NARADAN MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

90s and 2000s kids grew up watching films like 1999's Pathram, which presents the idealistic picture of authentic journalism and such movies inspired many to seek a career as a journalist. Over the years, we have had several movies following journalists across industries. Never before has any movie taken a layered approach to showcasing journalism like Ashiq Abu did with Naaradan. With simple dialogues and sometimes just through expressions, the movie gives an insider look into news reporting.

The Ashiq Abu directorial stars Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben, Sharaf U Deen, Rajesh Madhavan, and Renji Panicker in pivotal roles. Naaradan follows a senior journalist, Chandraprakash or CP, who is hungry to stay relevant and on the top, while struggling to meet the pressurizing expectations of his editor. Upon being replaced on his show by another journalist over ratings, CP lets go of journalistic ethics to get back on top. What follows in his new path forms the crux of the story.

What is commendable about Naaradan is its tightly written screenplay from Unni R. There are no unnecessary songs or extra and irrelevant scenes. The first half of the movie showcases the sensationalist and ratings-hungry nature of journalism with perfection. We see a good build up and origin story of Tovino's villainous CP. The second half, however, is where the stakes and tension rise to its pinnacle with a transition from journalistic battle to a riveting courtroom battle.

Tovino as CP shines in the movie, with the actor accurately portraying the narcism-driven downward spiral of his character. Anna Ben as Shaakira Mohammed gives an equally praise-worthy performance. The supporting cast gives a convincing performance, as well, but Indrans as the Municipal and later Magistrate judge stands out with his subtlety.

Naaradan is refreshing in many aspects. For starters, the film gets its messaging right while throwing not-so-subtle references to real-life incidents. To achieve this purpose, there are no monologues from anyone. Instead, we get sequences that leave us thinking. Moreover, the movie also raises the age-old debate of freedom of speech for media houses and the limitations of the same, giving a unique perspective of existing laws.

Another refreshing aspect of the film is Tovino is a negative role, a complete 360 to his hero and antihero roles. CP has no morals or ethics; he is a classic narcissist who takes revenge on those who belittle him or challenge his authority. And Tovino portrays all the different layers of the character—anxiety, embarrassment, ruthless, and more—beautifully. However, what lacks in the film is Anna Ben's character development in the first half.

Shaakira Mohammed is supposed to be the other leading character of the film. However, aside from a few glimpses, we don't see her until after the second half well into motion. In fact, until halfway through the second half, Naaradan is a Tovino show, with a razor-sharp focus on his character's development and barely any focus on side characters. With a more comprehensive character development, the film could have been better. Nevertheless, it's a gripping entertainer for the weekend.

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