It was on May 23, 2025, when Tovino Thomas’ latest action thriller movie, Narivetta, saw a theatrical release. The film has been directed by Anuraj Mohar and has received mixed reviews from both critics as well as fans. The movie is known for its thriller element, powerful storyline, direction and performances. Well, do you know that reportedly the movie is based on a real-life incident and is inspired by the long-lost tale of the Muthanga incident that took place in 2003?
Is Narivetta based on Kerala’s Muthanga incident?
Narivetta, which was released on May 23, 2025, actually re-tells the story of the Muthanga incident. It was a protest carried out by the Adivasi that had escalated and also led to death. The music director of the movie, Jakes Bejoy, according to a News 18 report, had appreciated the efforts of the director who gave a voice to the voiceless with a pretty strong message. For the unversed, the Adivasi community wanted land rights, and it turned into an important chapter in the history of Kerala.
For a long time, they had urged rehabilitation steps and wanted land from the then-governing political party, the Indian National Congress, which dominated the state government. An agreement was allegedly made between that time CM, AK Antony and the tribals back in 2001. The promise of giving them 19,000 acres of land was unfulfilled. Due to this, the Adivasi community had to relocate to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Wayanad district. It was on February 19, 2003, when the officials tried to evade the settlers, and hence, violence rose. The Adivasis reportedly caught hold of K.V. Vinod, a police constable and forester, P.K. Sasidharan.
Narivetta– the film has a complex narrative
The forester in the real incident had got a lot of injuries, wounds and the entire incident had got the attention of the nation on grounds of humanity. In the movie, the narrative showcases the complex cop dynamics through Tovino, who essays the role of Constable Varghese. Abin Joseph is the writer of the movie, and the title of the movie means ‘leopard hunt’. The movie has a stellar cast of Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran, Arya Salim, Priyamvada Krishnan, Rini Udayakumar, Jithin Eden, apart from Tovino. Indian Cinema Company bankrolled the movie while pivotal scenes of Tovino were shot in Kottayam, Wayanad and Alappuzha to give a real-life feeling to the incident that took place. The film, due to the real-life scenario, is gaining traction.
What exactly took place in Muthang?
Another report by The Week mentioned that the then Indian National Congress government had promised them the land that they needed. However, when it fell flat, under the banner of Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha (AGMS), the Adivasis shifted to Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad. The police constable, Vinod, reportedly was killed in the incident, while the forester had escaped with severe injuries to his back. Earlier, in an interview, a tribal whose name, identity and other details were hidden had earlier told the publication about the atrocities faced. The tribal noted:
“It was the police and forest staff who unleashed violence on us. We only tried to save our people.” However, Sasidharan had a different version: “The protesters were waiting with bows and arrows atop trees. As we reached the huts, a group charged at us with axes and knives.”
What are your views on Narivetta being inspired by the massive Muthanga incident?
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