Movie Review: Narivetta (2025)

Movie Review: Narivetta (2025)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Directed by a team that clearly understands the emotional pulse of its story, “Narivetta” is a grounded, absorbing film that takes inspiration from real-life events while maintaining a cinematic finesse that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Reality

“Narivetta” brings to screen an incident rooted in reality, though for many—myself included—the specifics of the original event may not be widely known. This detachment from the source material actually works in the film’s favor, allowing the narrative to unfold with a sense of discovery. Even if some characters mirror real-life figures, their dramatized versions are delivered with conviction and depth, making the story accessible to both informed and uninitiated viewers alike.

Narrative Strength and Pacing

The screenplay strikes a commendable balance, offering a steady rhythm without dragging or rushing. The film’s pacing in the first half is particularly effective, immersing the audience quickly into the world it builds. Every scene feels purposeful, with transitions that contribute to a cohesive storytelling experience. However, while the second half does not feel sluggish, it lacks some of the narrative propulsion and emotional charge that made the initial portions so gripping.

One noticeable stylistic choice is the use of timestamps. Although perhaps intended to anchor the story in a timeline or enhance realism, these markers feel more ornamental than functional and don’t significantly impact the viewer’s understanding or emotional engagement.

Performances and Character Portrayals

The film’s casting is one of its major strengths. Tovino Thomas leads with a compelling presence for most of the film, though his performance during a key protest sequence veers into overly dramatic territory, briefly disrupting the otherwise naturalistic tone of the film. Nonetheless, his overall contribution remains impactful.

Priyamvada Krishnan is a standout. Her portrayal is layered and sincere, supported by strong writing that allows her character space to breathe and grow. Her chemistry with Tovino—especially in dialogue-driven scenes—is refreshingly unforced and genuine.

Cheran delivers a measured performance that evokes nostalgia, reminiscent in tone of Malayalam veterans like Padmasree Murali. His portrayal is heartfelt and rooted in authenticity. Arya Salim emerges as a talent to watch, showing considerable range and emotional intelligence in her role. Suraj Venjaramood, although effective, feels slightly underutilized given the importance of his character. A more developed arc could have elevated his presence further.

Visual Realism and Emotional Core

Where “Narivetta” truly excels is in its immersive world-building. The film captures the lives of the Muthanga people with authenticity—dialogues, settings, and cultural nuances are presented with care, avoiding caricature or over-explanation. These grounded elements lend the film a documentary-like credibility, reinforcing its emotional and social weight.

The depiction of relationships—whether maternal, familial, or romantic—feels deeply personal and relatable. The writing here is particularly strong, allowing emotional beats to land without resorting to sentimentality. Certain scenes linger long after the credits roll, thanks to their emotional honesty and nuanced execution.

Protest Scenes and Direction

The protest sequences, often a challenging area for filmmakers, are handled with commendable restraint and clarity. The direction avoids chaos for chaos’ sake, instead offering a coherent and visually intelligible portrayal of conflict. However, Tovino’s performance during these moments slightly disrupts the tonal balance, as his otherwise grounded approach shifts toward theatricality.

Final Verdict

Despite a few missteps—such as the overuse of timestamps and sporadic tonal inconsistencies—Narivetta stands as a well-made, emotionally resonant film. It combines strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a deep sense of place to tell a story that feels both intimate and socially relevant.

“Narivetta” is not just a film about an incident; it’s a portrait of resilience, identity, and human connection. For viewers seeking sincerity over spectacle, it’s a compelling watch.