Narivetta: Tovino Thomas’s Gritty Cop Thriller That Unmasks Justice and Conscience

With its OTT release on Sony Liv set for July 11, 2025, Narivetta is poised to reach a wider audience eager for meaningful cinema that combines thrilling storytelling with social consciousness. It stands out as a well-crafted, emotionally resonant cop drama that courageously addresses real-world issues often overlooked in mainstream Indian cinema.

For viewers interested in films that provoke thought while delivering intense drama, Narivetta offers a powerful cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Strong Performances and Emotional Depth

Tovino Thomas delivers a layered and compelling performance as Varghese, capturing the internal turmoil of a man torn between duty and conscience. His transformation from a reluctant enforcer to a voice of empathy and rebellion against injustice is portrayed with subtlety and conviction. Supporting actors like Suraj Venjaramoodu and Cheran add further depth, portraying the conflicting facets of law enforcement.

A Story Inspired by Real Events

Narivetta is set against the backdrop of Kerala’s tribal heartlands, focusing on the clash between indigenous communities fighting for their ancestral land rights and the state authorities enforcing eviction under forest conservation policies. The film follows Varghese Peter (Tovino Thomas), a reluctant police constable deployed to the volatile Muthanga region. Initially indifferent and hot-headed, Varghese’s journey from a disillusioned cop to a man questioning the very system he serves forms the emotional core of the film.

The narrative reflects the real-life Muthanga incident, where peaceful tribal protests were met with brutal police action, highlighting systemic injustice and the complexities of state power. This socio-political context lends Narivetta a raw authenticity that elevates it beyond a typical thriller.

Here are some other pointers as to why this is a must-watch 

• Cinematographic Contrast: Vijay Iratta’s cinematography deliberately contrasts the serene beauty of Kerala’s forests with the violent clashes and turmoil, visually emphasizing the tragic irony of nature’s peace disrupted by human conflict. This visual storytelling adds a poetic layer rarely highlighted in similar genre films.
• Music as a Narrative Device: Jakes Bejoy’s score in Narivetta goes beyond background music; it acts as a narrative voice reflecting the emotional states of characters and the tension between tradition and modernity. The soundtrack incorporates tribal musical elements, creating an immersive soundscape that few other Malayalam thrillers attempt.
• Subtle Critique of Institutional Power: The film does not just depict police brutality but also critiques the bureaucratic and political machinery that orchestrates such actions. This layered critique provides a broader socio-political context, encouraging viewers to question systemic structures rather than individual villains.