Tovino Thomas Wins Best Asian Actor at Septimius Awards 2025 for ‘Narivetta’ in Amsterdam

The glittering, historic backdrop of the Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam became the stage for a momentous repeat victory on the evening of Thursday, September 4, 2025. Indian actor Tovino Thomas reinforced his position as a major force on the international film scene by capturing the Best Asian Actor award at the Septimius Awards 2025. This high-profile accolade was bestowed upon him for his profoundly impactful portrayal of police constable Varghese Peter in the unflinching Malayalam political drama, Narivetta (The Jackal Hunt).

This most recent triumph is not a novel experience for the acclaimed star. In an extraordinary demonstration of his consistent appeal and acting prowess, this marks Thomas’s second time securing the prestigious Best Asian Actor title from the Amsterdam-based global film body, having previously won in 2023 for the mega-hit survival saga, 2018: Everyone is a Hero. This dual victory is a powerful testament to the actor's remarkable versatility—his ability to pivot seamlessly from epic heroism to nuanced socio-political commentary—and highlights his unique skill in crafting performances that connect deeply with international juries, effectively bridging the distance between regional Indian cinema and the broader canvas of world film.

The Septimius Awards ceremony, a multi-day event culminating in the main gala within the Tuschinski’s opulent, historic setting, celebrates excellence and diversity across film, television, and music, drawing leading figures and dignitaries from across continents. By honoring Thomas for a film rooted in Kerala’s regional history, the awards organization—which champions global cinema from all continents—has thrown a well-deserved spotlight on the expanding global influence of Malayalam cinema.

The Anatomy of a Winning Performance: Narivetta’s Unsentimental Heart

Narivetta, directed by Anuraj Manohar and penned by Abin Joseph, is far from a typical cinematic spectacle. It is a gritty, raw, and politically resonant drama inspired by the stark realities of the 2003 Muthanga tribal agitation in Wayanad, Kerala. The film fearlessly dives into a somber chapter of the state's socio-political record, critically examining complex issues of land rights, the abuse of state authority, and the systemic neglect faced by marginalized indigenous communities.

At the emotional and moral center of this challenging narrative is Thomas’s character, Varghese Peter. Initially introduced as a young, relatively passive police constable, Varghese finds himself forcibly deployed to a remote forest region embroiled in a bitter protest by tribal communities demanding the land that was legally promised to them. Thomas’s winning performance chronicles his character's profound moral awakening: a visceral journey from naive political indifference to becoming a determined, internal whistleblower.

The response from both critics and audiences was overwhelmingly positive, recognizing Thomas’s compelling command over a character whose ethical framework is abruptly challenged by institutional corruption and brutality. His transformation from a seemingly carefree, ambitious young man into a deeply conflicted figure—forced to choose between professional allegiance to the police force and the dictates of his own conscience—was hailed as a masterclass in conveying complex, internalized emotion. Critics lauded the actor's disciplined restraint and ability to effectively anchor such a hard-hitting, socially-relevant film without resorting to dramatic sensationalism.

A Dedicated Artist on the World Stage

Receiving the news of his second Septimius win, Tovino Thomas shared his deep sense of gratitude with his massive social media following. He specifically remarked on the special significance of being honored by the same influential platform a second time, a rare achievement. Always quick to credit his collaborators, the actor offered praise to the entire Narivetta team, highlighting the artistic bravery required to bring such a sensitive and vital story to the screen.

Thomas’s career is increasingly defined by his deliberate choice of scripts that challenge cinematic norms, demonstrating a remarkable range—from the regional superhero fantasy of Minnal Murali to the powerful historical authenticity of 2018. This combination of profound humility and an unwavering commitment to boundary-pushing storytelling has rightfully positioned him as one of the most exciting and globally sought-after performers in contemporary Indian cinema.

The film itself—which features a strong ensemble cast including Suraj Venjaramoodu, Cheran, and Arya Salim—also garnered substantial critical praise for its honest portrayal of systemic injustice, its technical polish, and Jakes Bejoy’s moving musical score. Narivetta stands as an essential, unvarnished reminder of the enduring struggles for social equity, and Thomas’s international award serves to validate the universal importance of narratives deeply rooted in local, socio-political realities.

The Rise of Malayalam Cinema

This latest international laurel for Tovino Thomas transcends a simple personal victory; it represents a significant landmark for the entire Malayalam film industry. This regional cinema, long respected for its robust narratives, realistic characterizations, and technical finesse, continues its impressive march across geographical borders. The high-level recognition from a prestigious European awards body like the Septimius Awards signals that regional Indian storytelling is playing an increasingly central role in the global discourse on world cinema, with its locally-specific stories finding universal, cross-cultural resonance.

Thomas’s repeat triumph in Amsterdam firmly establishes him as a driving force in this global resurgence, consistently bringing both commercially successful hits and artistically experimental films into wider international conversations. As he continues to choose projects with profound social and artistic meaning, Tovino Thomas is poised to further expand his already considerable influence, ensuring that the compelling, diverse cinematic voices of India receive the worldwide attention they have truly earned. The beautiful Art Deco grandeur of the Tuschinski Theater served as a magnificent and appropriate setting to celebrate a performance that brought a deeply moving and urgent story to the world.