Narivettai Movie Review: A Gritty Tale of Power, Protest, and Redemption
Narivettai (2025), directed by Anuraj Manohar and starring Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran, and Arya Salim, is a Tamil-language crime drama thriller that tackles the sensitive 2003 Muthanga incident in Kerala. Dubbed from its Malayalam original, Narivetta, the film explores themes of systemic oppression, police brutality, and the struggle for tribal land rights, weaving a fictional narrative inspired by real events. Despite its ambitious intent, Narivettai is a polarizing film—celebrated for its technical brilliance and emotional depth but critiqued for its uneven pacing and narrative choices.
Plot and Themes
Narivettai centers on Varghese Peter (Tovino Thomas), a rookie police constable from Kuttanad navigating personal and professional challenges. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized version of the 2003 Muthanga agitation, where Adivasi communities protested for their promised land rights, the film follows Varghese’s journey from an apolitical, self-serving individual to a man confronting the moral complexities of his role in a corrupt system. The tribal protest, led by the fierce CK Shanthi (Arya Salim, inspired by CK Janu), escalates into a violent clash with the police, orchestrated by manipulative forces, including senior officer Raghuram Keshavdas (Cheran). Varghese’s mentor, Basheer (Suraj Venjaramoodu), provides an empathetic counterpoint, urging him to see beyond the uniform. The title, meaning “Jackal Hunt,” poses a provocative question: who is the hunter, and who is the hunted in this clash of power and resistance?
The film’s thematic core is rooted in social justice, examining how institutions meant to protect can become tools of oppression. It draws parallels with films like Jigarthanda Double X and Viduthalai 2, where protagonists grapple with systemic corruption. However, Narivettai chooses to tell its story from an outsider’s perspective—Varghese’s—rather than the tribal community’s, a choice that both humanizes the narrative for a broader audience and limits its depth in exploring the Adivasi plight.
Performances: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance
Tovino Thomas delivers a layered performance as Varghese, capturing his initial naivety and eventual transformation with conviction. His standout moments come during the intense protest scenes, particularly the emotionally charged climax, which fans have called “fire” for its raw intensity. However, some critics note that Tovino struggles to convey Varghese’s early nervousness or angst, making his character feel overly naive at times. Suraj Venjaramoodu, as Basheer, brings quiet strength and empathy, stealing scenes with his restrained yet impactful performance. His role as a mentor adds emotional weight, though some viewers felt his character deserved more screen time.
Cheran, as the morally ambiguous Keshavdas, is a commanding presence, with his body language and dubbing adding authenticity. However, and reviews suggest his casting feels off, with some labeling him a “miscast” due to the character’s limited depth. Arya Salim shines as CK Shanthi, embodying the fiery spirit of a tribal leader. Her performance, reminiscent of CK Janu, is a highlight, though the script underutilizes her, relegating her to a one-dimensional role. The supporting cast, including Pranav Teophine, adds authenticity, particularly in the protest scenes, which are executed with clarity and control.
Technical Excellence and Flaws
Narivettai is a technical triumph. Cinematographer Vijay captures the contrasting landscapes of Kuttanad’s serene waters and Wayanad’s raw, earthy forests, enhancing the narrative’s emotional shifts. The protest sequences, shot with intensity and a gripping single-take, are visually stunning, amplifying the chaos and tragedy. Jakes Bejoy’s score is a standout, with tracks like “Minnelvala” and the background music adding tension and emotional resonance. Editor Shameer Muhammed crafts a realistic drama, though some feel the pacing falters in the first half. The sound design by Renganaath Raave and Vishnu P.C., optimized for Atmos, immerses viewers in the forest setting.
However, the screenplay by Abin Joseph is a point of contention. The first half, focusing on Varghese’s personal life and romance with Priyamvada Krishnan’s character, feels sluggish and disconnected from the central conflict. The love track, in particular, is criticized as “stretched” and detracting from the main plot. The decision to center Varghese, an outsider, over the tribal perspective dilutes the film’s exploration of the Adivasi struggle, making it feel “emotionally distant” for some. The climax, while intense, is seen as predictable by some viewers due to its commercial leanings, and Varghese’s transformation is criticized as overly dramatic, undermining the story’s rawness.
Reception and Impact
Narivettai has sparked varied reactions. On BookMyShow, it boasts high ratings (8.3/10 to 9/10 across cities) with praise for its direction, acting, and music, with tags like “#Blockbuster” and “#Inspiring”. hail it as a “cult classic” and Tovino’s “career-best performance,” particularly lauding the climax. Critics, however, are divided. The Times of India gives it 3.5/5, calling it a “brave, bold attempt” that shakes up the status quo, while The New Indian Express faults its “meandering focus” and “rudimentary storytelling”. The Hindu praises its emotional weight but notes the slow first half. On Reddit, fans appreciate the gripping second half but find the pacing uneven.
Why Narivettai Matters
Despite its flaws, Narivettai is a significant film for tackling a dark chapter in Kerala’s history—the Muthanga incident, where tribal protests were met with state violence. Its refusal to simplify the tribal dialect or whitewash the brutality adds authenticity, though the lack of focus on the Adivasi perspective limits its impact as social justice cinema. The film’s emotional core, particularly in the protest scenes and Basheer’s empathetic presence, resonates deeply, leaving audiences questioning systemic oppression. For Tamil and Malayalam cinema audiences, it’s a bold step toward addressing political issues, even if it doesn’t match the nuance of Tamil filmmakers like Vetrimaaran.
Final Verdict
Narivettai is a technically brilliant yet narratively uneven film that tackles a vital issue with sincerity but stumbles in execution. Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu anchor the story, supported by a stellar technical team, but the slow first half and outsider perspective prevent it from fully realizing its potential. It’s a film that’s both moving and frustrating, best experienced on the big screen for its visuals and score. For those seeking a thought-provoking drama that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, Narivettai is worth watching, flaws and all.
Rating: 7/10
Narivettai is a powerful, if flawed, exploration of power and resistance, elevated by strong performances and technical finesse. It’s a story that needed to be told, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
Narivettai is a powerful, if flawed, exploration of power and resistance, elevated by strong performances and technical finesse. It’s a story that needed to be told, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.