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.
