Ustad Hotel - Exclusive Movie Review 3.25/5

Directed by     Anwar Rasheed

Produced by     Listin Stephen

Story , Screenplay by     Anjali Menon

Starring     Dulquar Salman, Bhagath Manuel, Nithya Menon, Thilakan

Music by     Gopi Sunder

Cinematography     S.Lokanathan

Editing by     Mahesh Narayanan

Studio     Magic Frames

Distributed by     Central Pictures

Release date(s)     29 June 2012

Country     India

Language     Malayalam

Expectations

Anjali Menon's 3rd outing as writer after 2 brilliant stuffs [Manjadikkuru, Happy Journey in Kerala Cafe], Anwar Rasheed's next after an outstanding 'Bridge' [Kerala Cafe],  Mammootty's Son Dulquer Salman's 2nd film & the chart buster song 'Appangalembadum' [for me  an added attraction - Nithya Menon as heroine] - What more you need to have interest in one project. Was eagerly waiting from the moment the first look poster was launched.

Ustad Hotel is the story of Faizi [Dulquer Salman] and how few days with his grandfather Mosaakka [Thilakan] & Ustad Hotel changes his life for ever

Its a plain coming of story of  a youngster, how he understands the value of life, relatives etc.

The first thing that comes to my mind after watching the film is the BG [first time i am seeing claps for just the BG], Gopi Sunder has done a terrific job. Direction by Anwar Rasheed is of top class. Camera work is too good & treat to your eyes, Calicut has never been presented this beautifully. Anjali Menon as a writes has done a neat job, even-though it looses some grip in the second half, where the movie tend to be bit preachy and has a documentary feel. Perfomance of Thilakan stands out, good to see Maamookkoya in a lengthy role [in a commercial film] after a long gap. Dulquer was good, the role was not that demanding, he just had to be himself a happy go lucky guy. Nithya Menon looked fresh in a small role.

The first half is very good while the 2nd half a tad above average. Should be a pleasant watch for everyone, despite few shot comings.

Comparing with Happy Journey, Manjadikkuru [Anjali Menon] & Bridge [Anwar Rasheed] the movie may fall well short of expectations.

 Positives

Background score
Direction
Script
Camera
'Appangalembadum' [Huge Applause for the song]
Rocking 1st half 
'Kozhikkodan FOOD'

 

Negatives

Second half
Slow & dragging in parts - feel lengthy
The huge expectations
Other Songs 

Verdict

Even though the film couldn't meet the huge baggage of expectations it carry, Ustad Hotel is still a pleasant watch.

Rating

3.25/5 

Box Office 

Hit / Above 


“Every Sulaimani needs a bit of Mohabbat in it.” & this film is full of  'Mohabbat'- Go watch it, but let me warn you not in an empty stomach !!!

22 Female Kottayam - My Movie Review

Salt N Pepper Director, Viral Promotional Videos etc did create quite lot of interest among the movie goers about 22 Female Kottayam. But again the makers disappointed with a limited release.Had to travel a bit to watch the movie FDFS on the thought that the movie would be worth my trip and Aashiq Abu wouldn't disappoint me.

The story is of Tessa.K.Abraham (Rima Kallingal), a Kottayam achayathi working as a nurse in Banglore who is desperately trying to go to Canada Cyril (Fahad Fazil) is the travel agent which makes everything ready for her and Prathap Pothan as his boss. Slowly a relationship begin to develop between Tessa & Cyril which turns her life upside down. Tessa goes through phases which no women should ever go through. The rest of the story is about whether Tessa  will be able to fight back and bring back her life to normal.

The main attraction of the movie is the stellar performances by the entire cast, whether a debutant or a pro, all have did exceedingly well. The visuals of Bangalore were Breathtaking. Kudos to the director & cameraman. The music felt refreshing & BG was apt. The climax portion was written well. the first half was breezy. 

The story/script is is heavily inspired from 'Ek haseena thi'. It has similarities with film like Kill Bill too. The script drags big time in 2nd half, should have been more tight. Lack of entertainment values could hurt the movie big time @ the Box Office. 

Overall its a movie worth watching in Big Screen for serious movie goers, with a good message [even though it something we have seen a lot in the recent past in films like Masters, Chappa kurishu etc]

Rating: 3/5

Verdict: Nice watch

Box Office - Average / Flop

Forgive me for (if any) mistakes in the review, please do comment below and let me know your response

22 Female Kottayam - Exclusive First Look Posters