Plot

Sujata, a married woman living in Dubai, rediscovers her past love for a Sufi priest when her husband brings her back to their village, leading to a musical love story that explores the complexities of her situation.

Sujata (mute) is in love with her neighbour, a sufi priest but her father gets her married off to a well-do-to NRI, in Dubai. Ten years have passed since and she thinks that she's left that love in her past - until, one day, she gets a call. Her husband (Rajeev) decides to bring her back to the village. What follows, forms the crux of Sufiyum Sujatayam, a musical love story.

Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020) is a poignant Malayalam-language film directed by Naranipuzha Shanavas, blending elements of romance, drama, and spirituality. The story unfolds around Sujata (played by Aditi Rao Hydari), a devout Muslim woman who lives in a conservative community where tradition dictates the path she must follow. She is married to a man of her family's choosing, yet her heart and soul remain bound to an intense, spiritual, and unspoken love for a Sufi named Fayaz (played by Jayasurya).

The film begins by exploring the peaceful and structured life Sujata leads in her rural village. Her life takes a turn when she recalls her past and the deep connection she once shared with Fayaz, who had been a significant part of her life. Fayaz, a wandering Sufi, comes to Sujata's village, and the two develop a love that transcends traditional boundaries. However, their love is complicated by their differing social and spiritual beliefs and the constraints of society. While Sujata feels a deep, spiritual connection to Fayaz, the complexities of her faith and the expectations placed upon her lead to a separation.

As the years pass, Sujata marries a man chosen by her family, but the emotional scars from her love for Fayaz remain with her. Her marriage is filled with devotion and respect, but it lacks the passion and connection she once felt. The core of the film lies in her ongoing emotional and spiritual journey, where she struggles with her unfulfilled love and the societal norms that dictate her life.

The crux of the film occurs when Fayaz returns, after years of absence, with a different perspective on life, love, and spirituality. The reunion, however, is not the typical romantic encounter but rather an exploration of the growth and evolution of their characters. Fayaz has embraced Sufism and spirituality more deeply than before, seeing love not just as a personal experience but as a universal connection that transcends physical and religious boundaries. Sujata, on the other hand, has matured and learned the significance of sacrifice, faith, and devotion.

The narrative touches upon themes of love that is free from boundaries, whether religious, social, or emotional. Sujata's internal conflict, torn between her duty and her desire for a love that cannot be fully expressed, forms the heart of the film. The movie raises important questions about faith, societal restrictions, and the nature of true love. It highlights how love can manifest in different forms and how spirituality can elevate love to a universal plane.

Visually, the film is beautifully shot, with serene landscapes and intimate scenes that draw the audience into Sujata's world. The cinematography captures the lush, natural beauty of Kerala, symbolizing the emotional landscape of the characters. The soulful soundtrack, with its blend of classical and contemporary music, deepens the emotional resonance of the story, underlining the themes of longing, faith, and spiritual love.

Sufiyum Sujatayum is ultimately a meditation on love's complexity-how it can be pure yet challenging, and how it can shape individuals in ways they may not fully understand. The film's ending is bittersweet, leaving viewers with a sense of fulfillment despite the unresolved love story. It offers an introspective look at how love and faith intersect in the human experience, making it not just a romantic film but a profound exploration of the soul's deepest yearnings.