I watched a Malayalam Movie last week named ‘Ustad Hotel’ starring Dulquer Salman, Nithya Menon and Thilakan. The movie is directed by Anwar Rasheed, produced by Listin Stephen, and brilliantly written script by Anjali Menon. The movie can be categorized under the Comedy genre. The film appears simple but carries a profound message that life gives opportunities in numerous forms.  The movie was released in 2012. I love watching Malyalam movies because they usually carry meaningful message, they have extremely talented actors who give their best and are ready to experiment variation.  

The film tells the story of Faizal (Dulquer Salmaan), who is called Faizi in the movie, and the path he chooses to find his purpose of life. The story tells Faizi’s journey of life. Along the way we see his relationships with his four sisters, his father and most importantly with his grandfather who is the owner of the Ustad Hotel.

Faizi’s story starts before he is born when his father Abdul Razaq (Siddique) and mother Fareeda (Praveena) are expecting their first child. Abdul’s confidence that the baby will be a boy and to his disappointment when this child, and the next three babies turn out to be girls. Finally, Faizi is born, his ambitious father plans out his son’s life leaving no room for the son to think and decide his own path. Faizi’s mother dies after his birth; luckily Faizi has his four sisters who bring him up after their mother’s death. His sisters know that he is training to be a chef in Switzerland while his father thinks he is studying for an MBA. The sisters don’t like his European girlfriend and neither do they like his plans to settle in London. They plot to bring him back to India. 

No sooner does Faizi return to India, his father Abdul tells him about Faizi’s s marriage planned with bride Shahana (Nithya Menon). Faizi tells his father about his intention to work as a chef. Faizi’s furious father impounds his passport. Faizi goes in desperation to his grandfather Kareem (Thilakan) who runs a small beachside restaurant in Kozhikode. The movie’s star is Thilakan.

Kareem acts as a mentor to Faizi and teaches him not only how to cook his famous biriyani, but also how to care for a business, including his workers, and the general community around him. The obvious respect which Kareem receives from everyone from his staff and customers including the chef in the five-star hotel nearby, makes Faizi realise that there is more to his grandfather than just being a chef. Kareem teaches life lesson to this grandson through his actions; individuals are accountable for fulfilling their social duty, and the actions of an individual must benefit the society. Everyone sees faizi as Kareem’s grandson and that defines his place in a way that has never been so clear before.  

Anjali Menon has crafted the story very well showcasing the relationship between the grandfather and grandson which is beautifully developed as Kareem starts by making Faizi a general helper and gradually allows him to develop his cooking skills while ensuring he gains a more mature outlook on life. Anjali Menon’s script is layered and the performances from Dulquer Salman and Thilakan are fantastic.

The film deserves the many accolades and awards received, including its three National Film Awards in 2012. The story is simple but beautifully executed with stunning cinematography and excellent performances from the whole cast. It’s a real feast for the senses given that most of the film revolves around food and cooking. The film was a commercial success.

You must watch the movie to watch Thilkan and Dulquer’s super-duper acting on Disney + Hotstar