Sulaikha Manzil is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Ashraf Hamza under the banner Chembosky Motion Pictures. It stars Lukman Avaran, Anarkali Marikar and Chemban Vinod Jose in lead roles.[1] The film was released on 21 April 2023 and received positive reviews from critics.[2][3][4][5]

Sulaikha Manzil
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAshraf Hamza
Written byAshraf Hamza
Produced byChemban Vinod Jose
Subeesh Kannanchery
Sameer Karat
StarringLukman Avaran
Anarkali Marikar
CinematographyKannan Patteri
Edited byNoufal Abdullah
Music byVishnu Vijay
Production
company
Chembosky Motion Pictures
Distributed byCentury Films
Release date
21 April 2023
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Plot edit

The movie begins with a music video shot in a spoof-like manner, which can be related to the visual grammar of popular Malayalam music albums of the 2000s (a music single by singer Saleem Kodathur is used as the backing track, which can be traced back to the era). It can be seen that the lead actors of the movie (except Lukman Avaran) are acting in the song, where Haala is in love with a guy named Ashiq against her family's will, and eventually Ashiq dies in a road accident.

Haala's brother Sameer is an NRI, who works in the UAE has been in search of a groom for Haala for many years. Haala and Sameer are not on good terms for undisclosed reasons, and she rejects every proposal brought by Sameer. She finally agrees to marry Ameen, who also works in the UAE. Sameer and Ameen meet each other in the UAE and arrange the marriage on very short notice. Ameen is visibly confused about the short notice but agrees anyway.

Ameen wants to get acquainted with Haala before marriage, but she does not seem to care. Ameen calls her the day before marriage and discovers she hasn't even saved his contact information on her phone and he discusses the matter with his friend Anwar. Meanwhile, Haala discusses with her cousin Amina that she just lacks the "excitement" but is okay with the marriage. Ameen called Haala again, but she couldn't answer the phone. When she returned the call, Ameen said he wanted to meet her, and Haala agrees. But she couldn't make it as she was trapped with her relatives. Angered, Ameen calls Haala and scolds her while she is on speakerphone, and Amina and Bathool get involved. Amina asks Haala whether she wants to call off the wedding. Bathool, Haala's sister-in-law, however, suggests waiting sometime, and if Ameen calls back and says sorry, Haala should hear him. Haala agreed to this, and Ameen called back and expressed his regret. Now that both are happy, Ameen asked her again, and she said to come to her house secretly in the evening.

Ameen couldn't escape from his house but managed to get in a car with his friends and drive to Haala's house. He met Haala in her backyard and discussed his concerns. Haala said she can't get close with someone on such short notice, but she is trying. Ameen agrees initially but eventually starts a fight. Ameen decided to call off the wedding, and Haala is seen confused. Ameen and friends got in the car, but got stuck as it partially fell into a drainage canal. Guests and relatives from Haala's house came to the rescue and learned it was Ameen. They invited him to the house, and Ameen couldn't resist.

At Haala's house, celebrations have begun as Ameen came to the house unexpectedly and surprisingly. They asked Ameen to perform on stage, but a depressed Ameen stood still. Ameen decides to announce his decision but suddenly learns that everyone is so happy and he doesn't want to spoil the mood. He abandons his decision to call off the wedding at the moment and meets Haala. Haala asks why he changed his mind, and Ameen replies that he doesn't want to ruin people's happiness and will disclose the matter to Haala's family once he gets home. Haala clears Ameen's mind and says Ameen's decision to not ruin others' happiness is the best quality that she imagined in her life partner, and they both return happily.

The next day, at Haala's house, the Nikkah ceremony is about to begin. The priest asks Sameer whether he had his sister's permission for the wedding. Sameer remained silent, and the priest insisted that he do it formally in front of everyone. Sameer, overwhelmed with feelings, walks towards Haala and hugs her, and breaks the ice between them.

Cast edit

  • Lukman Avaran as Ameen Kasim
  • Anarkali Marikar as Haala Parveen
  • Shebin Benson as Ashiq Maliyekkal, Haala's ex-boyfriend (special appearance)
  • Chemban Vinod Jose as Sameer Parveen, Haala's brother
  • Amalda Liz as Bathool, Sameer's wife
  • Shabareesh Varma as Ramzan, Ameen's brother-in-law
  • Deepa Thomas as Dr. Amina Hussain, Haala's cousin
  • Ganapathi S. Poduval as Adil, Haala's brother
  • Noushad Ali as Anwar, Ameen's friend
  • Archana Padmini as Hawwa, Ameen's sister
  • Mamukkoya as Abdurahman, Ameen's uncle
  • Nirmal Palazhi as Anakath Akbar, Haala's uncle
  • Jolly Chirayath as Haleema, Ameen's mother
  • Shubha Sreedharan as Sulaikha, Haala's mother
  • Pramod Veliyanad as Ambayath Subrahmanian
  • Adhri Joe as Adnan, Haala's brother
  • Shamsudheen as Arun, Ameen's friend
  • Aswathi R. as Mirza, Adnan's wife
  • Rithu as Fida
  • Pranav Krishna as Kuttan
  • Parthasarathi as Prasad
  • Uma K. P. as Rukhiya, Abdurahman's wife
  • Latheef Kuttippuram as Yaseen, Abdurahman's friend
  • Thankamani as Khadeejatha
  • Zakariya as Kasim Mash, Ameen's father
  • Zaheer Ramla as Ameer, Ameen's brother
  • John Clarinet as Musliyar

Production edit

The first look poster was released in February 2023 and second look poster was released with the release date.[6][7] Later teaser was released.[8]

Reception edit

Athira M critic of The Hindu stated that "overall, there isn't a lot to get enthused about the film other than the performances and the feel-good moments thrown in here and there".[9] Archana Anoop of Onmanorama stated that "The film's biggest plus has to be Vishnu Vijay's soulful music, which captures the essence of Malabar Muslim weddings."[10] Critics from Manorama News[11] and Mathrubhumi [12] gave mixed reviews.

Music edit

Music was composed and produced by Vishnu Vijay.[13] Lyrics were penned by Muhsin Parari and Dr. Shamshad Hussain.[14] The soundtrack accompanied for the film has six songs in number.[15] The song 'Jil Jil Jil' features stanzas from 'Aararum Manassil Ninnorikkalulm' - a yesteryear Mappila Paattu written by T. K. Kuttiyali and composed by T. K. Ramamoorthy.[16] The album features one remix version and one re-recorded version of 'Ethra Naal', a music single by singer Saleem Kodathur with additional lyrics penned by Muhsin Parari.[17] Vijay, Pushpavathy Poypadathu, Ahi Ajayan, Varsha Renjith, Meera Prakash and Muhsin Parari gave vocals for the tracks featured in the album.[18] The soundtrack is influenced by traditional Muslim musical styles of Northern Kerala.[citation needed] It was released on 9 May 2023 by Think Music.[19] The soundtrack album received positive feedback from music listeners and critics, appreciating Vishnu Vijay for his compositions and Muhsin Parari for the catchy and fresh lyrics.[20][21]

Sulaikha Manzil
Soundtrack album by
Released9 May 2023
Recorded2022-2023
Studio2 Bar Q Studios, Chennai
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length22:02
LanguageMalayalam
LabelThink Music
ProducerVishnu Vijay
Vishnu Vijay chronology
Thallumaala
(2022)
Sulaikha Manzil
(2023)
External audio
  Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, from Spotify
  Audio Jukebox on YouTube

Track listing edit

Sulaikha Manzil[22]
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Haalaake Maarunne"Muhsin ParariVishnu VijayPushpavathy Poypadathu, Ahi Ajayan03:16
2."Jil Jil Jil"Muhsin Parari,
T. K. Kuttiyali
Vishnu Vijay,
T. K. Ramamoorthy
Varsha Renjith, Meera Prakash05:36
3."Alankaara Puthukkangal"Dr. Shamshad HussainVishnu VijayVishnu Vijay, Varsha Renjith01:06
4."Ethra Naal"Muhsin Parari,
Saleem Kodathoor
Vishnu Vijay,
Saleem Kodathoor
Vishnu Vijay, Muhsin Parari02:57
5."Dua (Paramadhayaavin)"Muhsin ParariVishnu VijayVishnu Vijay04:24
6."Ethra Naal (Album Version)"Saleem KodathoorSaleem Kodathoor
(re-recorded by Vishnu Vijay)
Saleem Kodathoor04:41
Total length:22:02

Promotional track edit

"Olam Up[23]"
Single by Dabzee, Fathima Jahaan, Anarkali Marikar
LanguageMalayalam
Released26 April 2023
GenreFolk, Hip-hop
Length3:15
Songwriter(s)Dabzee
Producer(s)SHMR Music
Dabzee singles chronology
"Vecho Foot"
(2022)
"Olam Up[23]"
(2023)
"Kali"
(2023)
External audio
  Olam Up from Spotify
  Olam Up on YouTube

A promotional song titled "Olam Up" written and composed by Dabzee was released on 22 April 2023.[23] The song was performed by Dabzee, Fathima Jahaan and Anarkali Marikar.[24] The song was written in native Malabar slang, and music style influenced by traditional Mappila songs with elements of Hip hop music incorporated.[25] The track gathered positive reviews.

References edit

  1. ^ "Lukman, Anarkali lead Ashraf Hamza's next 'Sulaikha Manzil'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Makers of 'Sulaikha Manzil' confirm Eid release". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  3. ^ "'Sulaikha Manzil' Review: A must-watch film that leaves you satisfied like a cup of Sulaimani". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  4. ^ "മധുരമുളള സുലൈമാനി കുടിച്ച പോലെ, മനോഹരം ഈ കല്യാണ കാഴ്ചകൾ; സുലൈഖ മൻസിൽ റിവ്യൂ". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ^ "The second look of Sulaikha Manzil out, makers confirm Eid release". Cinema Express. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  7. ^ "Lukman, Anarkali lead Ashraf Hamza's next 'Sulaikha Manzil'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Sulaikha Manzil teaser is out". Cinema Express. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  9. ^ M, Athira (22 April 2023). "'Sulaikha Manzil' movie review: This Ashraf Hamza-directorial entertains only in parts". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  10. ^ "'Sulaikha Manzil' Review: A must-watch film that leaves you satisfied like a cup of Sulaimani". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  11. ^ "മധുരമുളള സുലൈമാനി കുടിച്ച പോലെ, മനോഹരം ഈ കല്യാണ കാഴ്ചകൾ; സുലൈഖ മൻസിൽ റിവ്യൂ". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  12. ^ "സുലൈഖ മൻസിലിലെ കല്യാണ വിശേഷങ്ങൾ | Sulaikha Manzil Review". Mathrubhumi. 21 April 2023. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  13. ^ Listen to Jil Jil Jil Song by Vishnu Vijay on Gaana.com, archived from the original on 13 May 2023, retrieved 13 May 2023
  14. ^ Sulaikha Manzil (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Vishnu Vijay, Mu.Ri & Dr. Shamsadh Hussain, 9 May 2023, archived from the original on 13 May 2023, retrieved 13 May 2023
  15. ^ Sulaikha Manzil (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), 9 May 2023, archived from the original on 13 May 2023, retrieved 13 May 2023
  16. ^ "Jil Jil JIl (Aadyaanuraagakkolu) (Sulaikha Manzil [2023]) | ജിൽ ജിൽ ജിൽ (ആദ്യാനുരാഗക്കോള്) (സുലൈഖ മൻസിൽ [2023])". malayalasangeetham.info. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  17. ^ Web Desk (29 April 2023). "'എത്ര നാള് കാത്തിരുന്നു ഒന്നുകാണുവാന്‍'; തിയറ്ററുകളില്‍ ആടി തകര്‍ത്ത സുലൈഖ മന്‍സിലിലെ ഗാനം പുറത്ത്". www.mediaoneonline.com (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  18. ^ Sulaikha Manzil - Vishnu Vijay, Pushpavathy Poypadathu, Ahi Ajayan - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn, 10 March 2023, archived from the original on 3 September 2023, retrieved 13 May 2023
  19. ^ Sulaikha Manzil. Amazon Music. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  20. ^ M, Athira (22 April 2023). "'Sulaikha Manzil' movie review: This Ashraf Hamza-directorial entertains only in parts". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  21. ^ Ramachandran, Arjun (21 April 2023). "Sulaikha Manzil review: Delves into big fat weddings and realities faced by couples". The South First. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  22. ^ "Sulaikha Manzil". Spotify. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  23. ^ a b Olam Up Video Song | Jinu Thoma | Dabzee | Anarkali | Jahaan | Chemban Vinod Jose | Lukman Avaran, archived from the original on 13 May 2023, retrieved 13 May 2023
  24. ^ "Sulaikha Manzil | സുലൈഖ മൻസിൽ (2023) - Mallu Release | Watch Malayalam Full Movies". Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  25. ^ "സുലൈഖ മൻസിലിന്റെ വിജയാഘോഷങ്ങൾക്ക് മാറ്റു കൂട്ടാൻ "ഓളം UP" പ്രോമോ സോങ്". Mathrubhumi. 24 April 2023. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.

External links edit