Narivetta Review: Tovino Thomas starrer is an overwhelming story rooted in reality, but stumbles with writing

On May 23, 2025, the movie titled “Narivetta,” featuring Tovino Thomas as the main character, was debuted in cinemas. This action-drama is a cinematic portrayal of true events that unfolded during the Muthanga Incident of 2003, skillfully directed by Anuraj Manohar.

When the film becomes available for streaming on SonyLIV, here’s a review from TopMob if you’d like to know more about it before watching.

The Plot

The movie “Narivetta,” featuring Tovino Thomas, follows the story of Peter Varghese, a police officer assigned to a secluded tribal area for safety reasons. As he immerses himself deeper into the local culture, he begins to understand the hardships and inequalities that the tribal people endure.

As Peter Varghese learns about the government’s intentions to defuse the tension, the officer finds himself in a predicament, caught between loyalty to his duties and compassion for Peter. The unfolding events surrounding Peter and their resolution make up the entire plot of the story.

The Good

Narivetta leaves an impact on viewers long after they’ve watched it. Learning that its vivid portrayal of oppression is rooted in reality adds a chilling depth to the story.

The film masterfully portrays the heart of the event and stays true to the plot. With Tovino Thomas seamlessly transforming into the role of Peter Varghese, it becomes evident how his acting skills have matured and blossomed over time.

The descriptions written by Abin Joseph accurately portray the essential elements of a character’s development, known as a character arc. One aspect that sets this film apart from others within the same genre is the exceptional performance delivered by Anuraj Manohar in its execution.

The director, known for his debut film “Ishq” which was inspired by actual events of moral policing and violence, doesn’t shy away from portraying reality authentically in his films.

Exploring the technical elements of the movie, it’s clear once more why Jake Bejoy stands out as a premier music composer in Malayalam cinema. Despite having just one love song, ‘Minnalvala,’ his impactful background scores during tense scenes serve as the movie’s main support structure.

Furthermore, Vijay, our skilled cinematographer, skillfully constructs an engaging visual tale through the thoughtful editing of Shameer Muhammed. This is achieved without adhering strictly to a linear timeline.

The Bad

Essentially, Narivetta is a story that pits the oppressed against their oppressors. Movies like Jai Bhim and Karnan have set high benchmarks, but the film starring Tovino Thomas seems to fall short in comparison.

The film’s narrative often lacks coherence and continuity, despite being inspired by a true event. Whether this inconsistency is intentional or not, it prevents the movie from delivering a compelling cinematic experience. It might have been more impactful to present the story as a gripping documentary instead of dramatizing it.

Beyond some weaknesses in narrative flow and perhaps oversimplifying the hardships experienced by the indigenous tribe, the film remains a powerful reminder of a historical reality that deserves our ongoing recognition.

The Performance

In Narivetta, the standout feature is undoubtedly its powerhouse cast of talented actors. For instance, Tovino Thomas convincingly portrays a typical police constable, while Suraj Venjaramoodu skillfully depicts a character who is both strong and compassionate.

Furthermore, it was delightful to see Cheran making his Malayalam film debut, highlighting the reason for his former reputation as an exceptional actor in Tamil cinema.

Arya Salim particularly stood out, while Priyamvada Krishnan skillfully portrayed the role of Peter Varghese’s love interest.

Watch the trailer here:

The Verdict

Narivetta is a film that offers a reflection of contemporary history, a chapter some might have overlooked. If you’re the type who enjoys gripping action dramas without hesitation, then this movie featuring Tovino Thomas is definitely tailored to your taste.

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2025-07-11 12:22