Watch Al Mallu

Al Mallu is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Boban Samuel and written by Jeevan Job Thomas. The movie stars Namitha Pramod, Anoop Majeed, and Siddique in lead roles. The movie revolves around the protagonist Anwar (played by Anoop Majeed), who is a third-generation Malayali settled in the Middle East. He returns to his village, situated in the Malappuram district in Kerala, with his wife Ayesha (played by Namitha Pramod) and kids on vacation. The plot revolves around Anwar's journey to trace his roots and confront the various socio-political issues faced by his community.

The movie highlights the plight of the expatriate community and the NRI Malayalis who wish to contribute to the betterment of their home state but are faced with bureaucratic hurdles and corruption. Anwar, who works as a software engineer in the Middle East, is appalled by the shocking state affairs in his ancestral village, where the local politicians and government officials are rampant with corruption and nepotism.

The movie also explores the complexity of the protagonist's relationship with his father, played by Siddique. Anwar's father is a typical conservative patriarch who upholds traditional values and warns Anwar against engaging with 'western' ideas. However, Anwar is determined to bring about a change in his society by adopting a more liberal approach towards modern education and gender equality.

The movie touches on various social issues, including communal intolerance, casteism, gender inequality, and the education system in rural Kerala. The plot is also interspersed with comic relief and light-hearted moments, such as Anwar's interactions with his childhood friend and the local village belle, played by Miya George.

The movie also features an impressive ensemble of supporting actors, including Siddique, Sunil Sukhada, Saikumar, Joju George, Dharmajan Bolgatty, and Bijukuttan. The music, composed by Bijibal, is a delightful mix of folk and contemporary tunes that add to the charm of the movie.

Overall, Al Mallu is a heartwarming tale of diaspora, belongingness, and the unrelenting spirit of the human race. The movie beautifully captures the essence of rural Kerala, with its lush green paddy fields, coconut trees, and rolling hills. It celebrates the cultural richness of the Malayali community while also shedding light on its various societal shortcomings. And above all, it portrays the inspiring journey of a man who sets out to make a difference in his homeland, against all odds.

Al Mallu is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.