Narivetta OTT Release: Why Tovino Thomas' Political Thriller Deserves a Watch

After garnering critical acclaim and audience praise during its theatrical run, Tovino Thomas’ hard-hitting Malayalam political thriller Narivetta is all set to make its OTT debut on SonyLIV on July 11, 2025. Directed by Anuraj Manohar, the film explores themes of justice, conscience, and conflict, all set against the volatile backdrop of a tribal protest in Wayanad.

If you missed the theatrical release or are still on the fence about watching it online, here are compelling reasons why Narivetta should be on your weekend binge list.

Narivetta OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Narivetta Online

• OTT Platforms: SonyLIV 

• Release Date: July 11, 2025

SonyLIV officially confirmed the OTT premiere with a powerful poster, declaring: “The journey of a man like no other, a true seeker for justice.”

Plot: A Haunting Tale of Conscience and Conflict

The narrative, penned by Abin Joseph, follows the story of Varghese Peter, a reluctant police officer who finds himself caught amid a tribal agitation in Wayanad. Initially resistant and aggressive in handling the protestors, Varghese’s journey becomes one of introspection as he begins to empathize with the oppressed.

The agitation revolves around the tribal community’s demand for land allocation, which escalates into a tense standoff with law enforcement. While Narivetta draws thematic inspiration from real-life tribal movements like the Muthanga agitation, the makers assert it is not based on a specific incident, choosing instead to offer a realistic portrayal of systemic conflict and moral dilemmas.

Tovino Thomas Shines as Varghese Peter

In a performance hailed by both critics and fans, Tovino Thomas breathes life into the role of CPO Varghese Peter. As a man torn between duty and conscience, Tovino delivers a nuanced portrayal that reflects the character’s internal transformation from a by-the-book officer to a more humane figure.

His emotional depth and intensity stand out, making Narivetta one of his finest works to date, alongside performances in films like Ajayante Randam Moshanam.

A Powerful Supporting Cast

• Suraj Venjaramoodu as Head Constable Basheer Ahammed adds gravitas with his understated yet impactful screen presence.

• Cheran, the renowned Tamil actor-filmmaker, makes a noteworthy Malayalam debut as DIG Raghuram Keshavadas IPS, bringing a new dynamic to the narrative.

• Arya Salim plays activist C.K. Shanthi, a role praised despite limited screen time.

• The ensemble also includes Priyamvada Krishnan, Pranav Teophine, Rini Udayakumar, Nandhu, and Dr. Vijesh Lee, with Shahi Kabir appearing as a police officer.

Strong Technical Backbone

• Director: Anuraj Manohar

• Cinematographer: Vijay, who captures the rural tensions with sharp realism.

• Editor: Shameer Muhammad (along with Muhammad Sanoober) ensures the pacing remains taut.

• Music: Jake Bejoy elevates the film’s atmosphere with a brooding score. The “Minnalvala” track, sung by Sid Sriram and Sithara, provides a melodic breather amidst the intensity.

Why Narivetta Deserves a Watch

• Topical and socially relevant, the film addresses issues that often remain underrepresented in mainstream Malayalam cinema.

• Layered storytelling, where each character transforms chaos.

• Authentic portrayal of tribal issues, offering a lens into the state's bureaucratic struggles.

• Tovino Thomas’s career-defining performance showcases the internal conflict of law enforcement officers.

Narivetta is more than just a political thriller—it is a visceral cinematic experience that compels the viewer to reflect on power, privilege, and empathy. With its digital release set for July 11, 2025, the film will now reach a wider audience, and rightly so.

Whether you're a fan of socially conscious cinema, a Tovino Thomas admirer, or simply looking for a gripping Malayalam film, Narivetta is a must-watch.

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