USTHAD HOTEL - MUST WATCH!!! Ustad Hotel is a 2012 Malayalam–language Indian drama film written by Anjali Menon, directed by Anwar Rasheed and produced by Listin Stephen under the banner of Magic Frames and was distributed by Central Pictures.[2] The film stars Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, Thilakan, Nithya Menen, Siddique, Mamukkoya and Lena Abhilash in supporting roles, and Asif Ali and Jishnu in cameo roles. Ustad Hotel was one of Thilakans last films, which was released a few months before he died.[3] The film is about a young man named Faizal (known as Feyzee), who studies in Switzerland as a chef against his rich fathers wishes. As the relation between father and son deteriorates, Feyzee is forced to work as a cook in a restaurant at Kozhikode (Calicut) run by his grandfather Karim. A strong bond develops between Karim, an elderly Sufi Muslim, and his educated grandson who eventually decides to work permanently in the restaurant. The film also discusses issues of poverty, underprivilege and tensions between rich and poor in India. Food and its nuances becomes a central character in the film.[4] Ustad Hotel received overwhelmingly positive reviews, and reached number-one in the list of Top 10 Malayalam films of 2012 compiled by Oneindia.in.[5] It is considered a box office blockbuster, grossing about INR189 million (US$3.1 million).[1] The film bagged three National Film Awards: the film won the award for Best Popular Film while Anjali Menon won the award for Best Dialogues and Thilakan got a Special Mention from the jury for his widely acclaimed performance in the film. The jury commented, An excellent advertisement for Desi Enterprise, the film conveys a strong message of seeking realization, compassion and contentment through service to the society at large![6] Contents [hide] 1 Plot 2 Cast 3 Themes 4 Production 5 Release 5.1 Home media 6 Reception 6.1 Critical response 6.2 Box office 6.3 Accolades 7 Soundtrack 8 In popular culture 9 References 10 External links Plot[edit] The two lead protagonists of Ustad Hotel, from left to right: Faisal (Dulquer Salmaan) and Kareem (Thilakan). Abdul Razaq (Siddique) and Fareeda (Praveena), a Muslim couple in Kerala, are expecting their first child. Razaq wants the child to be a boy, and wants to name the child Faizal and call him Faizi, but to his disappointment, the child is a girl, and Razaq and Fareeda name her Fathima. Fareeda gives birth continuously to three more girls, which irritates Abdul Razaq, who migrates to Dubai. Finally, Fareeda gives birth to a boy, but because of her continuous deliveries, Fareeda becomes ill and dies. Abdul Razaq takes his five children to Dubai. Feyzee is looked after by his sisters whom he affectionately calls Ithathas & Company (Sisters and Company). As Faizi grows up, his sisters get married one by one, and his father marries for a second time. Faizi hopes to be a chef, much against his fathers aspirations. Faizi goes to Switzerland to study hotel management at the University of Lausanne and when he returns with much fanfare after the course, it is revealed that he has secretly studied as a chef and not hotel management. This shatters Razaqs dream of opening a five-star hotel in his home town Kozhikode and costs Faizi a marriage proposal from a wealthy family. Razaq wanted Faizi to marry a business tycoons daughter Shahana (Nithya Menen). Razaq virtually disowns Faizi and steals his passport and credit cards so that Faizi cannot go to London, where he already has a job as a sous chef in the IV restaurant. In anger, Faizi travels to Kozhikode to join his grandfather, Kareem (Thilakan) who is affectionately called Kareem Ikka locally. Kareem has been managing Ustad Hotel (named after him by people) for the last 35 years. Faizi stays in Kozhikode longer than he had anticipated. During his stay with his grandfather, Faizi gets involved in the daily activities of Ustad Hotel. He also strikes friendship with the members of the band Kallumakkayees(mussels). A five-star hotel named Beach Bay next door wants to acquire the land on which Ustad Hotel stands. Kareem had incurred lakhs of debt and the bank was planning to seize the restaurant and give the property to the five-star hotel. Faizi tells the owner of the five-star hotel that he will not allow it to take over Ustad Hotels property. The owner of the five-star hotel then bribes the local health department and gets Ustad Hotel closed down because of uncleanliness. Faizi collects money from the employees and renovates and with Shahanas help, reopens the restaurant, which becomes very successful, enabling them to clear the debts. Faizi wants to go to France to pursue his career and he gets an offer to work as an executive chef in a restaurant in Marseille, France. But before he leaves, Kareem asks Faizi to visit his friend Narayanan Krishnan in Madurai, whom Kareem had been funding to feed the poor. On seeing how poor Indian people are struggling for food, Faizi now understands the meaning of Kareems words that anyone can fill a stomach, but a good cook should fill the heart as well. By the time Faizi comes back, Kareem goes on a pilgrimage, never to return. Faizi changes his mind and decides to stay with Ustad Hotel, and marries Shahana, who helps him run the restaurant. Faizis rich father also changes his mind and supports the restaurant, changing it to a profitable one. Cast[edit] Dulquer Salmaan as Faizal Abdul Razak (Feyzee) Thilakan as Kareem Siddique as Abdul Razak Nithya Menon as Shahana Mamukkoya as Ummar Kunchan as Driver Abdullah Jayaprakash as Narayanan Krishnan. This character is based on a chef turned social worker whose name is also Narayanan Krishnan.[7] Manian Pillai Raju as Chef Babu Lena Abhilash as Fatima Hanzil Hydarali as Child Faizi Praveena as Fareeda Meghna Nair as Fausia Mythili as Firoza Sija Rose as Fazeeha Dominica as Christina Bhagath Manuel as a band member[8] Sreenath Bhasi as a band member[9] Littil Swayamp as a band member[10] Joseph Chakola as a band member[9] Jinu Jose as Chairman of Beach Bay Group Jishnu as Mehroof Prem Prakash as Bank Manager Ashwathy as Jenny Kalabhavan Saijohn as Driver Theepatti Ganesh as Ismail Sithara as Shakela Jagan Reju as young Kareem Malavika Nair as Moulavis daughter Vishnu Vijayan Avinash Sivadas Vettiyattil Asif Ali as himself (Cameo) Raj Kalesh as himself (Cameo) Suvith Krishna (Cameo)[11] Themes[edit] Food and its nuances becomes a central character in the film, and acts as a catalyst of personal transformation. The film has many references to Malabari cuisine, including long sequences of cooking, of main characters enjoying cooking and of actors talking about food.[4] In one of the most famous scenes from the film, the obsession with a good cup of suleimani (black tea) and the paraphernalia that surrounds it is shown. When asked about the origins of this story, Anjali Menon replied, I am a complete foodie and I believe that every time we consume something we must give it full attention to enjoy every flavour. That is the root of the story. Distinct flavours of tea, sweetness and sourness come together in a suleimani creating a blend of experience that stimulates us – quite like romance, I think.[12] The story revolves around a typical Mappilla community from Kozhikode, with several lingual references, accent references and other signifiers. Anjali says, Any script or film deserves to be treated with full respect for where it is located because at the end there is a reason why a certain story is set in a certain place. To me, it is the most basic thing to find signifiers from within the location to propel the story ahead.[12] Production[edit] Sun setting over Calicut beach. A large part of the film takes place on the beach at Calicut. Ustad Hotel was scripted by Anjali Menon, the director of the award-winning feature Manjadikuru and the short film Happy Journey from the Kerala Cafe anthology. It was the first script she wrote for someone else.[2] The film was born from the friendship Anjali and Anwar Rasheed shared when they worked together in Kerala Cafe, in which Anwar directed the featurette Bridge.[12] Narrating the way the idea of the film evolved, Anwar Rasheed said, the thread of the movie came out in a telephonic conversation with Anjali Menon, script writer of the movie. Post Bridge, we decided to do a movie together. After discussing two-three projects, we thought why cant we do a food related movie. We postponed the movie idea and then Salt N Pepper was released. This movie has no similarity with Salt N Pepper except that both deals with food.[13] Anjali says, When we met and talked about his past films, he [Anwar Rasheed] told me once, Anjali, I want to make a film in which I compromise the least. That kind of stuck in my head. I wanted to write something in which he wouldnt have to compromise.[12] Anjali wrote the script during a stay in Calicut. She says, Soon after I discovered I was pregnant, I moved to Calicut to be with my mother. As she and the rest of the family showered me with affection as only Kozhikodans truly can ... I began to think of the peculiarity of the local culture especially with food and hospitality. I started to read up about the Arab past and for some reason ended up with Sufi philosophy. Many folks ask me if I had researched the hotel industry, food preparation etc but the truth is that the core of my research was around Sufism, which celebrates food, music, dance, creativity, art, romance and finds the divine in all such aspects of life. It seemed natural that the film, too should be such an exploration of a new generation person into such mode of thought and life.[12] Anjali wrote the film in English, in which it remained until the seventh draft, then rewrote it in Malayalam. She said, I remember the opening line – ‘The idea of Faizi began before him. When I wrote in Malayalam it became, Faizi-nte katha oon janikinnekal munpe todangi. That is when it really hit Anwar.[14] I find myself smiling when I look back. I believe life is a screenplay where the plot points are buried well. April 2009 – We were at the first discussion meeting for Kerala Cafe in Kochi. All the directors arrived and I was meeting most of them for the first time. At lunchtime, biryani packets arrived at the table. It smelt delicious and as I helped myself I asked where is this biryani from?”, to which Anwar answered with the name of the hotel. That was my first exchange with Anwar Rasheed. I didn’t know then that in two years time we’d be creating Ustad Hotel together! – Anjali Menon about the film.[15] The project was announced in November 2011, and the first actors cast included Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menen and Thilakan.[16] Tamil actor Siddharth was also considered for the lead role, which was later given to veteran actor Dulquer Salmaan.[17] When asked why he chose Ustad Hotel as his second film, Dulquer said, This is a coming-of-age film and it is a genre I rather like; I enjoyed films such as Wake Up Sid and Udaan and wanted to do one like that myself. I like the character of Faizee too.[18] Director Anwar Rasheed was sure none other than Thilakan could do justice to Kareem Ikkas role, and despite his health problems, the role was instantly given to the veteran actor. Thilakan said, It is a great role, the kind that I enjoy doing at this stage of my career. I want to do roles like this that offer me some challenges as an actor.[18] Nithya Menen was cast for the female lead role despite a ban imposed upon the actress by the producerss association.[19] Footballer Suvith Krishna, who represented the Kerala team from 2004 to 2010, who is also a professional model, made his film debut as a keyboardist in the song sequence Appangalembadum.[11] Singer Jagan Reju played the role of teenaged Kareem Ikka. Anwar Rasheed says that he accidentally saw Jagans Facebook profile and was stunned by the boys resemblance to Thilakan in his teenage years. Jagan says, Anwar Rasheed Sir just saw my photos on Facebook. It was an unexpected call and when I went to meet him, he was surprised and asked me whether I will play the teenage role of Thilakan Sir. The only drawback was that Jagan was too tall compared to Thilakan and covered this flaw by taking some close and mid-close shots. Jagan was shown only in flashback without any dialogue.[20] The film was produced by Listin Stephen, and production began on 21 November 2011 with a pooja ceremony organised at Hotel Sarovaram in Kochi.[21] Initially planned for release in April 2012, filming began in January 2012 and the main location was Calicut Beach. It took a full day for art director Anand to build the restaurant on the beach-side. A report by The Hindu said, There are quite a few people on the beach and they are surprised to see a new Ustad Hotel that has sprung up overnight. It is only a little later that visitors to the beach realise that its not a real hotel, but the set for Anwar Rasheeds new film Ustad Hotel![18] Filming also occurred at Hotel Holiday Inn in Kochi,[22] and in locations in Rajasthan, Madurai and Dubai. The cinematographer was S. Lokanathan, the film is produced under the banner of Magic Frames, and the songs were composed by Gopi Sunder with lyrics by Rafeeq Ahmed. Praveen Prabhakar edited it, art direction was by Bipin Chandran and Sameera Sanish designed the costumes. The sound designing was done by M. R. Rajakrishnan.Ustad Hotel was in production for one-and-a-half years. Anwar says, From the time the script was written till it hit the screen, I was out of the house. It took one-and-a-half years.[23] Release[edit] Some media reported in July 2012 that the films release would be delayed as it was not approved by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which received a complaint stating that camels were used in a song sequence without permission. The reports said that the releasing board prevented the films screening.[24][25] But director Anwar Rasheed denied the charges, and said, The song sequence was shot in Rajasthan after getting the permit and there is no complaints against the movie.[26] Ustad Hotel was released on 29 June 2012 in 73 centres across Kerala. A new release system, which imposed restrictions on the number of movies released in the state each week was passed earlier that year, but was withdrawn that week which resulted in three releases on the same day: Ustad Hotel, Namukku Parkkan and No. 66 Madhura Bus.[27] Ustad Hotel was also released in major cities outside Kerala and in the UK, the USA and Gulf countries. After its release, claims arose that the film has faint resemblance to the 2009 German comedy film Soul Kitchen.[28] Anjali Menon denied the outright and stated, I havent watched Soul Kitchen. There are a lot of food films all over the world and many that are centred around the renovation of a restaurant. I am a big fan of food films.[14] The film became controversial when some accused the film for promoting Love Jihad. Anonymous posters urging Keralites to be cautious against Love Jihad appeared throughout Kerala alongside the posters of Ustad Hotel and Thattathin Marayathu – the latter films plot involves a Hindu boy falling in love with a Muslim girl. The campaign was also active on social networking sites such as Facebook. The film crew denied the accusations; Anjali Menon said, Those who have pasted these posters have obviously not seen the film. Shaan Rahman, music director of Thattathin Marayathu said, I noticed a photo on Facebook uploaded by a friend of mine in which a Love Jihad post was pasted in the Ustad Hotel poster. The trend is disturbing. Its quite unfortunate that some people are not even sparing films from their stupid ideas.[29] Home media[edit] In October 2012, Movie Channel released Ustad Hotel on Bluray&DVD. Following a petition filed by Movie Channel, the 6th Additional District High Court of Kochi issued a John Doe order which empowers the films owners to restrain suspected and unknown defendants from screening, copying, broadcasting, uploading/downloading, duplicating or taping the film through any media. Agent Jadoo Tech Solutions, which has been looking after the movies Internet security since its release, is behind the move. Ustad Hotel was one of the first Malayalam films to be granted the John Doe order – so called because it is an injunction sought against someone whose identity is not known.[30] Reception[edit] Critical response[edit] Ustad Hotel received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Aswin J. Kumar of The Times of India gave the movie 3.5/5 stars, and wrote, There is a certain warmth about Ustad Hotel. In a film that gently meanders along touching upon facets of love between a man and a woman, a father and a son, and a grandfather and grandson, the elements are infused with precision.[31] Dalton L of Deccan Chronicle gave the movie 3/5 stars, and wrote, Fusing the conservative with the modern, a virtuous woman happily swaps her purdah for a pair of jeans and a mike, and a traditional mappila song reverberates, powerfully, with a rocking punch.[32] In her review for The Hindu, Nidhi Surendranath stated, Ustad Hotel is a mix of endearing characters and poignant images that hits the audience with warmth and energy.[33] Anil R. Nair of The New Indian Express called Ustad Hotel an appealing film which seems to have got everything simply right especially because of the star cast. He praised the films script, direction, cinematography and music.[34] Veeyen of Now Running gave the movie 3.5/5 stars and said, Anwar Rasheeds Ustad Hotel is a richly textured fable, the emotional power of which is bewitching. Engaging and entertaining at once, it is undoubtedly one of the finest films to have come out in Malayalam in recent times. This one, folks, is sheer poetry on screen![35] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff gave the movie 3.5/5 stars, saying that Writer Anjali Menon and director Anwar Rasheed have given us a delicious meal at Ustad Hotel.[36] Sify gave the movie a verdict of Go for it, and wrote, Ustad Hotel may not shock you with some thrilling plots or dramatic twists, but it is an entertaining watch that can bring smiles on your faces or at certain other instances can make your eyes moist. It could definitely have been less lengthy and more gripping, but it is worth a watch even in this form.[37] Indiaglitz gave the movie 7.5/10 stars and said, A take on the dialogue of the movie about making Sulaimani, anyone can make a mass movie; but it can only be from the likes of Anwar Rasheed who can serve it with the rightest ingredients of love and precision that can move the hearts. No doubts here about that..... Definitely this USTAD HOTEL has got a very yummy, mouth watering menu that must be tasted at least once...[38] P. T. Ravishankar wrote a positive review in Madhyamam, and stated, Ustad Hotel is one of the greatest Malayalam films ever made. Anjali Menon and Anwar Rasheed must be praised for creating a wonderful film without using any formulas set by the so-called new-wave Malayalam cinema. The movie also captures new heights in cinematography and music as well as the acting by Dulquer Salman, Nithya Menen and Thilakan.[39] City Journal gave the movie a verdict of Truly Delicious and said, Ustad Hotel is a moving film, the story well written by an extremely gifted artiste, the film directed by a young and genuine talent and Anwar has definitely won the first round effortlessly.[40] Unni R. Nair of Kerala9 gave the movie 3.5/5 stars and wrote, It’s one film that you won’t want to criticize. It’s a film that you’d want to see again and take others to see…It’s one of the best films to come out in Malayalam in recent times.[41] Metro Matinee gave the movie a verdict of Very Tasty and said, Ustad Hotel is refreshing, captivating and engrossing. Must Watch.[42] Theater Balcony gave the movie 3.25/5 stars and said, Ustad Hotel is the result of a team work, with a refreshing story which told with right emotions, outstandingly acted, superbly directed and well written. Another amazing movie which will remain with us long after the end credits.[43] Mridul of Mutiny gave the movie 4/5 stars and said, Ustad Hotel is a well picturised, good to watch, clean entertainer.[44] Malavika Velayanikal, in an article written for Daily News and Analysis (DNA), criticised the Mappila dialect used by the lead actors in the film and wrote, They [the lead actors] have acted well, but messed up the accent. Salmaan can be forgiven since his character supposedly lived in the Gulf and studied in Switzerland. But the others have no such excuse. I enjoyed the film, loved its spunky and real characters, but the wrong pronunciation took away some of the pleasure.[45] Box office[edit] Ustad Hotel saw an earth-shaking opening at the Kerala box office.[46] It earned a distributors share of INR10 million (US$160,000) from 73 screens in Kerala in the opening weekend (29 June to 1 July) which was a new record for a class film without any major star. In spite of heavy rains in Kerala, the film completed its first week with a distributor share of around INR20 million (US$330,000).[46] Ustad Hotel fell to number two after the release of Vineeth Sreenivasans Thattathin Marayathu, and in the following weeks it grossed INR76.5 million (US$1.2 million) in 28 days from 60 screens.[47] The films box office collection fell significantly in the following weeks due to the month of Ramadan. Ustad Hotel earned a total of INR90 million (US$1.5 million) in the fifty days of its theatrical run in 22 centres across Kerela. The film held well after Ramadan and was the main competitor to the Onam releases.[48] The film had a theatrical run of over hundred 100 days and was one of the highest grossing Malayalam films of the year.[10] The film did good business overseas, and collected INR991000 (US$16,000) in the UK alone.[49] This is Dulquer Salmans biggest hit till date. Accolades[edit] 60th National Film Awards (2012) Won—Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Won—Best Screenplay (Dialogues) - Anjali Menon Won—Special Mention - Thilakan (posthumous) 60th Filmfare Awards South (2013)[50] Won—Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South - Dulquer Salmaan Nominated—Best Film Nominated—Best Director - Anwar Rasheed Nominated—Best Actor - Dulquer Salmaan Nominated—Best Supporting Actor - Thilakan Nominated—Best Music Director - Gopi Sunder Nominated—Best Playback Singer - Male - Haricharan for Vaathilil Aa Vaathilil 1st Mohan Raghavan Awards (2012) Won—Best Director - Anwar Rasheed[51] 2nd South Indian International Movie Awards (2013) Won—Best Film Nominated—Best Director - Anwar Rasheed Nominated—Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Thilakan Nominated—Best Cinematographer - S. Lokanathan Nominated—Best Music Director - Gopi Sunder Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer - Anna Katharina Valayil for Appangalembadum Nominated—Best Dance Choreographer - Shankar for Appangalembadum Kochi Times Film Awards (2012)[52] Pending—Best Film Pending—Best Actor (Male) - Dulquer Salmaan Pending—Best Director - Anwar Rasheed Pending—Best Singer (Male) - Haricharan for Vaathilil Pending—Best Singer (Female) - Anna Katharina Valayil for Appangal Pending—Best Music Director - Gopi Sunder Pending—Best Lyrics - Rafeeq Ahmed for Vaathilil
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:49:32 +0000
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