152. Naradan; movie review

 

NARADAN

Cert 12A

149 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, racism, moderate references to sex and sexual violence

For years I consulted lawyers three or four times a week in my job as a newspaper executive, so my interest was inevitably peaked by a drama that focused on media law.

Naradan centres on the red-hot battle for audience between Malayalam-speaking TV news stations.

It stars Tovino Thomas as the hard-drinking presenter of a debate programme at a well-resourced channel which is losing touch with its viewers.

Meanwhile, a shoestring station, led by an indomitable journalist (Sharafudheen) is scooping them to all of the big stories.

Consequently, Thomas's character reappraises his professional life, sharpens up his act and agrees to join a brand-new station with a hard-hitting agenda.

He becomes its mouthpiece and sets about attracting audiences with an hyper-aggressive style and flash suits to match.

However, questions then begin to arise over the veracity of the channel's stories, the motives behind them and how they were obtained.

Aashiq Abu's film sets off at a frenetic pace which makes it quite difficult to follow in its early stages.

This is not helped by the white subtitles clashing with the news tickers which are frequently shown on screen.

But it settled down after a while and Thomas became an interesting if a little stereotypical lead.

Because of my journalism background, I was riveted by the final scenes during which public interest and free speech come under the microscope.

Sure, the melodrama is piled on a bit thick but, overall, I was a fan of Naradan.

Reasons to watch: Tough media drama

Reasons to avoid: A tad too melodramatic at times

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? India has 392 news channels, dominated by regional language channels and private players.

The final word. Tovino Thomas: "It’s a story and a fictional character but you can find relatable incidents. Besides talking about what’s happening behind the newsroom,  the pressures a media person has and how they deal with competition from the other channels, there is a lot more in the film." Filmfare

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