Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Naradan
View on Wikipedia
| Naradan | |
|---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Aashiq Abu |
| Written by | Unni R. |
| Produced by | Santhosh T. Kuruvilla Rima Kallingal Aashiq Abu |
| Starring | Tovino Thomas Anna Ben |
| Cinematography | Jaffer Zadique |
| Edited by | Saiju Sreedharan |
| Music by | Yakzan Gary Pereira Neha Nair |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | OPM Cinemas |
Release date |
|
Running time | 149 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
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]- Tovino Thomas as Chandraprakash
- Anna Ben as Adv. Shaakira Mohammed
- Sharafudheen as Pradeep John
- Joy Mathew as Shivadas Kurup, Chief Editor of News Malayalam
- Vijayaraghavan as Babuji
- Balachandran Chullikkad as Vijayan, Pradeep's boss at Vartha 24x7
- Raghunath Paleri as Mohammed Khan, Shaakira's father
- Jayaraj Warrier as Bharathan, CP's father
- Rafi as Pillachettan
- Kunchan as Gurudasan, Minister of Finance
- Dileesh Nair as Kuttettan
- Rajesh Madhavan as Manu
- Indrans as Judge Chothi
- Jaffer Idukki as Fr. Clement Purambokkil (Purambokkil Achan)
- Renji Panicker as Adv. Govinda Menon
- Lukman Avaran as Adv. Ameer
- Vijaykumar Prabhakaran as Mukundan
- Koottickal Jayachandran as MLA Kanjikkaadan
- Navas Vallikkunnu as Nizar
- Fejo as Mudiyan
- Nazlin Saleem as Parvathy
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 | ||||
| Released | 28 February 2022 | |||
| Recorded | 2020–2022 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 6:17 | |||
| Language | Malayalam | |||
| Label | OPM Records | |||
| Producer | Sekhar Menon | |||
| Sekhar Menon chronology | ||||
| ||||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Neeyetha" | MC Couper, Marthyan | MC Couper, Marthyan | 2:59 |
| 2. | "Thannatthan" | Fejo, Manchild | Fejo | 3:18 |
| 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 | |||||
| Released | 3 March 2022 | ||||
| Recorded | 2020–2022 | ||||
| Genre | Film Score | ||||
| Length | 20:29 | ||||
| Language | Malayalam | ||||
| Label | OPM Records | ||||
| Producer | Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair | ||||
| Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair chronology | |||||
| |||||
| |||||
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 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]- ^ "Naaradan". British Board of Film Classification. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ Soman, Deepa. "'Naaradhan,' starring Tovino and Anna Ben, is a thriller – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "'നാരദനു'മായി ആഷിഖ് അബു; ടൊവിനോയും അന്ന ബെന്നും ഒന്നിക്കുന്നു". Mathrubhumi. 25 October 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben roped in for Aashiq Abu's Naradan". OnManorama. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "Thannatthaan MP3 Song Download by Fejo (Thannatthaan (From "Naradan"))| Listen Thannatthaan Malayalam Song Free Online". Gaana. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Naradhan Movie Review: By A Weak Direction And Script 'Naradhan' Failed To Create An Impact. - Kerala9.com". www.kerala9.com. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Neeyethaa (From "Naradan") (Full Song) – Dj Sekhar, MC Couper, Marthyan – Download or Listen Free – JioSaavn". 28 February 2022.
- ^ "Thannatthaan (From "Naradan") Song Download: Thannatthaan (From "Naradan") MP3 Malayalam Song Online Free on". Gaana. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
- ^ "Naradan (Original Sound Track) by Yakzan Gary Pereira & Neha Nair".
- ^ CUE, THE (25 January 2021). "ടൊവിനോയുടെ നാരദൻ തുടങ്ങി, സ്വിച്ചോൺ ചെയ്ത് റിമ, ക്ലാപ്പടിച്ച് അന്ന ബെൻ". The Cue (in Malayalam). Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "Tovino Thomas and Anna Ben to star in Aashiq Abu's Naradan". Filmfare. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
- ^ "ആഷിഖ് അബു – ടൊവിനോ ചിത്രം, 'നാരദന്' തുടക്കം". Mathrubhumi. 25 January 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
- ^ "Naradhan First Look : 'മിന്നല് മുരളി'ക്ക് ശേഷം ടൊവീനോ; ആഷിക് അബുവിന്റെ 'നാരദന്' ഫസ്റ്റ് ലുക്ക്". Asianet News. 19 December 2021.
- ^ "ഒമിക്രോൺ വ്യാപനം; ടൊവീനോയുടെ 'നാരദനും' വരാൻ വൈകും" [Naradhan movie release postponed due to covid omicron threat]. Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). 15 January 2022.
- ^ "'നാരദൻ' മാർച്ചിൽ തീയേറ്ററുകളിലേക്ക്; റിലീസ് തീയതി പുറത്ത് വിട്ടു". Mathrubhumi. 4 February 2022.
- ^ Soman, Deepa. "Naradan Movie Review: A closer look at TRP chasing newsrooms". Times of India.
- ^ "Naradan movie review: Tovino Thomas, Anna Ben land a slap on the face of India's fake-news-peddling media". Firstpost. 4 March 2022.
- ^ "Naradan review: Tovino-Aashiq Abu film shows reality of new age journalism". The News Minute. 3 March 2022.
- ^ "Naaradan review: Tovino Thomas shines in thriller about exploitative journalism". Indian Express. 4 March 2022.
- ^ "Naradan Movie Review: Tovino Thomas shines on screen as a news reporter in this thrilling story". PINKVILLA. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "Naradan review: Tovino Thomas' anti-hero act makes Aashiq Abu's slow-burning thriller gripping". Ottplay.
External links
[edit]Naradan
View on GrokipediaSynopsis and Cast
Plot Summary
Chandraprakash, a successful news anchor at News Malayalam, 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.[5] Feeling undervalued after his channel promotes a more capable colleague, Pradeep John, over him despite his contributions, Chandraprakash resigns in frustration.[5][2] He joins the fledgling rival channel Narada, 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."[5][2] 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.[5] As Narada surges in popularity through these sensational methods, Chandraprakash's actions draw legal scrutiny, leading to a courtroom confrontation where his professional conduct is dissected, with defense mounted by advocate Shakira amidst revelations of media malpractices and personal ambitions.[2][5] The narrative examines the consequences of unchecked ambition in journalism, highlighting the erosion of factual integrity in favor of ratings-driven spectacle.[2]Principal Cast and Roles
Tovino Thomas stars as Chandraprakash, an ambitious and controversial television news anchor navigating the cutthroat media landscape.[7] Anna Ben plays Advocate Shaakira Mohammed, a principled lawyer who becomes entangled in Chandraprakash's professional and personal conflicts.[8] Sharafudheen portrays Pradeep John, a colleague and rival within the news channel.[7] Supporting roles include Joy Mathew as Shivadas Kurup, the chief editor of the news channel who oversees editorial decisions.[8] Renji Panicker appears as Advocate Govinda Menon, a senior legal figure involved in key plot developments.[7] Vijayaraghavan enacts Babuji, providing paternal guidance to the protagonist.[8] Indrans features in a comedic supporting capacity, contributing to the film's ensemble dynamics.[7]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Tovino Thomas | Chandraprakash |
| Anna Ben | Advocate Shaakira Mohammed |
| Sharafudheen | Pradeep John |
| Joy Mathew | Shivadas Kurup |
| Renji Panicker | Advocate Govinda Menon |
| Vijayaraghavan | Babuji |
| Indrans | (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.[9] The screenplay was written by Unni R, marking the first professional collaboration between the screenwriter and director Aashiq Abu.[9] 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.[10] The project was produced by Aashiq Abu, Rima Kallingal, and Santosh T. Kuruvilla through their banner OPM Cinemas, with an emphasis on exploring ethical challenges in media practices.[11] Development concluded prior to principal photography commencing on January 25, 2021, reflecting a streamlined pre-production timeline typical of Malayalam cinema's independent productions.[11]Principal Photography
Principal photography for Naradan commenced in late January 2021, marking the start of filming under director Aashiq Abu.[11][12] The production wrapped up efficiently by early March 2021, with lead actor Tovino Thomas completing his portions on 10 March.[13] Cinematography was handled by Jaffer Sadiq, who captured the film's media-centric environments primarily set in Kerala.[14] The shoot's brevity—spanning roughly six weeks—reflected a streamlined schedule amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on studio recreations of newsrooms and urban settings without reported major delays or on-location complications.[13]Post-Production
Post-production for Naradan commenced following the completion of principal photography in March 2021.[13] Editing was handled by Saiju Sreedharan, who assembled the footage into a cohesive thriller narrative emphasizing media sensationalism.[7] Sreedharan also contributed to sound design alongside Dan Jose, ensuring synchronized audio that heightened the film's tense newsroom sequences.[15] 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.[7] Color grading, performed by C.P. Remesh with assistance from Aswin Shaji, provided a gritty, realistic palette suited to the film's critique of journalistic ethics.[7] Sound editing and effects were managed by Arun Rama Varma, integrating foley and ambient newsroom acoustics to amplify realism.[15] Abhijith Gopal oversaw the overall post-production process, coordinating these elements to meet the March 2022 release timeline despite delays from the Omicron variant.[7] The workflow prioritized efficient digital tools for a mid-budget Malayalam production, resulting in a streamlined final cut of approximately 130 minutes.[16]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.[17][18] The soundtrack features two tracks, both incorporating rap elements reflective of the film's media and political themes, with lyrics emphasizing critique and introspection.[19] "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 Manchild.[17][20] Rex Vijayan provided guitar instrumentation, adding a raw edge to the composition.[17] The song's lyrics explore themes of self-deception and societal facades, aligning with the protagonist's journalistic journey.[19] "Neeyethaa," unveiled on March 4, 2022, features rappers MC Couper and Marthyan, who co-wrote the lyrics.[18][21] The track integrates urban rap rhythms and serves as a promotional song starring lead actor Tovino Thomas, underscoring motifs of personal agency and confrontation.[18]| Song Title | Singer(s) | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thannatthaan | Fejo | Fejo | DJ Sekhar, Fejo, Manchild |
| Neeyethaa | MC Couper, Marthyan | MC Couper, Marthyan | DJ Sekhar |

