In a recent one-to-one virtual interaction with Antonio Banderas, we spent quite a lot of time dwelling on ‘Globalisation of Content’. He attributed this to the success of Money Heist (La Casa Papel), one of the most successful shows on Netflix, especially in markets like India. Even as he spoke at length about this show, I made a reference to Sudani from Nigeria to highlight how Malayalam cinema had broken down linguistic and regional barriers within India. The film might have released in 2018 but Malayalam cinema’s OTT tipping point happened in the midst of the pandemic.
Soubin Shahir — who plays the protagonist in Sudani from Nigeria — is one of the stars of New Age Malayalam cinema. In many ways, he symbolises the star actors of this golden period in Malayalam cinema who do not allow their star power to overshadow the roles they play. To call him one of India’s most talented actors is not an exaggeration. He may not be as well-known across India as his fellow stars, like Fahadh Faasil or Dulquer Salmaan, but has an uncanny ability to breathe life into almost every role, big or small, that he essays.
Soubin has mentioned in numerous interviews that he was keen to become an associate director but ended up being in the spotlight. We pick 10 must-watch movies where Soubin has made a big impact.
Premam (directed by Alphonse Puthren; 2015)
Premam preceded Malayalam cinema’s OTT phenomenon. It was one of the first big pan-Indian ‘multiplex’ hits from the Malayalam film industry. Soubin might have had a miniscule role in this coming-of-age romantic film but he leaves you in splits in his memorable cameo as Shivan Sir, the PT Teacher.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Maheshinte Prathikaaram (directed by Dileesh Pothan; 2016)
This was one of many films where Soubin co-starred with Fahadh Faasil and just like in Premam, Soubin has a supporting role here. His antics as Crispin, the Photoshop expert who designs flex-boards, is now a part of Malayalam cinema folklore.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Sudani from Nigeria (directed by Zakariya Mohammed; 2018)
It’s impossible not to experience multiple lump-in-the-throat moments and the occasional tear when the on-screen bond develops between Sudu, a football player from Nigeria who plays in the local league in Malappuram district and his manager Majeed (played by Soubin). It’s a rare feel-good film at a time when darker films seem to have taken centre stage. This was one of the most significant roles in Soubin’s career and earned him a best actor award at the 2018 Kerala State film awards.
Streaming on: Netflix
Kumbalangi Nights (Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan; 2019)
Soubin holds his own as Saji Napoleon, the eldest of four brothers who live together in a dysfunctional home and how they eventually rise above their strained relationships. The film features outstanding performances from a power-packed cast that includes Fahadh Faasil, Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Vikruthi (Directed by Emcy Joseph; 2019)
‘Vikruthi’ translates to mischief and is based on the bizarre yet true events that unfolded on a Kochi Metro train. A picture of a hearing/speech impaired man went viral after it was shared by a fellow passenger who assumed he was inebriated. The image created a lot of hardships for the victim (an award-winning performance by Suraj Venjaramoodu) and his family. Soubin plays Sameer, the passenger who shares the image.
Streaming on: Netflix
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (Directed by R.B. Poduval; 2019)
It’s a film that touches on a very relevant theme in Kerala — caring for the elderly — and is inspired by the 2012 science fantasy Robot & Frank. Soubin plays Chuppan, a mechanical engineer who leaves his dad Bhaskaran Poduval (Suraj Venjaramoodu in a brilliant performance) in the care of Android Robot (Version 5.25). The robot becomes Kunjappan as Poduval develops a strong bond with his new caretaker.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Trance (Directed by Anwar Rasheed; 2020)
Anwar Rasheed’s hard-hitting film attacks the commercialisation of spirituality with Fahadh Faasil essaying the role of Viju Prasad, a motivational speaker-turned-miracle pastor. Soubin Shahir plays Mathew Varghese, a TV journalist who sets out to expose the hoax.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Bro Daddy (Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran; 2022)
One of the most entertaining Malayalam films of this decade, Bro Daddy worked largely because of the on-screen chemistry between Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran (who also directed the film) as a father-son duo. Soubin brings the house down in a terrific cameo as Happy Pinto, the wedding planner who never runs out of outlandish ideas.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Bheeshma Parvam (Directed by Amal Neerad; 2022)
This is one of the most successful Malayalam movies of all time that won the approval of fans and critics alike. The ensemble cast is headlined by Mammootty, who plays Michael (a tribute of sorts to The Godfather), the powerful patriarch of the Anjooti family. Soubin shines in a key role as Ajas Ali, one of the family members who supports Michael through his power struggles.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
Romancham (Directed by Jithu Madhavan; 2023)
2023’s second top-grossing Malayalam film — only second to the blockbuster 2018 — is one of the best Malayalam horror comedies ever, steered by debutant director Jithu Madhavan. Soubin plays Jibin Madhavan, one of the seven friends who work in Bengaluru and live together in a cramped house. The film claims to be based on real-life incidents that unfold from a Ouija board and affect the lives of these friends.
Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar
