Narivetta: Why Tovino Thomas' film is a worthy addition to realistic Malayalam cinema

Even amid masala entertainers, we get Malayalam films such as Basil Joseph-starrer Ponman, director Shahi Kabir’s Ronth and Tovino Thomas' Narivetta that stay rooted to ground reality,

Narivetta on OTT

Malayalam cinema has been able to stand out from the rest of the film industries for long, with its more rooted stories and realistic portrayals on screen. Of course, the mass films are also very much part of the Malayalam filmdom. But even amid a slew of fanboy movies and masala entertainers, we get films such as Basil Joseph-starrer Ponman and director Shahi Kabir’s Ronth which stay rooted to ground reality. And the most recent addition to the list is Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas.

Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta

Narivetta, the 2025 Malayalam film helmed by Anuraj Manohar, chronicles the tense events amid a tribal protest. Tovino Thomas plays the lead role of a cop, named Varghese, in the film, who heads to Wayanad after the State decides to clamp down on the protests. Though he too opposes the agitation, the young Varghese soon gets to see the other side of events as he realises the oppression that the tribal folks have been facing.

The film has clear hints about a similar protest in Kerala, the infamous Muthanga stir in 2003, which even led to the loss of lives. Though the makers have stated that the film is not based on any particular incident that happened in Kerala, the similarities are hard to miss.

Also read: Narivetta on OTT: Why you should watch Tovino Thomas' gripping Malayalam film online

Abin Joseph has penned this movie, which is an authentic portrayal of a fight against injustice. Not just the hapless situation of the oppressed, the film also delves into power politics and the mindset of the police personnel who often end up becoming tools at the hands of those in power.

From the hilly terrain to the police battalions, the setting also feels authentic. Cinematographer Vijay’s frames also capture the charged atmosphere of the volatile situation.

Other authentic portrayals

Another recent example is Ronth, which follows two cops on patrolling duty. Writer-director Shahi Kabir, a former cop himself, has directed Ronth and was able to depict the real picture of cops who deal with personal struggles even when they stay committed to their professional duties.

Ponman, which was released earlier this year, also depicts the plight of poor families as they struggle to give dowries to get their daughters married. Actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph plays a gold dealer in the film, bringing out the resilience of those who refuse to be beaten. Ponman can be streamed on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

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