Sudani from Nigeria

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!

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!

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.

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

The movie is set in the city of Malappuram where 7s Football is a craze. ( A background: 1) While football is played with 11 players in one team, 7s have only 7 players on one team. The ground is small than the normal ones. Think of 7s as a bridge between Futsal and Football. 2) Malappuram is a small town in the state of Kerala, India. Football is a craze there. Think the place of as a mini Brazil/Spain/German state of football fans).

Majeed is an unmarried young man, who is managing a Football team. He only source of income is from winning games. Due to his 'unemployment' status, getting a girl becomes difficult. (A background: Arrange marriage is still the norm in major parts of India. A steady income for the groom to be is a must for families)

Majeed is dedicated to football and to his club. To strengthen his squad, he brings in players from Nigeria (A background: A lot of Africans play in these 7s league in Kerala). The stars seem to shine on him as he starts to win thanks to his newly joined players, especially Samuel. Samuel steals the heart of the football fanatics and becomes the top scorer for his team.

Since most of the people from Malappuram are not quite sure of the geographical layout of Africa, they start to call Samuel as Sudani. While Samuel makes an effort to correct them by stating that he is from Nigeria, people started to address him as Sudani from Nigeria (It's similar to calling someone a German from England or an Asian from America). Samuel decides to stick to what people call him.

An accident to Samuel/Sudani makes him unfit. Compounding the problem, it seems the time to recover is long and as Samuel's sponsor, the responsibility falls on Majeed's shoulder. With no money to entrust Samuel/Sudani in the hospital, Majeed has to make a decision.

This movie is not an action packed thriller or a suspense drama flick. It's an evenly paced simple movie. I have to stress this for the fact that people might watch this movie with the wrong set of expectations and that will spoil the mood.

For those who have watched Thondimuthalam Drikshakashiryum (another wonderful movie), this one is of the same genre.

The setting, selection of actors (most of whom I'm watching for the first time), the music, direction, acting is brilliant. Subish, the actor who plays Majeeed, seem to pick all the right roles. He started playing comedy roles and have picked up roles that fit within, what he thinks, is his range of suitable roles. Thanks to him, we are able to see the emotion behind an ordinary 'unemployed' football manager.

While the movie is connected to Football, the actual action of the movie is outside of the field. Majeed's struggle. Sudani's struggle post injury, his background story and more. Humor is a constant companion. Most of the characters seem to have some humor induced in them and it's wonderfully executed. Majeed, in one scene, compares himself to his struggles and to that of Zidane. In one way, both have the same problems, the primary difference being money and attention each get.

Who stole the show? While Subish aka Majeed does a brilliant job, for me, it was Majeed's mother. What a wonderful actress. She portrays the role of a loving mom, who burns inside for his son is executed in an exquisite way. My sincere apologies for getting your hopes high if you haven't watched the movie. I just couldn't control showering praise on her. Now, don't watch expecting an Al Pacino style acting. Nah! This is a perfect reflection of how a muslim woman, who, in a patriarchal world, responds. She gets you emotionally hooked.

Her neighbor friend is equally wonderful. Loved her way of looking at the ** (hidden due to spoiler) when they come and how she taunts them.

The cameo by the actor who portrays yesteryear martial artist is also a treat. Even though he comes and goes in a blink of an eye, to entertain such a character is what makes the movie a treat of watch. All the side characters are so part of the movie and it makes the movie whole.

I want to refrain form calling this movie amazing, fantastic and such superlatives, because the movie is soul-felt (if there is such a word). Go in to experience a simple movie delivered in a minimalist (borrowing a tech phrase) manner.