Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas is all set to deliver one of his most hard-hitting performances yet in ‘Narivetta,’ an intense political action drama that has now been cleared by the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate. The film, directed by Anuraj Manohar and produced by Tippu Shah and Shiyas Hassan under the Indian Cinema Company banner, is already garnering attention for its bold narrative and powerful cast.
On Instagram, the production house officially announced the news with the post: “Narivetta certified U/A!” signaling that the film is now prepped for its theatrical journey.
Cheran’s Malayalam debut and an ensemble cast
Based on real-life events, ‘Narivetta’ stands out not only for its storyline but also for marking the Malayalam debut of acclaimed Tamil filmmaker and actor Cheran. He joins forces with Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu, all of whom portray police officers embroiled in a highly charged conflict.
In the trailer, Cheran plays a senior Tamil police officer while Tovino takes on the role of a junior cop. Suraj adds to the intensity with his presence in key action-driven moments. Their characters are sent into a tribal region where alleged illegal encroachments have prompted a harsh police crackdown, leading to scenes of extreme brutality and fear.
A conflict where justice and revolution collide
The plot unfolds as a tense standoff between indigenous villagers and the state machinery. A key moment in the trailer features Cheran’s voice cutting through the chaos as he warns Tovino’s character: “Don’t try to play the hero.” This line reflects the deeper ideological battle brewing beneath the surface—a community’s desperate resistance against displacement and systemic abuse.
The film dives deep into the emotional and political layers of land rights, state violence and grassroots resistance. As suspicions arise that the tribal protests are backed by Maoist groups, the stakes get higher, leaving the audience to question where loyalty, truth and justice really lie.
Technical brilliance and an emotional journey
Crafted with a compelling narrative by writer Abin Joseph, ‘Narivetta’ also shines in its technical departments. The cinematography by Vijay captures the starkness of forested terrains and protest zones, while Jakes Bejoy’s intense music heightens the emotional gravity. Shameer Muhammed handles the editing, with art direction by Bawa and costumes by Arun Manohar.
Tovino, in a heartfelt post called ‘Narivetta’ one of the most important projects of his career. “It is a subject that must be addressed, and I hope the film resonates with the audience long after they leave the theatre,” he shared.
He added that the role took him through a spectrum of emotional experiences—joy, crisis and pain—making it a transformative experience in his journey as an actor.