2018, Malayalam, Netflix, 8.2 /10 IMDB, Direcged by Zakariya Mohammed
A weird title with a high rating – it ought to be yet another classic Malayalam film that you will end up falling in love the people of Kerala. It sure is a feel good movie that celebrates the nativity and the simplicity of people. The movie has a national award for the best feature film in Malayalam in its kitty as well.
God, how I wish I had a property in Kerala that i get to spend our retired lives there, with a Kattanchaaya on one hand and a Puttu kadalai on the other and some warm hearts to be surrounded by. My hubby says with his 3 years living experience in thrisshur, the people are friendly and caring in the real life too just like in the movies. I have already started dreaming in Malayalam if that’s going to be any help.
The movie follows the local football games where players from Nigeria are brought to represent the teams and the story is that of a manager of one such team, played by Soubin. The strength of the movie is Soubin’s subtle acting. The guy is a talented artist who could make you pity with the character that he plays by making us walk his shoes for the 2 odd hours of the movie. That’s a real success of an artist ain’t it.
Loved the screenplay which captures the characteristics of each one’s role so beautifully. The Nigerian played by Samuel Robinson is a darling and your heart reaches out to him even before you know the story of his family, back home. Soubin loosing his temper on him and later the guilt allowing his true nature to shine through, it’s a real treat to watch. Such good acting.
The supporting artists play a big role in these kind of nativity movies and they simply steal the show. The good hearted neighbour, the mother, her second husband, the friends, the opponent team, the police man, you name a face on screen and they all have equally contributed to the success of the movie.
The one scene that keeps disturbing you long after you watched the movie, is the one where the Nigerian snaps at a friend who wastes water. He had just had a nightmare about his sister and the difficulties they go through to fetch an ounce of drinking water.
It came as a tight slap on the faces of each one us who take things for granted. We sure would learn to appreciate what we have, rather than whinging for every little missed comfort in live. The global awareness is what has showered the movie with the must deserved awards and accolades.
Kudos to the director and the team.
Must watch.