Anuraj Manohar's 'Narivetta,' released in May 2025, delves into the Muthanga incident of 2003, a significant event in Kerala's history concerning tribal land rights. The film fictionalizes the real-life protest and its aftermath, focusing on a young police officer's involvement.
The movie explores the complexities of the situation through the eyes of Varghese, portrayed by Tovino Thomas. Suraj Venjaramoodu plays Varghese's mentor, offering guidance amidst the turmoil. While the film authentically depicts the tribal community and their dialect, some reviews note that the characters lack depth.
Critics suggest that 'Narivetta' doesn't fully capture the gravity of the Muthanga incident, with the narrative sometimes prioritizing the protagonist's journey over the Adivasi struggle. Despite strong performances and technical aspects, the film's focus and reluctance to delve deeper into the core issues leave a sense of missed opportunity in documenting a crucial moment in tribal land rights.