Narivetta Movie Review: An Honest Look at a 2003 Real-Life Incident
“Narivetta,” a recent Malayalam release with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, is a socio-political drama based on a real-life incident from 2003. The film, which was available with subtitles, offers a compelling, albeit at times slow, narrative that ultimately leaves a lasting impression.
The Story Behind Narivetta
The film centers on a real-life incident from 2003, portraying the struggles of a community. The basic storyline revolves around a situation where government orders compel residents of a region to vacate their ancestral lands. The narrative explores the aftermath of their strike, questioning whether they succeeded in retaining their land, or if they faced significant injustice.
Pacing and Flow
While the film’s first half is described as somewhat slow, it maintains a compelling flow that keeps the audience engaged. The latter part of the movie, particularly the last 40 minutes, is highlighted as a strong segment. Despite a predictable love story plot interjected in the middle, the film manages to make time pass seamlessly. The reviewer noted comparisons to films like “Kantara” and Vetrimaaran’s “Viduthalai,” though “Narivetta” is less violent and more emotionally driven. It is also considered suitable for family viewing, as it contains no adult content.
What Works Well: Plus Points
“Narivetta” stands out for its exceptionally naturalistic portrayal, even exceeding the usual authenticity found in Malayalam cinema. The film powerfully depicts the injustice faced by tribal people in 2003, raising questions about such historical events. The cinematography and background music (BGM) are commendable, beautifully capturing locations like Wayanad.
Performances across the board are strong, with particular appreciation for the actors portraying tribal people, the police officer involved in the altercation, a small child, and the strikers. Although the first half starts slowly, the narrative picks up significantly after the first 10 minutes of the second half, with continuous events driving the story forward.
Areas for Improvement: Minus Points
Despite being based on a real-life incident, the film’s plot is largely predictable. The initial suspense factor created at the beginning doesn’t fully sustain itself. For instance, the behavior of the police head during the conversation between politicians and the tribal community leader in the second half makes the outcome quite obvious.
The reviewer found Tovino Thomas’s performance in emotional scenes, particularly in the pre-climax single-take sequence, to be somewhat artificial. It was suggested that the role might have been better suited for a mid-range actor, akin to Soori’s performance in “Viduthalai.” Having seen Tovino Thomas in powerful police roles in films like “Kala” or “Anveshippin Kandethum,” his portrayal as a training police constable in “Narivetta” felt less fitting in certain scenes.
The inclusion of a love story, intended to explain the protagonist’s acceptance of the police constable job, felt unnecessary and contributed to the film’s length. This subplot was also described as generic and unoriginal. Additionally, Suraj Venjaramoodu’s role, despite his dedication, was reduced to a guest appearance. A couple of scenes also felt like forced hero-worship.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, “Narivetta” offers a familiar story about communities resisting government orders to vacate their traditional lands. However, it is elevated by strong performances, an emotional core, and an engaging final 50 minutes, including Suraj Venjaramoodu’s limited but impactful presence. The film evokes a feeling of injustice, described as a “mini Jallianwala Bagh” moment. It is an honest socio-political drama, though it does not rely on thrills. The reviewer’s personal rating for “Narivetta” is 3 out of 5.
