Acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi recently unveiled the trailer for Narivetta, a hard-hitting Malayalam action drama directed by Anuraj Manohar and inspired by true events. The movie, headlined by Tovino Thomas, also stars filmmaker-actor Cheran and National Award-winner Suraj Venjaramoodu in pivotal roles.
Sharing the trailer on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sethupathi wrote, “Launching #Narivetta Trailer. Best wishes to the entire team of #NarivettaMovie!”
The trailer introduces Tovino Thomas, Cheran, and Suraj Venjaramoodu as police officers entangled in a tense and morally complex conflict. While Cheran portrays a senior Tamilian officer, Thomas appears as a junior-ranking cop. The movie wastes no time establishing a tone of resistance and social unrest.
Opening with a scene where police forces arrive to demolish huts allegedly built illegally on forest land, the trailer reveals mounting tensions between law enforcement and a tribal community. Cheran’s character attempts dialogue with the locals, but the situation quickly deteriorates as scenes of police brutality emerge. One particularly haunting moment features a tribal man too frightened to admit he was beaten, highlighting the deep trauma suffered by the oppressed.
As the trailer progresses, it becomes evident that the heart of the film lies in the community’s fight for land rights. Despite mounting pressure, the tribals stand their ground, declaring their willingness to die rather than abandon their ancestral land. Suspicion intensifies when Cheran’s character hints at a possible Maoist connection behind the organized resistance, deepening the atmosphere of distrust.
Tensions peak when Tovino’s character comes under scrutiny after a bullet is discharged from his service rifle, suggesting internal conflict and a possible conspiracy within the police force itself. At one point, Cheran’s character warns him: “Don’t try to play the hero.”
The trailer delivers two impactful lines that encapsulate the film’s central theme: “When the system betrays, the revolution begins.”
Narivetta is produced by Tippu Shaan and Shiyas Hassan, with a screenplay penned by Abin Joseph. The film features cinematography by Vijay, music by Jakes Bejoy, editing by Shameer Muhammed, art direction by Bawa, and costume design by Arun Manohar.
Reflecting on the film in a social media post, Tovino Thomas described Narivetta as a deeply political drama. “I believe it is a topic that needs to be spoken about boldly and discussed,” he wrote. “I hope it will be a film that you enjoy with all your heart in the theatre and that stays with you long after you leave.”
Describing his connection to the role, Tovino added, “I experienced the joy, happiness, crisis, and pain of life along with the character. This is a film I’ve been waiting for with great anticipation in my acting career.”
With its intense narrative, gripping visuals, and a powerful message, Narivetta promises to be more than just a movie — it aims to be a cinematic movement grounded in truth, justice, and resistance.
