Halal Love Story

Halal love story is zakariya's 2nd directorial venture after sudani from Nigeria which is one of my personal favorite films. When, I heard that its releasing in ott, I was a bit sad because i wished it was released in theatres. The plot is based on a bunch of passionate filmmakers from malabar who want to make a telefilm for their community. Rest of the film are the events following the making. The story is very thin, but its the direction which keeps the movie forward which is as realistic as the director's previous film. The next area it shines are the performances. The best performer was grace antony whose potential must be used in future. Indrajith as usual gives a sincere performance, but couldn't perfect the malabar slang. Joju shines in many portions. From all the films i have seen, this is the first time I am seeing sharafudeen in a gentleman kind of role. Parvathy's cameo was okay but soubin's cameo was awesome. The cinematography is another asset. But the storyline is too simple which will disappoint many who are expecting another sudani from Nigeria. And in entertainment level, this one is neither funny nor emotional, it stays somewhere in the middle. On the whole, realistic filmmaking and artist performances save halal love story. I personally liked, but don't watch it with too many expectations.

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.

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

It is a family entertainment comedy film. Film is based on a story of school master from a semi Orthodox community who like to take a movie. The movie presenting the challenges he faced in comedy way.