalam debut of acclaimed Tamil director-actor Cheran, who plays a senior cop, adding a significant presence to the ensemble. Arya Salim delivers a commendable performance as a tribal leader, bringing strength and resilience to her role. Directed by Anuraj Manohar, the cast works in harmony, effectively conveying the film’s gritty realism and emotional intensity. Their collective efforts bring to life the complex human stories within the broader political narrative, making the characters relatable and their struggles resonant.
Critical & Audience Response
“Narivetta (2025)” received largely positive to mixed reviews from critics and audiences, particularly for its brave attempt to tackle a contentious real-life incident. Critics lauded the film for its bold storytelling and political relevance, appreciating its unflinching portrayal of state violence and tribal oppression. Tovino Thomas’s performance was singled out for significant praise, with many considering it one of his strongest, showcasing his versatility in handling a complex, morally ambiguous character. The supporting cast, especially Suraj Venjaramoodu and Cheran, also received commendation for their compelling acts. However, some criticisms included the film’s occasionally muddled narrative in its non-linear approach and a pacing that sometimes felt inconsistent. While the film was praised for its honesty, some found its execution slightly preachy or overly dramatic in certain segments. Despite these points, the film resonated strongly with audiences who appreciated its social commentary and powerful performances. It generated significant discussion for its thematic depth and willingness to explore sensitive socio-political issues, contributing to its commercial success and critical recognition as an important film in Malayalam cinema.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Anuraj Manohar brings a courageous and grounded vision to “Narivetta (2025).” His direction is characterized by a commitment to realism, particularly in depicting the harsh realities of the Muthanga incident and the struggles of marginalized communities. Manohar adopts a non-linear narrative, gradually unfolding the complex layers of the plot and character motivations, which adds to the film’s suspense and emotional impact. He skillfully handles the sensitive subject matter, allowing the intensity to build organically through compelling performances and raw visuals rather than overt melodrama. The cinematography by Vijay is a significant asset to the film. Vijay’s camera work is gritty and atmospheric, employing natural lighting and a realistic color palette to create an immersive environment. He masterfully captures the tension of the police-tribal confrontations and the emotional turmoil of the characters, especially Varghese Peter. The visuals are stark and impactful, effectively conveying the oppressive atmosphere and the desperation of the tribals. The combined efforts of the director and cinematographer ensure that “Narivetta” is not just a story but a visceral experience, making the audience feel the weight of its powerful themes.
Music & Background Score
The music for “Narivetta (2025)” is composed by Jakes Bejoy, whose score is a crucial element in enhancing the film’s tense and emotional narrative. Bejoy’s background score is particularly effective in building suspense and amplifying the dramatic weight of the story. He masterfully uses a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds to create an intense and often melancholic sonic landscape that mirrors the film’s political and emotional complexities. The score is subtle when needed, underscoring the characters’ internal struggles, and powerful during high-stakes action sequences or moments of confrontation. While the film may not be song-heavy, any songs present are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, serving to deepen the emotional connection or highlight specific thematic elements. Jakes Bejoy’s music elevates the viewing experience, ensuring that the audience remains deeply immersed in the film’s world and emotionally invested in the plight of its characters. His contribution is instrumental in establishing the film’s gritty and impactful tone.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Narivetta (2025),” being a political action thriller rooted in realism, relies minimally on elaborate visual effects. Its visual impact stems from its gritty and authentic production design, which accurately portrays the rural and urban settings of Kerala, particularly the environments related to the tribal communities and police operations. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of raw urgency and immediacy through its visuals, rather than fantastical elements. Practical effects are used to enhance the authenticity of the action and dramatic sequences. The art direction ensures that the backdrops feel lived-in and contribute to the narrative’s social commentary. The film’s lighting and color grading are deliberately stark, enhancing the somber and serious tone of the subject matter. Any special effects are subtle, serving to complement the realism of the story without distracting from its core themes. Overall, the visuals in “Narivetta” are well-crafted to support the film’s grounded approach, drawing the audience deeper into the challenging realities faced by its characters and the community it portrays.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “Narivetta (2025),” handled by Shameer Muhammed, plays a crucial role in managing the film’s complex, non-linear narrative. Muhammed’s sharp cuts and seamless transitions between different timelines ensure that the intricate plot unfolds effectively, revealing layers of information without overwhelming the audience. Despite some critics noting potential confusion due to the narrative structure, the editing largely maintains a compelling pace, enhancing the suspense and emotional impact of key revelations. The screenplay, written by Abin Joseph, is the backbone of the film’s powerful storytelling. Joseph’s script is a brave and nuanced exploration of the Muthanga Incident, weaving a fictionalized narrative around real historical events. It delves deep into the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Varghese, and effectively portrays the systemic injustices endured by the tribal communities. The dialogues are impactful and convey the raw emotions and political undertones of the story. While the narrative is dense, it is consistently engaging, making the screenplay a significant strength of “Narivetta” and contributing to its critical acclaim as a socially relevant and thought-provoking film.
Positives / What Works
“Narivetta (2025)” excels due to its bold and socially relevant subject matter, fearlessly addressing issues of land rights and state violence. Tovino Thomas delivers a commanding and nuanced performance, anchoring the film with his portrayal of a morally conflicted cop. The gritty and atmospheric cinematography creates an immersive and realistic world. Director Anuraj Manohar’s courageous and grounded direction, coupled with a complex, yet engaging, non-linear screenplay by Abin Joseph, makes for a compelling watch. The film’s powerful background score by Jakes Bejoy intensifies the emotional and suspenseful moments. The strong supporting cast, including Suraj Venjaramoodu and Cheran, also contributes significantly to the film’s overall impact and authenticity.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “Narivetta (2025)” is largely effective, it does have a few aspects that might hinder its broader appeal. The film’s complex, non-linear narrative structure can occasionally be challenging to follow, requiring consistent audience attention to piece together the timeline and motivations. Some critics noted that the pacing, particularly in certain segments, felt slightly uneven, and the film’s intensity could be overwhelming for some viewers. While its political commentary is a strength, a few might find it overtly preachy at times, potentially sacrificing subtlety for explicit messaging. Additionally, despite strong lead performances, some supporting character developments could have been more fleshed out to fully integrate them into the intricate plot. These elements, while not critically detrimental, might make the film a more demanding watch for a casual audience seeking straightforward entertainment.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Narivetta (2025)” is a powerful and essential Malayalam film that courageously delves into a significant socio-political issue. Its strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of historical injustice, anchored by a stellar performance from Tovino Thomas. Director Anuraj Manohar’s vision is clear and impactful, using a gritty, realistic approach to tell a story that resonates deeply. While the film’s non-linear structure and intense themes might demand a focused viewing, its ability to provoke thought and stimulate conversation about marginalized communities and state power makes it a highly valuable cinematic endeavor. For audiences seeking a film that is both entertaining and meaningful, “Narivetta” offers a compelling and emotionally charged experience, solidifying its place as an important contribution to Malayalam cinema.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4.0 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who directed "Narivetta (2025)"?
The film is directed by Anuraj Manohar.
Who are the lead actors in "Narivetta (2025)"?
The lead actors include Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Priyamvada Krishnan, and Cheran.
