Narivetta Review: A Brutal and Soul-Breaking Depiction of the Muthanga Tribal Agitation

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/5*

Narivetta Review Movie Talkies:

Narivetta is inspired by real-life events and bravely attempts to break the silence surrounding systemic oppression by government officials—a bold move, especially in a cinematic space where many cop dramas prefer to play it safe. While this thematic foundation places it in familiar territory, making the narrative somewhat predictable, the film manages to rise above its limitations thanks to its raw honesty and emotional weight. The final 30 minutes, in particular, hit hard—both in execution and sentiment—and are bound to leave audiences shaken. For many of us living in urban, privileged societies, the Muthanga Tribal Agitation might be a footnote in history books—if it exists there at all. But Narivetta forces you to confront the reality: the plight of tribal communities is not only real but far more complex and widespread than imagined. It’s not just Wayanad; similar stories of displacement and discrimination unfold across the country, and this film offers a much-needed window into that world.

Narivetta Story:

The story follows Varghese (Tovino Thomas), a young man aiming for a higher post in the police force. Though selected for a constable’s role, he initially refuses, wanting something more prestigious like an SI position. But under family pressure and emotional expectations, he takes up the job. His training leads him to the dense forests of Wayanad, where tribal communities are protesting for their basic rights—land and housing. Initially instructed to disperse the protestors, Varghese approaches the task with youthful aggression, only to be reined in by his seniors. As he slowly uncovers the truth behind the police action and the desperate pleas of the protestors, a moral transformation begins. The question lingers—will he choose to stand by the truth, even at personal risk?

Narratively, Narivetta is a slow-burn. At over two and a half hours, it feels stretched—especially in the first three quarters. The pacing drags, and while one could argue that the screenplay uses this time to develop context and emotional stakes, it often feels more meandering than meaningful. The story lacks suspense, and the key twist—one involving betrayal and brutality from within the system—is one we’ve seen before. You can sense it coming from miles away. Despite that, the final act pulls everything together with striking clarity and emotional depth, thanks to a chilling portrayal of state violence that is as disturbing as it is necessary.

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Narivetta Cast:

Tovino Thomas once again proves his acting prowess with a restrained performance, though the character arc written for him feels somewhat inconsistent. For a young man with dreams and intellect, his actions often come off as naïve or confused. This works to some extent, making him more human than heroic, but it also leaves the audience distanced from fully sympathizing with him. Suraj Venjaramoodu makes the most of his limited screen time, delivering a role that quietly anchors the film’s message. Cheran, however, steals the show with a performance full of gravitas, emotional range, and conviction. Arya Salim also impresses, supported well by Pranav Teophine and Priyamvada Krishnan. Other supporting actors, including Prasanth Madhavan, Rini Udayakumar, Badusha NM, and Nadhu, provide decent contributions.

Narivetta Movie Review:

Technically, Narivetta may not be a high-budget affair, but it certainly looks like one. The cinematography by Vijay is stunning, capturing both the haunting beauty and the oppressive weight of the forest landscapes. Editing by Shameer Muhammed could have been sharper, particularly in the first half where scenes linger too long. The art direction is serviceable, while the film’s music and background score—rich with local textures—enhance the emotional stakes and atmosphere. The soundtrack immediately grabs your attention, whether or not you're familiar with the cultural and language setting. Director Anuraj Manohar, known for the emotionally resonant Ishq (2019), returns with a film of a very different genre but a similarly lasting impact. Narivetta is not without its flaws—it’s lengthy, thematically familiar, and predictable in places—but it lands where it matters. The director focuses on details, sometimes at the cost of pace, but the payoff in the finale is worth the wait. This is not just a film, but a statement—about privilege, injustice, and the human cost of silence. In final words, Narivetta is a brutal, realistically fictionalized take on a real-life tragedy that has long been ignored. It deserves to be watched—not for entertainment, but for awareness. And if nothing else, watch it for those unforgettable 30 minutes that will haunt you for a while at least.

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