Watch Nayattu

Nayattu is a Malayalam language thriller drama released in 2021. The film centers around three police officers- Maniyan (played by Kunchacko Boban), Praveen (played by Joju George), and Sunitha (played by Nimisha Sajayan)- who unintentionally kill a youth while handling a routine investigation. The incident sparks a massive controversy leading to the officials forcing the police department to surrender the officers, accusing them of murder. The police trio is trapped in a manhunt initiated by the government and are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities, beliefs and values, and determination to survive.

The three characters are from different backgrounds with different beliefs and restrictions. Maniyan, the youngest of the trio, has a sympathetic attitude towards the victim's family, Praveen, his senior officer, believes that the media is framing the investigation and trying to lay the complete blame on them, and Sunitha, the only female and a tribal from Nilgiris, serves as a buffer between the two at times of conflict. The film shows how the three characters evolve, cope with the situation and start respecting each other's beliefs.

The narrative of the film oscillates between the chase by the government officials and the internal struggles of the protagonists. It delves deeper into the psyche of the characters, who are under immense pressure and constantly reminded of their vulnerability. The film depicts how doing their duty without any ulterior motive can put them in perilous situations. The pressure builds up consistently throughout the film, with the characters' internal conflicts, the hunt by the officials, the media trial against them, and the unpredictability of their every step.

The climax of the film, without any spoilers, is the highlight of the movie. It is crafted in such a way that, in the end, one is left with a profound, lingering sense of disquiet. It resonates with the current scenario where officials bend their duty, and the righteous ones face the brunt of it.

Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, and Nimisha Sajayan have all delivered exceptional performances in the film, with each character transfusing life to their roles. Kunchacko brings the innocence, nimbleness, and subtlety to his character, while Joju delivers a restrained performance, bringing the maturity and the emotional depth necessary. Nimisha holds up her own and adds her own stamp to her character, taking her performance to new heights.

The cinematography and background score of the film adds to the tension and build-up of the movie. The cinematographer, Shyju Khalid, captures the pristine wilderness, incessant rain, and the brooding faces of the characters efficiently, adding to the narrative of the film. The music by Vishnu Vijay is haunting with his score amplifying the intensity of the movie.

The film is directed by Martin Prakkat, who has previously directed films such as Charlie and Best Actor. Martin has weaved together a thrilling narrative that is immersive, engaging, and thought-provoking. The film's social commentary on topics such as tribal dislocation, media trials, moral dilemma, police work, and corruption is an added bonus.

The film is a remarkable addition to the Indian cinema and showcases how Malayalam cinema has been pushing the envelope with their narrative, direction, and performance. Nayattu is a film that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits have rolled out. It is a must-watch for fans of the thriller and crime genre.

In conclusion, Nayattu is a taut, intense, and thrilling movie that resonates with the current scenario of the judiciary, media trials, and people in power. The film delivers a powerful social commentary through its narrative, performances, music, and cinematography. It is definitely one of the unmissable movies of the year.

Nayattu is a 2021 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.