Thiruvananthapuram, April 10, 2025: Director Jithin Issac Thomas's Narivetta isn't just a film - it's a Molotov cocktail hurled at Kerala's carefully maintained facade of progressiveness. Featuring a career-defining performance by Vinayakan as a tribal activist fighting systemic oppression, this hard-hitting drama exposes the caste-based violence that still simmers beneath Kerala's development narrative. While not an easy watch, its unflinching gaze at uncomfortable truths makes it arguably the most important Malayalam film of the year.
Plot: When Personal Tragedy Meets Systemic Injustice
The story follows Kandan (Vinayakan), a daily wage laborer from the Mala Araya tribal community, whose life shatters when his sister becomes victim to a brutal caste-based sexual assault. What begins as a quest for justice transforms into a devastating expose of institutional complicity - from apathetic police officers to politically-connected upper caste landowners.
First-time screenwriter Aswathy Jyothi crafts a narrative that's both specific in its Kerala context (drawing from real-life Attappady tribal struggles) and universal in its portrayal of oppression. The courtroom sequences, particularly a 12-minute single-take testimony by Kandan, will leave audiences emotionally gutted.
Performances: Vinayakan's Magnum Opus
Vinayakan delivers what should become a defining performance in Indian parallel cinema. His portrayal of Kandan's transformation from broken victim to furious revolutionary is terrifying in its authenticity. Newcomer Rajisha Vijayan as the public prosecutor brings nuanced intensity to what could have been a stock "savior" role.
The supporting cast - especially Sudheer Karamana as the cunning antagonist and Indrans in a rare serious role as Kandan's alcoholic father - create a tapestry of believable characters. Special mention goes to child actor Arjun Radhakrishnan whose silent scenes speak volumes about generational trauma.
Technical Brilliance: Crafting Discomfort
Cinematographer Shehnad Jalal opts for gritty handheld shots that place viewers uncomfortably close to the violence, while deliberately switching to static wide shots during bureaucratic scenes to emphasize systemic coldness. The sparse sound design (only 17 minutes of background score in a 138-minute film) makes every scream and whisper land with devastating impact.
Editor Nishad Yusuf deserves praise for maintaining relentless tension without veering into exploitation. The decision to show certain violent acts through aftermath rather than depiction demonstrates remarkable artistic restraint.
Social Impact: Kerala's Mirror Moment
Already sparking heated debates across political circles, Narivetta forces Kerala to confront its hypocrisies. The film's most controversial sequence - a Dalit laborer being denied entry to a temple while foreign tourists walk in freely - has led to actual policy discussions in the state assembly.
However, some critics argue the film occasionally lapses into didacticism, particularly in its final act where subtlety gives way to outright manifesto. The absence of substantial upper caste ally characters also raises questions about narrative balance.
Verdict: Essential But Emotionally Taxing
Narivetta isn't entertainment - it's confrontation. While its technical mastery and phenomenal performances make it artistically rewarding, its true value lies in being that rare film that might actually change societal discourse. Bring tissues, but more importantly, bring your conscience.
Rating: 4.5/5 (1/2 point deducted for occasional heavy-handedness)
Highlights: Vinayakan's performance, cinematography, social relevance
Content Warning: Graphic depictions of caste violence, sexual assault
Now showing in select theaters. Runtime: 138 minutes. Produced under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation's socially relevant cinema initiative.