Last updated: 8 May 2026


Malayalam · Drama, Thriller
2h 30m · 3 Mar 2022
Music: Sekhar Menon, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | DOP: Jaffer Zadique | Writer: Unni R.
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Naradan follows the story of a young, ambitious journalist who gradually descends into the murky world of sensationalist media. The film explores the ethical dilemmas and consequences of media manipulation and fake news, highlighting the impact on individuals and society. It is a gripping narrative that delves into the dark side of journalism with a strong socio-political undertone.
Naradan is a hard-hitting socio-political thriller that effectively captures the moral conflicts within the media industry. The story is compelling and relevant, with a screenplay that maintains tension throughout. The pacing is well-balanced, with a gripping first half that sets up the protagonist's ambitions and a more intense second half that showcases his moral downfall.
The film's screenplay is taut and engaging, avoiding unnecessary subplots and focusing on the core theme of media ethics. The narrative progression is smooth, with well-crafted dialogues that underline the film's critical message. The first half builds the character and context effectively, while the second half intensifies the drama and emotional stakes.
Musically, the songs are minimal but impactful, complementing the film's tone rather than distracting from it. The background score by Sekhar Menon, Yakzan Gary Pereira, and Neha Nair is subtle yet effective, enhancing the suspense and emotional depth without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Jaffer Zadique adds a gritty realism that suits the film's theme perfectly.
Tovino Thomas: Powerful and nuanced portrayal of a journalist spiraling into ethical ambiguity.
Anna Ben: Strong and convincing as the moral compass and emotional anchor.
Renji Panicker: Commanding presence adding gravitas to the narrative.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Aashiq Abu delivers a focused and impactful direction, balancing the thriller elements with a strong social message. His writing is sharp, and he maintains a consistent tone throughout the film, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics praised Naradan for its bold storytelling and Tovino Thomas's compelling performance. The film was noted for its timely commentary on media ethics and sensationalism. Some reviews highlighted the film's tight screenplay and effective direction, while a few pointed out the limited character development for supporting roles.
Final Box-Office Result
Naradan released on 3 March 2022 (2022).
Naradan is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Naradan is available on Prime Video, aha from 7 April 2022.
Naradan directed by Aashiq Abu. Produced by Aashiq Abu, Santhosh T. Kuruvilla, Rima Kallingal.
Naradan stars Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben.
Tollybo rates Naradan 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Naradan composed by Sekhar Menon, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair.
Naradan — Genre: Drama, Thriller, Runtime: 150 minutes, Language: Malayalam.