Narivetta Review: Tovino’s intense cop drama makes you think

Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta explores the clash between police and tribals in Wayanad, inspired by real events. This intense Malayalam thriller, now on SonyLIV, questions power, justice, and human conscience

Hyderabad: The Telugu-dubbed version of the Malayalam film Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, is now streaming on SonyLIV after hitting theatres on May 30, 2025. Inspired by real events, this police thriller tries to shine a light on a dark chapter of tribal protests in Kerala, offering a raw mix of emotions, conflict, and politics.

At the centre of Narivetta is Varghese Peter (Tovino Thomas), a young man who reluctantly joins the police force to please his mother and the woman he loves. Posted with a battalion to handle an agitation by tribals in Wayanad’s Muthanga region, Varghese soon finds himself torn between his duty and the harsh realities faced by those he’s supposed to police. As tensions between the battalion and the protesting tribals escalate, Varghese’s eyes open to uncomfortable truths, but his awakening may come too late.

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Director Anuraj Manohar picks a powerful real-life backdrop (the 2003 Muthanga incident) and attempts to present it with grit and sincerity. The theme itself is bold and refreshing, and the movie does manage to raise some uncomfortable questions about how governments treat the marginalised. Arya Salim’s performance as a tribal leader stands out, adding depth and reminding us of real-life icons like CK Janu.

Performance-wise, Tovino carries the film with his earnest portrayal of a conflicted cop. The supporting cast, including Suraj Venjaramoodu and Cheran, do justice to their roles but could have been given stronger arcs to build more tension. The screenplay, however, struggles in parts, especially when the story shifts back and forth in time. The love story angle feels half-baked and slows the film down, and some scenes could have been tighter with better editing.

Technically, Narivetta looks and sounds strong. Vijay’s cinematography beautifully captures the forest landscape, adding to the film’s realism, while Jakes Bejoy’s background score lifts key moments and keeps the audience invested. Shameer Muhammed, a well-known editor in Malayalam cinema, does a fair job with the cuts, but a tighter edit in the second half could have made the narrative sharper. The production values are decent, and the Telugu dubbing is handled well, preserving the film’s grounded tone.

On the whole, Narivetta is not a flawless thriller, but it is a brave attempt to tackle a sensitive issue. While the second half feels dragged at times and the climax could have packed more punch, the film’s honest storytelling and solid performances make it worth a watch for those who appreciate socially rooted narratives.

Verdict: Narivetta won’t please everyone, but its thought-provoking story and grounded performances make it a decent pick for fans of realistic Malayalam thrillers. Now streaming on SonyLIV, it’s a good watch if you’re in the mood for a cop drama with a conscience.