Sudani from Nigeria

Sudani from Nigeria might not have big names to boast of but it's got everything in its right place, be it comedy, sentiments, thrills or tears.

In its run-time of 2 h 4 m, 'Sudani from Nigeria' manages to make viewers laugh, contemplate over certain hard-hitting realities, and reinstates the comforting thought that genuine goodness still exists amongst people in the present era.

The movie talks primarily from the point-of-view of two people: Samuel (Samuel Abiola Robinson), a Nigerian national who comes to India to play for a sevens football team in the Malappuram district of Kerala; and Majeed (the brilliant Soubin Shahir who showcases his versatility in the simplest of ways) the sponsor-manager of said football team featuring a bunch of African players. The story is set in a little town where football is a way of life - the sport is considered a means of entertainment as well as livelihood by many.

Things take a turn for the worse when Samuel falls prey to an unfortunate injury and Majeed is left with no choice but to help him on his road to recovery. The bond they develop is organic and (so) heart-warming that when the curtains eventually come falling, it is difficult not to shed tears of joy. The laughs generated along the way are clean, situational and memorable. In times where we only get to read about vile stuff happening around the world, 'Sudani from Nigeria' comes across as a whiff of fresh air, filled with much-needed positivity.

Writer/Director Zakariya deserves praise for not going overboard when it comes to churning out sentimental scenes although he easily could have. Samuel's story is told in a concise yet impactful flashback - sufficient to convey the idea that life was never easy for him. Soubin pulls off yet another convincing performance; his emoting skills fully put to the test here. It'd be heartless on my part not to mention the rest of the supporting cast as well, mostly unknown faces, who have basically 'lived' their characters - be it Majeed's friends, his loving mother Jameela, the next-door Beeyumma, or his step dad. Never does the viewer feel that these newbies were 'acting', in the conventional sense of it. Kudos to the director for extracting the best out his cast!

While the Malappuram accent was slightly difficult to follow in dialogue-writer Muhsin Parari's 'KL 10 Pathu', it' isn't the case this time around. The one-liners and counters seamlessly tickle the funny bone in scenes aplenty (the police station scene and the one with Nairettan stood out!). Music by Rex Vijayan is refreshing and fits the tone of the film well. Football is certainly an integral aspect of 'Sudani from Nigeria' but it can't be entirely said that it's just a sports movie - it is in fact, a LOT more! Humanity prevails!

Initially, I misunderstood sudani from Nigeria as a cheap comedy film trying to cash on soubin's funny image due to which I was not even bothered to see its trailer but I was terribly wrong when I heard its critical acclaim from all over. I couldn't see it in theatres so I saw it when it released digitally. And I tell you that its the best malayalam movie of the year. It narrates the story of Majeed(soubin) who is the manager of a football team in malapurram district and its star player is Samuel(Samuel abiola Robinson), a Nigerian player. After Samuel suffers a serious injury, circumstances lead majeed to make Samuel stay it his house for bed rest under the care of his mother and her neighbor friend. Rest of the film is how Samuel presence brings a change in majeeds life and how majeed helps samuel in the end. What makes this film a masterpiece are its actors performances(most of them are newcomers except soubin), situational humour, few heart touching moments and the culture of Malabar. After parava and mayanadhi, soubin once again proves his brilliance as an actor. He must not stick to only comedy sidekick roles. Samuel's smile and innocence steal your hearts. Late ktc abdulla gives a touching performance as the step father. Special mention to those lovable ummas. Finally sudani from Nigeria is a best feel good film of the year and my personal favorite.

A superb movie... Zak u proved!!! as a young successful director.. keep rocking and we expecting like this in the nearest future..

I keep coming back to this movie in the hope to have some of the goodness in the movie rub off on me. So many loving and genuine people. So many beautiful and heartwarming moments.

Characterization of each of the characters in the movie has been excellent. There is depth to every single character you see on the screen. No one appears on the screen, "just to say that dialogue".

Casting has been perfect. Everyone has acted very very well. Costumes and the general look of everyone in the movie has been very very convincing.

Soubin has done an excellent job and is fast becoming my favorite actor in current times.

Rex Vijayan has done awesome work in not only the songs, but also in the background score. As the end credits come on, the background score takes a life of it's own.

Direction has been excellent. There is a genuineness to the presentation. You get the feeling that you are actually in the village and are seeing all the incidents directly in person.

Script has been kept very close to reality. It does attempt crescendos of various levels and have been largely successful.

Looking forward to Zachariya's next!