Tovino Thomas' Narivetta 'left out' of Malayalam 2025 hits, director Anuraj Manohar slams Producers Association

The Kerala Film Producers’ Association’s latest figures on the performance of Malayalam cinema this year have ruffled some feathers in the industry. The Association’s claim has particularly irked filmmaker Anuraj Manohar, who helmed Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, which is not on the list of Malayalam 2025 hits released by the KFPA. Anuraj has publicly slammed the ‘omission’, as he penned a long and emotional note against it on Facebook.

Narivetta director Anuraj Manohar

The Kerala Film Producers’ Association claimed that only 15 films out of the 183 Malayalam movies that released this year ended up as profitable. The list with 8 superhits and 7 hits, included titles such as blockbuster Lokah, Mohanlal’s Empuraan and Mammootty’s Kalamkaval. But the Malayalam film Narivetta, which released in May 2025, was not on the list, causing much disappointment to its director Anuraj.

Also read: Malayalam cinema suffers Rs 360-Cr loss in 2025, even Rs 300-Cr blockbuster Lokah couldn't save it

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Anuraj claimed that his film was a profitable venture and he was even ready to release figures to prove it.

In his FB post in Malayalam, Anuraj recounted that his film was initially rejected by all the major producers in the state and how Indian Cinema Company came on board to back the film, in their first production venture.

"Months after the film's release, the producers' Association's annual verdict says only 15 films were profitable. It is difficult to accept this verdict,” the Narivetta director said.

He further said that the ‘verdict’ comes even as he was in discussions with the same production company for his next film. He concluded the post by saying that their hard work and effort can be ignored but do not trample upon these.

Narivetta collected Rs 30.25 crore during its theatrical run, as per the figures on trade tracker Sacnilk.

Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta

Narivetta stars Tovino Thomas as cop Varghese, who is deputed for duty in Wayanad amid a tribal agitation. The film won praise for its realistic portrayal of the intense face-off between the tribals and the police force. Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran and Arya Salim play other key roles in the film, scripted by Abin Joseph.

Narivetta FAQs

Q. Is Narivetta hit or flop?

A. The movie Narivetta, which mostly garnered positive responses, made Rs 30.25 crore during its theatrical run, as per trade tracker Sacnilk. However, Narivetta was not included in the list of hit films by the Producers' Association.

Q. Is Narivetta a true story?

A. Narivetta is based on the 2003 Muthanga incident in Kerala.

Q. Is Narivetta released in OTT?

A. Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, released on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium in July 2025.