The true story behind Tovino Thomas’ ‘Narivetta’: A spotlight on the 2003 Muthanga uprising

Cinema, in addition to being a creative form of expression, is also a medium used to reiterate history, the latest example being Anuraj Manohar’s sophomore directorial, Narivetta.

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Releasing on May 23, the Malayalam flick re-tells the long forgotten Muthanga incident, a protest by the Adivasi community that escalated into violence and led to the loss of lives. Jakes Bejoy, the music director of the film, lauded Manohar’s effort to bring a voice for the voiceless. In a statement to OTTplay, he remarked, "Anuraj is a filmmaker whose work conveys strong messages.”

What happened in Muthanga?

The issue boils down to a land dispute. The Adivasis of Kerala had long requested the Indian National Congress-led state government to provide them land for their well-being in addition to rehabilitation measures. Subsequently, an agreement was met between the then-CM A.K. Antony and the tribal communities in 2001, earmarked 19,000 acres of land for distribution among tribals, but the promise fell flat.

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This pushed the Adivasis to relocate to Muthanga forest in Wayanad’s populous Sulthan Bathery, under the banner Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha (AGMS), founded by C.K. Janu and M. Geethanandan. Even after settling, the official attempted to drive the group out of their land.

On the morning of February 19, 2003, following the Adivasis’ detention of forest officials who had arrived two days earlier to douse a fire, and their release the next day—the police and forest department launched a forceful eviction of the tribals. Resistance turned deadly as the Adivasis captured police constable K.V. Vinod and forester P.K. Sasidharan. Vinod was killed, while Sasidharan escaped with serious injuries, including a stab on his back. Tribal leader Jogi, who stabbed Sasidharan, was fatally shot by the police.

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According to a report by The New Indian Express, both parties blame the other for instigating the violence. A tribal said, “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.”

Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran, Arya Salim, and Priyamvada Krishnan, will hit theatres on May 23.

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