Halal Love Story

When the members of a popular Islamic organisation decide to make a telefilm, writer Toufeek played by Sharaf U Dheen along with other members assembles village members to act in the film helmed by Siraj played by Joju George.

Halal Love Story is a 'film within a film' . We have come across many movies of the same format including the critically acclaimed Jigarthanda. Here director Zakariya chose to play within his safe zone,the same what we witnessed in KL 10 and Sudani from Nigeria. The film opens up slowly showing landscape beauty of Malabar region and some of you may find it uninteresting that the narrative and dialogues are so rooted to the Malabar Muslim culture. The proceedings get back on track when the shooting episode starts with some genuine hilarious situations revolving around the shooting spot.

Among the bunch of acclaimed artists Grace Antony excels. It's good to see the talented actress getting meaty roles. Indrajith as the struggling artist and pompous husband was a real treat. Joju George , Sharaf U Dheen, Parvathy, Soubin and rest of the cast make a decent impact with their act. Zakariya has retained most of the faces from his last outing.

Halal love story is more like a satirical approach dealing with some of the conservative, orthodox minds and creates situational comedy out of religious absurdity rather than outright mocking. The bland, lustreless portions were saved by the quirky, subtle humour. Thanks to the breathtaking shots by Ajay Menon, the stupendous, colourful frames lighten up the mood of the film. Songs by Shahabaz Aman, Rex Vijayan, Bijibal, Neha Nair were soothing.

Halal Love may not cater to all sections of the audience. This heartwarming, funny tale by Zakariya is par below his former outing yet enjoyable considering its simplistic nature.

It's just a simple movie that made me smile and filled my heart with happiness. Nothing more, nothing less. And that smile on my face, that happiness in my heart, means a lot to me.

Great performances by Grace Antony, Joju George, Sharafudeen, Indrajith, and the other character actors as well. Casting has been done well as well.

Subtle and original humor all through the movie.

Against the backdrop of humor, sudden presentations of problems in the characters' lives has been done naturally and convincingly.

While the movie seems to take it's time presenting humor with the process of shooting, it suddenly gets into deeper aspects of actor training, and leverages that to get into the actual life of the characters.

Context of the movie has a very specific islamic background, and hence there is a certain lack of universal reach from that perspective as compared to Zakariya's previous movie "Sudani from Nigeria" which had much more access.

The relationship theme choice is unique and impressive. It is mostly a political satire, and hence is not as much heart as Sudani, but definitely a crafty and original venture from Zakariya. Some of the material from the making process of Sudani has most likely made it's way into the theme of Halal.

The standards set by Zakariya's debut movie 'Sudani from Nigeria' is so high that there's little chance he can achieve it again. Halal Love Story is a good second attempt by him. This movie has problems that his first movie didn't have. The performances is the best aspect of the movie. All actors have outdone themselves. The music and songs are also good and helped with the overall pace and mood of the movie. Overall, this is a cute little movie which has it's moments and is watchable for it. You'll be contend

Its something very new. Some people might get irritated. People who are not open minded won't be able to enjoy it. Those who are not secular, this is not something for you. This is local, a malabari version of some views. It's different its good. But could have been better within the limits