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Naradan
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Naradan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAashiq Abu
Written byUnni R.
Produced bySanthosh T. Kuruvilla
Rima Kallingal
Aashiq Abu
StarringTovino Thomas
Anna Ben
CinematographyJaffer Zadique
Edited bySaiju Sreedharan
Music byYakzan Gary Pereira
Neha Nair
Production
company
Distributed byOPM Cinemas
Release date
  • 3 March 2022 (2022-03-03)
Running time
149 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Naradan is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Aashiq Abu. The film stars Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben and Sharafudheen in lead roles.[2][3][4]

The film was originally scheduled to be released in April 2021, but was postponed due to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India. After multiple postponements, the film was theatrically released on 3 March 2022 along with Bheeshma Parvam.

Plot

[edit]

Chandraprakash, an upcoming journalist working with the channel News Malayalam, is a talk show host and television news anchor with a huge audience appeal. Chandraprakash is under pressure for doing stories that increase the channel's rating from his editor and bosses. When a fellow journalist, Pradeep does a new story and lands a job at News Malayalam, Chandraprakash keeps aside his own moral principles and focuses on being number one. Chandraprakash meets a politician, Babuji, who offers him a chance to start a new channel, Narada News. Investors seeking new revenue streams invest in Chandraprakash. He becomes a kingmaker through Narada, an influential person who is able to provoke social violence. Chandraprakash uses his strategy of fabricated and half-baked stories to meet his ends, beginning the channel with a sting operation on the Minister of Forests, Thomman Varghese. However, things change when a social media celebrity Mudiyan asks some questions to Chandraprakash in a lift, after which he posts the video on social media which led to many trolls. Chandraprakash fabricates a narcotic report against Mudiyan. Since he is innocent, Adv. Shaakira Mohammed meets him and decides to fight against Chandraprakash. Shaakira reveals all the illegal activities Chandraprakash has done to increase TRP in front of the court, which leads to Chandraprakash being arrested and sent to prison.

Cast

[edit]

Music

[edit]

Songs

[edit]

The soundtrack features songs composed by Sekhar Menon. The Song Thannatthaan was Co-composed by Fejo and Manchild.[5] Rex Vijayan played guitar for Thannatthan.[6]

Naradan[7][8]
Soundtrack album by
Released28 February 2022
Recorded2020–2022
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length6:17
LanguageMalayalam
LabelOPM Records
ProducerSekhar Menon
Sekhar Menon chronology
Kozhi Punk
(2020)
Naradan[7][8]
(2022)
03:00 AM
(2022)
Naradan
No.TitleLyricsArtist(s)Length
1."Neeyetha"MC Couper, MarthyanMC Couper, Marthyan2:59
2."Thannatthan"Fejo, ManchildFejo3:18
Total length:06:17

Original soundtrack

[edit]

The original soundtrack is composed and produced by Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair.

Naradan[9]
Film score by
Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair
Released3 March 2022
Recorded2020–2022
GenreFilm Score
Length20:29
LanguageMalayalam
LabelOPM Records
ProducerYakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair
Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair chronology
Sumesh and Ramesh
(2021)
Naradan[9]
(2022)
Vaashi
(2022)
External audio
audio icon Original Soundtrack on YouTube
Naradan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
No.TitleLength
1."Birth Of CP"02:39
2."Call Me CP"02:05
3."Countdown To Naradha"00:51
4."Blackmailing The Minister"02:42
5."I Know Where You live"01:08
6."Shakira's Journey"02:25
7."Dethroning CP"03:27
8."The Magistrate"01:25
9."The Power Of Justice"03:45
Total length:20:29

Production

[edit]

The film was announced in October 2020. Principal photography began on 25 January 2021.[10][11] The film's shoot was wrapped up on 12 March 2021.[citation needed]

Release

[edit]

The film was originally scheduled to be released in April 2021, but was postponed due to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India.[12] The film was later scheduled to release on 27 January 2022,[13] but then postponed due to spreading of Omicron.[14] The film was then released on 3 March 2022 along with Mammootty starrer Bheeshma Parvam.[15]

Reception

[edit]

Naaradan received generally positive reviews from critics and audience. The Times of India gave 3.5/5 and wrote "A closer look at TRP chasing newsrooms".[16] Firstpost gave 3.5/5 and wrote "Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben land a slap on the face of India's fake-news-peddling media".[17] The News Minute gave 3.5/5 and wrote "Tovino-Aashiq Abu film shows reality of new age journalism".[18] Indian Express gave 3.5/5 and wrote "Tovino-Aashiq Abu film shows reality of new age journalism".[19] Pinkvilla gave 3/5 and wrote "Tovino Thomas shines on screen as a news reporter in this thrilling story".[20] Ottplay gave 3/5 and wrote "Tovino Thomas' anti-hero act makes Aashiq Abu's slow-burning thriller gripping".[21]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Naradan is a 2022 Malayalam-language directed by and written by Salam Bappu, centering on the ethical compromises of an ambitious news anchor in a competitive media landscape driven by ratings and . The story follows Chandraprakash (played by ), a prominent TV at a channel called News , who faces intense pressure from superiors to secure exclusive stories, leading him to fabricate reports and manipulate narratives for higher viewership. Released theatrically on 3 March 2022, the features supporting performances by as a colleague and Sharafudheen, and critiques the voyeuristic tendencies, moral judgments, and conservative biases prevalent in newsrooms, drawing from real-world instances of media without endorsing unsubstantiated . While praised for Thomas's portrayal of ambition-fueled corruption and its timely examination of TRP-chasing , Naradan received mixed reviews for its melodramatic elements and perceived lack of narrative surprises, though it highlights the daily grind of underpaid reporters and the role of digital manipulation in agenda-setting.

Synopsis and Cast

Plot Summary

Chandraprakash, a successful news anchor at , Kerala's top-rated channel, operates in a high-pressure environment where television ratings dictate content, prompting aggressive pursuit of exclusive stories to outpace competitors. Feeling undervalued after his channel promotes a more capable colleague, , over him despite his contributions, Chandraprakash resigns in frustration. He joins the fledgling rival channel , funded by corporate and political interests seeking to challenge the establishment media, and undergoes a radical transformation into a bombastic, confrontational figure who prioritizes unverified allegations and theatrical debates to boost viewership, encapsulated in his mantra of "allegations first, explanations later." This shift alienates ethical journalists like Pradeep, who represent traditional reporting standards, while Chandraprakash's tactics involve manipulating narratives and staging controversies to fabricate scoops. As surges in popularity through these sensational methods, Chandraprakash's actions draw legal scrutiny, leading to a confrontation where his professional conduct is dissected, with defense mounted by advocate amidst revelations of media malpractices and personal ambitions. The narrative examines the consequences of unchecked ambition in , highlighting the erosion of factual in favor of ratings-driven .

Principal Cast and Roles

Tovino Thomas stars as Chandraprakash, an ambitious and controversial television news anchor navigating the cutthroat media landscape. Anna Ben plays Advocate Shaakira Mohammed, a principled who becomes entangled in Chandraprakash's professional and personal conflicts. Sharafudheen portrays Pradeep John, a colleague and rival within the news channel. Supporting roles include as Shivadas Kurup, the chief editor of the news channel who oversees editorial decisions. appears as Advocate Govinda Menon, a senior legal figure involved in key plot developments. enacts Babuji, providing paternal guidance to the protagonist. features in a comedic supporting capacity, contributing to the film's ensemble dynamics.
ActorRole
Chandraprakash
Advocate Shaakira Mohammed
SharafudheenPradeep John
Shivadas Kurup
Advocate Govinda Menon
Babuji
(Supporting role)

Production

Development

Naradan was announced on October 25, 2020, with Tovino Thomas cast as the lead in the role of journalist Chandraprakash, alongside Anna Ben, under the direction of Aashiq Abu. The screenplay was written by Unni R, marking the first professional collaboration between the screenwriter and director Aashiq Abu. Unni R, previously known for scripting films such as Charlie (2015) and Leela (2016), crafted the narrative as a thriller centered on the dynamics of broadcast journalism. The project was produced by , , and Santosh T. Kuruvilla through their banner OPM Cinemas, with an emphasis on exploring ethical challenges in media practices. Development concluded prior to commencing on January 25, 2021, reflecting a streamlined timeline typical of cinema's independent productions.

Principal Photography

Principal photography for Naradan commenced in late 2021, marking the start of filming under director . The production wrapped up efficiently by early March 2021, with lead actor completing his portions on 10 March. was handled by Jaffer Sadiq, who captured the film's media-centric environments primarily set in . The shoot's brevity—spanning roughly six weeks—reflected a streamlined schedule amid ongoing restrictions, focusing on studio recreations of newsrooms and urban settings without reported major delays or on-location complications.

Post-Production

Post-production for Naradan commenced following the completion of in March 2021. was handled by Saiju Sreedharan, who assembled the footage into a cohesive thriller narrative emphasizing media sensationalism. Sreedharan also contributed to alongside Dan Jose, ensuring synchronized audio that heightened the film's tense sequences. Visual effects supervision was led by Vishakh Babu and Andrew Jacob Dcrus, with additional support from Jerin James, focusing on enhancements for broadcast simulations and dramatic confrontations without extensive CGI reliance. , performed by C.P. Remesh with assistance from Aswin Shaji, provided a gritty, realistic palette suited to the film's critique of journalistic . Sound editing and effects were managed by Arun Rama Varma, integrating foley and ambient acoustics to amplify realism. Abhijith Gopal oversaw the overall post-production process, coordinating these elements to meet the March 2022 release timeline despite delays from the Omicron variant. The workflow prioritized efficient digital tools for a mid-budget Malayalam production, resulting in a streamlined final cut of approximately 130 minutes.

Music and Soundtrack

Original Songs

The original songs in Naradan were composed by DJ Sekhar, marking his contribution to the film's music alongside the background score by Yakzan Gary Pereira and Jakes Bejoy. The soundtrack features two tracks, both incorporating rap elements reflective of the film's media and political themes, with lyrics emphasizing critique and introspection. "Thannatthaan," released as a video song on December 31, 2021, is performed by rapper Fejo, who also wrote the lyrics and co-composed the track with . provided guitar instrumentation, adding a raw edge to the composition. The song's lyrics explore themes of and societal facades, aligning with the protagonist's journalistic journey. "Neeyethaa," unveiled on March 4, 2022, features rappers MC Couper and Marthyan, who co-wrote the lyrics. The track integrates urban rap rhythms and serves as a promotional song starring lead actor , underscoring motifs of personal agency and confrontation.
Song TitleSinger(s)Lyricist(s)Composer(s)
ThannatthaanFejoFejoDJ Sekhar, Fejo,
NeeyethaaMC Couper, MarthyanMC Couper, MarthyanDJ Sekhar

Background Score

The background score for Naradan was composed by Yakzan Gary Pereira and , distinct from the songs handled by . The score, released as an (OST) album containing nine tracks, includes instrumental pieces such as "Birth of CP" (0:00–2:39), "Call Me CP" (2:39–4:44), "Countdown to Naradha" (4:44–5:35), and "Blackmailing the Editor" (subsequent segments), designed to underscore the film's tense narrative. Reviewers highlighted the score's effectiveness in building and amplifying moral conflicts, with descriptions of it as "chilling" and tension-enhancing, contributing to the film's atmospheric intensity without overpowering the dialogue-driven plot. The OST was made available digitally around the film's March 2022 theatrical release, aligning with promotional efforts by OPM Records.

Release

Theatrical Premiere

Naradan was initially slated for a theatrical release on January 27, 2022, but the date was postponed amid a surge in infections and related restrictions in . The film ultimately premiered in theaters on March 3, 2022, distributed by OPM Cinemas primarily in Malayalam-speaking regions including . No grand event was reported; the rollout focused on standard multiplex and single-screen screenings to capitalize on post-pandemic audience return. On its opening day, Naradan achieved an overall occupancy of 13.56% in circuits, reflecting moderate initial turnout amid competition from other regional releases. The release occurred on to leverage weekend momentum, with screenings expanding to select international markets like the shortly after, on February 24, 2022, for early audiences. Early tracking indicated steady in urban centers, driven by lead actor Tovino Thomas's star draw and the film's topical media thriller premise.

Distribution and Platforms

Naradan was distributed theatrically across and select international markets, including screenings at chains like VOX Cinemas in the UAE and , commencing on March 3, 2022. The film's digital rights were acquired by , with the original premiering on the platform on April 8, 2022, approximately five weeks after its theatrical debut. In November 2024, the Telugu-dubbed version of Naradan launched on the Aha OTT platform, marking its entry into regional dubbed markets nearly three years post-release. As of October 2025, the film continues to stream exclusively on for the original version, with availability confirmed in regions supporting the service; no free streaming options or additional platforms have been reported.

Reception and Performance

Critical Reviews

Critics praised Naradan for its unflinching portrayal of sensationalist journalism and TRP-driven newsrooms, with Tovino Thomas's performance as the ambitious anchor Chandraprakash receiving particular acclaim for embodying an unlikable, ethically compromised protagonist devoid of redemption. The film earned a 3.5/5 rating from The Times of India, which highlighted its examination of behind-the-scenes manipulations in media that prioritize ratings over veracity. Similarly, The Indian Express awarded 3.5/5, noting the film's basis in real political scandals and strong supporting turns from Sharafudheen and Anna Ben. However, some reviews critiqued the narrative for shifting focus from dynamics to a , resulting in a middling exploration of media that failed to sustain its initial momentum. Film Companion described it as an "odd, confused " that abandons its promising media critique midway, undermining thematic coherence. Aggregate user ratings reflected division, with averaging 6.0/10 from over 2,300 votes and at 2.9/5 from 1,700 users, where opinions ranged from labeling it a " thriller" to dismissing it as overhyped with pacing issues. No aggregated critic scores appear on or , underscoring the film's niche appeal within rather than broader international recognition. Despite these variances, reviewers consistently attributed the film's strengths to its topical relevance amid real-world concerns over , though its execution drew qualified endorsement rather than unqualified praise.

Box Office Results

Naradan underperformed commercially upon its release on 3 March 2022, receiving a verdict of from analysts tracking . In , its primary market, the film grossed ₹0.37 . International markets contributed minimally, with tracked earnings totaling $40,068 across regions including the (£2,800 debut), ($9,117), and others. These figures, drawn from limited international trackers, likely exclude comprehensive domestic data, underscoring the film's to achieve widespread theatrical success despite featuring a prominent cast led by . Subsequent references have described it as a for director .

Audience and Cultural Impact

Naradan garnered a mixed to positive response from audiences upon its March 3, 2022 release, with particular acclaim for Tovino Thomas's portrayal of the ambitious news anchor Chandraprakash, often described as intense and transformative. platforms like buzzed with endorsements of the film's gripping narrative on media sensationalism, though some viewers critiqued its execution as melodramatic or uneven in pacing. In cinema halls, crowds reacted enthusiastically to high-energy sequences, mass dialogues, and courtroom confrontations, contributing to a lively theatrical experience. User-generated ratings reflected this divide: on IMDb, the film holds a 6.0/10 score from approximately 2,351 votes, with reviewers praising its thrilling script and relevance to contemporary journalism while noting flaws in character depth and predictability. On Letterboxd, it averages 2.9/5 from over 1,700 logs, similarly highlighting its commentary on TRP-driven news but faulting occasional clichés. Kerala-based audiences, in particular, engaged deeply, using platforms like Reddit to debate the film's depiction of newsroom dynamics against real-life experiences, including cutthroat competition, delayed payments, and work-life imbalances in the state's media industry. Culturally, Naradan amplified public discourse on the erosion of journalistic ethics amid , prompting reflections on how television channels prioritize ratings over veracity, as echoed in audience forums and reviews. It fueled conversations about potential right-wing influences infiltrating professional media environments in , with some interpretations warning of risks to balanced reporting in left-leaning outlets. While not igniting widespread , the film's courtroom climax—challenging media's role as self-appointed judges—resonated with viewers advocating ethical standards, positioning it as a in cinema's growing scrutiny of institutional practices.

Themes and Analysis

Critique of Media Practices

Naradan portrays the descent of its , Chandraprakash, from a prominent news anchor into a ruthless media executive, illustrating how the pursuit of television ratings (TRPs) erodes ethical standards in . Under pressure from channel management to elevate viewership, Chandraprakash adopts sensationalist tactics, including manufacturing facts and employing aggressive on-air confrontations that humiliate guests and panelists, thereby prioritizing over substantive reporting. This reflects the film's depiction of systemic incentives within rooms, where insane working hours and unrewarding conditions compel journalists to compromise principles for survival and advancement. The narrative critiques voyeuristic tendencies in media coverage, where anchors and editors position themselves as arbiters, imposing conservative judgments on public discourse while exploiting personal vulnerabilities for ratings. Chandraprakash's tactics, such as interrupting panelists and distorting their statements during debates, underscore this self-anointed judicial role of television channels, often at the expense of balanced inquiry. Professional rivalries exacerbate these practices; for instance, Chandraprakash's competition with the more ethical drives him to undermine rivals through corporate maneuvering and propaganda-like manipulation, highlighting how interpersonal ambitions fuel broader media distortions. Through a subplot, Naradan questions the boundaries of media freedom, examining instances where channels impose "gags" on stories deemed unprofitable or inconvenient, thereby inverting traditional power dynamics and revealing the in claiming while serving commercial agendas. The film attributes these malpractices not merely to external socio-political forces but to inherent flaws within the industry, including callous internal cultures that reward and punish restraint, as evidenced by Chandraprakash's transformation into the channel's chief editor, where becomes the operational . This portrayal aligns with observations of real-world Indian television , though the film inverts some dynamics to emphasize personal accountability over systemic reform.

Political and Ethical Dimensions

Naradan portrays the ethical erosion in television journalism through its protagonist Chandu (played by Tovino Thomas), an ambitious news anchor who prioritizes television rating points (TRPs) over factual accuracy, engaging in sensationalism and manipulative reporting to advance his career. The film depicts how journalists compromise personal integrity for professional gain, as seen in Chandu's orchestration of biased coverage that prejudges guilt in a high-profile case, echoing real-world concerns about media-driven narratives overriding legal due process. Critics note the script's emphasis on moral policing within newsrooms, where anchors impose conservative judgments on subjects under the guise of public interest, highlighting a voyeuristic tendency that blurs ethical boundaries between reporting and adjudication. On the political front, the narrative critiques ideological influences in media operations, particularly the "saffronisation" of newsrooms—referring to the permeation of Hindu nationalist perspectives aligned with India's (BJP)—which the film illustrates through channels' selective framing to align with political agendas for higher viewership. It examines how is amplified via digital tools, such as image manipulation, to construct narratives that serve partisan interests rather than objective truth, as evidenced in the film's depiction of rival channels weaponizing footage to sway . This portrayal underscores causal links between political ownership of media outlets and content bias, where ethical lapses enable the prioritization of ideological loyalty over journalistic independence, though some analyses question the film's depth in addressing systemic incentives beyond individual ambition. The courtroom sequences further ethical scrutiny by challenging media's overreach, arguing that pre-trial sensationalism violates principles of fairness and , a stance rooted in the film's adaptation from the novel Naaradan by , which explicitly grapples with media morals in a polarized landscape. While the film advocates for ethical journalism as a counter to such practices, reviews from outlets like attribute its commentary to broader industry realities, cautioning against uncritical acceptance of media self-regulation given documented instances of in Indian television.

Real-Life Inspirations and Criticisms

Naradan draws inspiration from real-life practices in Indian television , particularly the shift toward and TRP-driven reporting in news channels. The screenplay by , a former , incorporates elements from actual incidents in Kerala's media landscape, blending them into a fictional to ethical lapses such as fabricating stories for ratings and manipulating . The film includes a at the outset denying direct parallels to existing entities, underscoring that while rooted in observable trends—like aggressive panel debates and of viewer outrage—specific events remain unnamed to maintain fictional distance. Director has described the story as reflecting behind-the-scenes dynamics in newsrooms, with relatable incidents from contemporary informing character motivations, such as the protagonist's rise through rather than investigative rigor. Reviews note that the alludes to multiple real-world cases of media overreach, including amplification and ethical compromises for viewership, without endorsing or fabricating outright slander. This approach mirrors broader critiques of post-2010s Indian media evolution, where channels prioritized spectacle over substantiation, as evidenced by documented TRP manipulations in regulatory probes. Criticisms of the film's handling of these inspirations center on its occasional softening of real-world malice into mere incompetence, potentially understating the deliberate malice in actual journalistic transgressions. Some observers argue that by fictionalizing unnamed events, Naradan dilutes the potency of direct accountability, rendering its commentary middling rather than a forceful of specific malpractices like those seen in ’s polarized media ecosystem. Additionally, the portrayal of ideological influences—such as a rising "right-wing" archetype—has been interpreted by left-leaning outlets as a cautionary tale against ecosystem shifts, though this risks projecting partisan fears onto a broader critique, given the film's equal-opportunity skewering of TRP chasers across affiliations. No legal challenges arose from claimed resemblances, affirming the script's careful navigation of inspiration versus invention.

References

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