Hard take on the system

Narivettai

– Review

Tovino Thomas lives with his mother after his father took his life. He is awaiting calls for two jobs – a village assistant and a police constable. 

Tovino, who doesn’t think twice about borrowing money from the women in his life, is uninterested in both jobs. 

However, his situation and the shame of his girlfriend’s father force him to take up the constable job. 

When Varghese dons the uniform, he is an angry man. Suraj Venjaramoodu guides him and keeps his anger in check. 

When they are posted in Wayanad, they are forced to evacuate a bunch of Adivasis who are protesting for land rights. 

How this incident changes his life forms the core plot of the movie.

Anuraj Manohar has made the movie based on real-life incident and uses the non-linear fashion screenplay to establish the characters and their backstory.

The director has not held back in his criticism of the system and has come out quite strong.

Tovino Thomas is extraordinary in the role, especially in the confrontation scene between the police and the tribals.

Suraj Venajaramood is a calming presence in the movie. He is so convincing to make the audience believe that there are good cops as well.

Director Cheran shines in a grey-shaded role and is impressive. Priyamvada shines in the substantial screentime that she gets.

Rest of the cast including Pranav Teophine, Arya Salim and Prasanth Madavan have all done their part well.

Jakes Bejoy’s music adds tension to the proceedings and increases the intensity on screen.  Vijay’s camerawork is impressive and has captured the emotions well.

Rest of the technical aspects of the movie are passable. 

Rating: 3.5/5 

By Naveen

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