Sudani from Nigeria (2018) User Reviews (48)

A wonderful rural story of a fanatic football fan

[skg009 · 9/10 · 16 April 2018]

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.

Laughs, harsh realities, and goodness galore! [+78%]

[arungeorge13 · 8/10 · 30 March 2018]

In its run-time of 2 h 4 m, 'Sudani from Nigeria' manages to make viewers laugh, contemplate over certain hard-hitting realities, and reinstates the comforting thought that genuine goodness still exists amongst people in the present era.

The movie talks primarily from the point-of-view of two people: Samuel (Samuel Abiola Robinson), a Nigerian national who comes to India to play for a sevens football team in the Malappuram district of Kerala; and Majeed (the brilliant Soubin Shahir who showcases his versatility in the simplest of ways) the sponsor-manager of said football team featuring a bunch of African players. The story is set in a little town where football is a way of life - the sport is considered a means of entertainment as well as livelihood by many.

Things take a turn for the worse when Samuel falls prey to an unfortunate injury and Majeed is left with no choice but to help him on his road to recovery. The bond they develop is organic and (so) heart-warming that when the curtains eventually come falling, it is difficult not to shed tears of joy. The laughs generated along the way are clean, situational and memorable. In times where we only get to read about vile stuff happening around the world, 'Sudani from Nigeria' comes across as a whiff of fresh air, filled with much-needed positivity.

Writer/Director Zakariya deserves praise for not going overboard when it comes to churning out sentimental scenes although he easily could have. Samuel's story is told in a concise yet impactful flashback - sufficient to convey the idea that life was never easy for him. Soubin pulls off yet another convincing performance; his emoting skills fully put to the test here. It'd be heartless on my part not to mention the rest of the supporting cast as well, mostly unknown faces, who have basically 'lived' their characters - be it Majeed's friends, his loving mother Jameela, the next-door Beeyumma, or his step dad. Never does the viewer feel that these newbies were 'acting', in the conventional sense of it. Kudos to the director for extracting the best out his cast!

While the Malappuram accent was slightly difficult to follow in dialogue-writer Muhsin Parari's 'KL 10 Pathu', it' isn't the case this time around. The one-liners and counters seamlessly tickle the funny bone in scenes aplenty (the police station scene and the one with Nairettan stood out!). Music by Rex Vijayan is refreshing and fits the tone of the film well. Football is certainly an integral aspect of 'Sudani from Nigeria' but it can't be entirely said that it's just a sports movie - it is in fact, a LOT more! Humanity prevails!

A small, distinguishable film with its heart at the right place.

[CobertNeede · 8/10 · 2 April 2018]

Sudani From Nigeria 's titular character has already become a media sensation and for the right reasons. Sudani from Nigeria has produced a small and joyful movie where the actors and crew have given their lot.

A convincing array of themes, along with the idea of not compensating scenes for a female character along the lead , make Sudani a great watch.

Sudani's major success primarily lies in the film's power to touch the viewers emotionally. The female characters take the spotlight in this matter along with a stand out performance from Soubin Shahir. The thinly written characters that hangs out with Soubin makes this film feel like a closed affair. But then again, not many scenes are compensated for that. The slow development and a beautifully shot football sequences make Sudani a must, must watch for football fans.

In short, Sudani From Nigeria has all the factors for a major hit. With the right amount of marketing and reach, Sudani's cast and crew deserves a warm and exciting applauds.

A whole heart in its right place

[vjnambu · 10/10 · 28 November 2018]

Initially, I misunderstood sudani from Nigeria as a cheap comedy film trying to cash on soubin's funny image due to which I was not even bothered to see its trailer but I was terribly wrong when I heard its critical acclaim from all over. I couldn't see it in theatres so I saw it when it released digitally. And I tell you that its the best malayalam movie of the year. It narrates the story of Majeed(soubin) who is the manager of a football team in malapurram district and its star player is Samuel(Samuel abiola Robinson), a Nigerian player. After Samuel suffers a serious injury, circumstances lead majeed to make Samuel stay it his house for bed rest under the care of his mother and her neighbor friend. Rest of the film is how Samuel presence brings a change in majeeds life and how majeed helps samuel in the end. What makes this film a masterpiece are its actors performances(most of them are newcomers except soubin), situational humour, few heart touching moments and the culture of Malabar. After parava and mayanadhi, soubin once again proves his brilliance as an actor. He must not stick to only comedy sidekick roles. Samuel's smile and innocence steal your hearts. Late ktc abdulla gives a touching performance as the step father. Special mention to those lovable ummas. Finally sudani from Nigeria is a best feel good film of the year and my personal favorite.

A simple screenplay and a light story is given a perfect treatment

[basharcarlziess · 10/10 · 28 March 2018]

" Sudani From Nigeria ". Such a curious title for a Malayalam film is certainly bound to attract and grab the attention of moviegoers. Well that's what happened here in a film scripted and directed by debutant Zakaria. Agreed, the title name sounds crazy and an attention seeking one but what that stands out in this film which is Soubin Shahir's first film as a single hero is the actor himself. Yes, Soubin is the pivotal element in this film who drives the film in remarkable fashion right from the start and helping it to land in a safe territory without any cracks or injuries. Not to forget are the immense contribution of the two leading ladies and the Sudani which I will go into detail later on.

More into the film, this one is a pure film that has its heart at the right place. A heartwarming tale presented beautifully with light hearted humour, sentiments and emotions, the film is surely going to bring tears in your eyes and ends very well with a touching climax. Surprised by the results right? Well atleast for me it was a big surprise as I didn't have much expectations heading into this but the experience turned out to be an overwhelming one.

Malabar and football have a special connection and bonding. Sevens football is the backdrop and Majeed is the manager of a football club. These people are so crazy and passionate about the game and import talents from the African nations. Anyone who is a black African is called Sudani by the innocent local people. This film is the story of a beautiful and sincere relationship, love and friendship between a Sudani and his manager Majeed, his mom Jameela and Beeyumma.

A low profile product with lesser known actors and some unfamiliar faces is this film at a basic level. But what is portrayed and conveyed makes us deeply rooted and attached with the characters. Humour and fun is used effectively without going overboard and the same goes for sentiments and emotions. The film has some fine touching moments focusing on relationships and friendship that was convincingly narratted.

Samuel, the Nigerian's friendship between Majeed that gets evolved gradually, Majeed's relationship between his parents looked so genuine on screen. Screenplay giving its share of space for highlighting the plight faced by Samuel back home was something that helped in giving more meaning to the story. A balancing act is done here to make every element given equal prominence.

Having Soubin in the lead, the expectation is for an outright comedy and fun film with his trademark one liners. Yes, there is fun and there are laughable moments throughout but what the film has tried to say is beyond these. Performances, screenplay, dialogues and direction all played its part in making this little film a success. The climax portions involving Sudani and Majeed would without doubt would bring goosebumps. Majeed mending himself and meeting his step father and bringing him to his home is another special moment in the film.

Now to performances. We are seeing the other side of Soubin, a different face altogether. He has sequences that are familiar to us but the surprising thing to see was the way he performed in those emotional scenes. Screenplay gave him scope to perform without mouthing lengthy or heavy dialogues and he gave his best shot.

This film is incomplete without its leading ladies. For a change the female leads are fifty plus. Jameela and Beeyumma are the characters portrayed by drama artists Savithry Sreedharan and Sarassa Balussery respectively. While Jameela, who is the mother of Majeed was innocence personified, Beeyumma was more aggressive and lively. What a casting it was and both of them are the backbone of this movie. KTC Abdullah is casted as the father of Majeed and though he had only very few scenes in the film, they were all touching and memorable. The guys who acted as friends of Majeed were also convincing along with the Nigerian actor Samuel Robinson.

Effective background score from the music department helped in lifting and sustaining the mood of each and every scenes. Songs were good and their placement were also perfect. Shyju Khalid has done his part well as the cameraman. Direction and that too from a first timer is something that helped the film to reach that level getting the good results in the end.

A simple screenplay and a light story is given a perfect treatment. If a movie can stay within your minds for long after coming out of theaters, there is something special in it. Sudani from Nigeria is one such film. Don't step back considering the film has no stars in it. Rush to the nearest theater and grab your tickets,thats what I would say at this point. You won't be disappointed.

Heart Touching Entertrainer

[riyaz-34880 · 10/10 · 12 April 2018]

Sudani from Nigeria might not have big names to boast of but it's got everything in its right place, be it comedy, sentiments, thrills or tears.

Pure love and bliss

[slobya · 9/10 · 17 November 2018]

Malayalam industry in no new in making magical movies... This is one masterpiece that defines the love of humanity beyond nationality and race... Appreciate the director, actors, technicians, script writer and most importantly audience for encouraging these kind of films...

kiddu movie

[salam-84989 · 10/10 · 25 March 2018]

A superb movie... Zak u proved!!! as a young successful director.. keep rocking and we expecting like this in the nearest future..

Speaks humanity. A feel good film worth your time

[shakeelwriter · 10/10 · 23 August 2018]

I don't cry often watching films. But I did cry for around 2 scenes in the 2nd half. It speaks about various issues, all telling us the humanity to fellow human being which we've forgotten.

It's worth your time.

One of the best entertainers of Indian cinema in 2018

[rajdoctor · 7/10 · 24 September 2018]

I am not a Malayali, but I watch Malayali movies, and I came across this wonderful little feel good movie

Kerala organizes a small tournament where more than 700 upcoming young footballers play football matches against each other of their clubs. Malayalis have become crazy about them and they come to watch the matches in hordes. The special attraction is African origin players, who have become local celebrities in Kerala's rural hinterlands.

The movie is about such a young team manager - Majeed, who does not make much money because his team does not win many matches, and thus he is not able to find a suitable girl to marry. When one of his team young African footballers Samuel is injured - to save expenses, Majeed shifts Samuel to his home where he is staying with his mother Jameela. How Majeed helps Samuel who adjust in Indian household is depicted with humane humor.

The story is woven with interesting characters, super casting, great care for details, and good acting by the whole cast. The writing, script, screenplay, dialogues, direction, music camera work - everything is exceptional - especially kudos for a first time debut director young Director Zakariay Mohammed (a Media and Mass Communication graduate) who has written and directed this movie.

Soubin Shahir as Majeed, Samuel as Samuel and Savithri Shreedharan as Jameela are excellent.

The narration is heart-warming and subtle with intricate events and characters that we can related throughout the movie which make us smile from time to time.

The movie is set in a typical small Kerala town with eager and enthusiastic rural folks who call all African players as Sudanis - and because Samuel is from Nigeria - they call him Sudani from Nigeria - worth a chuckle...!

Made from a budget of INR 20 million is a worldwide superhit raking more than INR 120 million and is trending on Netflix (catch it over there for sure)

Very rarely such movies are made, and die hard movie buffs should celebrate this unique effort for a clean family entertainer - compared to what is dished out by India's commercial mainstream cinema

I would go with 7.5 out of 10

Must watch

[muhammedsabah-04461 · 10/10 · 24 August 2018]

Originality at its peak!! One of the best heart touching movies of 2017.Incredible acting by Soubin and Samuel(sudu)

Capsule Review: Sudani from Nigeria

[nairtejas · 7/10 · 7 April 2018]

Do you ever get so engrossed in a piece of classical music (Vivaldi, maybe) that it ticks your pleasure nerves as it crescendoes? Sudani from Nigeria is a film that gives you that same feeling. Where you get so absorbed in the emotional tug that the film marvelously creates you almost weep. Doe-eyed comedy man Soubin Shahir plays Majeed, a manager of a local sevens (soccer) team for which he outsources players from African countries. One such rockstar player is Samuel (Samuel Robinson) from Nigeria who Majeed has placed all his bets on for the ongoing tournament. Even though the film has been made as if to appeal to all the mad soccer fans of Kerala, it is not about the sport. It is about humility and the power of giving. Director-writer Zakariya has carved a simplistic story that maneuvers itself into a moralistic campaign of a few hot current topics, and on the way, shows what true altruism looks like and what it can do to you. Majeed is an average guy with his own set of problems, yet his heart aches for Samuel. More than Majeed, it is his mother and her friend whose hearts ache and bleed. The mother who desires her own son Majeed to also maybe fall ill just so she can embrace her; Sudani from Nigeria is a heartwarming take on relationships as they both crumble and come together. Tears are definitely going to roll down the cheeks of emotional people for director Zakariya uses all his might to stuff the crescendo in the last 15 minutes, making you gasp for more. Shahir is phenomenal, but for the first time his portrayal was outmatched by someone else. And that is Savithri Sreedharan, the actor who plays his on-screen mother with so much panache and diligence, you fall in love with her and wonder where she was all these years. With maybe 2-3 known faces, Sudani from Nigeria builds on the acting power of its newbie and possibly first-time actors who play life. There are dull moments at the start, and also a hard try at mixing songs, but Sudani from Nigeria is more than any of those minor setbacks. It is a sweet little film that makes you feel good about humankind in general. But more than that it makes you want to give a part of yourself. Carry few tissues, and go watch it because this one is a rare mixture of humor, drama, and near perfect dialogues. TN.

Extremely disappointing!

[smitaraghavan · 4/10 · 28 June 2019]

Encouraged by the rating and after reading a few reviews I decided to watch this movie with great expectations. I cannot explain the stellar reviews that I can see here though. Are we talking about the same movie?

It's slow, nothing happens. Oh too much human generosity and kindness. Nothing real about it! The plot has many unexplained unconnected strings. Overall, this left me with a feeling of time wasted.

Must watch fantastic movie

[reemjacob-60093 · 10/10 · 27 July 2018]

I thank the director, writer, screenwriter, actors and all the team for delivering such an exceptional movie. I savoured every moment when watching the movie. Each and every actor gave an outstanding performance. I really thought they were living the life. A special mention for the old mothers and Soubin. I am waiting for the next movie from the director and the team.

A wonderful movie that touches upon a lot of things

[basharkal · 10/10 · 13 August 2018]

A wonderful movie that touches upon a lot of things, including the universality of life, without really focusing on them. A slice-of-life movie that has all the necessary arcs and ensemble acting without anything, including the music, feeling obvious.

In Indian movies, we often see African actors shown either as drug smugglers or in some other negative characters. But 'Sudani from Nigeria' not only breaks this stereotype, but also tells a heart touching story revolving around an African. The best part is how a story about humanity is told in such simple style.

One other point I loved is how the movie defines heroism. Its the actions and efforts of a man in few circumstances that make him a hero than his looks or buildup. The end will make you emotional yet leaves a smile on your face. This movie adds to new age Malayalam cinema that's telling stories beautifully

PS: Its on Netflix

A classic human story, gets better with each watch

[cinish · 10/10 · 31 May 2019]

I keep coming back to this movie in the hope to have some of the goodness in the movie rub off on me. So many loving and genuine people. So many beautiful and heartwarming moments.

Characterization of each of the characters in the movie has been excellent. There is depth to every single character you see on the screen. No one appears on the screen, "just to say that dialogue".

Casting has been perfect. Everyone has acted very very well. Costumes and the general look of everyone in the movie has been very very convincing.

Soubin has done an excellent job and is fast becoming my favorite actor in current times.

Rex Vijayan has done awesome work in not only the songs, but also in the background score. As the end credits come on, the background score takes a life of it's own.

Direction has been excellent. There is a genuineness to the presentation. You get the feeling that you are actually in the village and are seeing all the incidents directly in person.

Script has been kept very close to reality. It does attempt crescendos of various levels and have been largely successful.

Looking forward to Zachariya's next!

Show of love and concern doesn't need to be your country men

[vishnu-dileep08 · 9/10 · 11 January 2019]

Just loved each elements of this movie the story, the love and concern for people doesn't have to be ur own country men or religion, and the passion of football, shobin hats off to u man this is called a gem in direction

Sport and humanity - a beautiful movie

[bishesspice · 10/10 · 19 August 2020]

I haven't seen such a beautiful and natural movie like this. Football fanatics in Bengal Kerala and Goa can relate to this film very much. Along with it the humanity and empathy which today's world is lacking big time. 10 on 10 for me. A movie can be seen multiple times.

Definitely be worth a watch

[ijasasap · 8/10 · 7 April 2018]

Majeed is a football club manager in Malappuram and while his team plays for the Sevens tournament, one of the foreign players from Nigeria, Samuel, injures his leg. As he is advised a month of rest, Majeed takes Samuel to his home. But, it was just the beginning of a series of mishaps

Came for Soubin Shahir, but the story was the highlight

[GaneshM09 · 7/10 · 13 June 2020]

Sudani from Nigeria was on my watch list after Ambili. Learning that Soubin Shahir got the Best Actor Kerala State Award for Sudani from Nigeria raised my expectations (because his performance in Ambili was impeccable).

After the movie, I still believe Soubin displayed stronger acting skills in Ambili than here. Soubin plays the role of a local Kerala football league team manager. The interactions between the locals and the Nigerian footballer is the true highlight of the movie. A novel setting and heart warming interactions between the 2 parties despite the language barrier made the movie an enjoyable watch.

Small,Heart touching movie which takes you through it unbeknownst

[sonasudarsan · 8/10 · 10 April 2018]

A different carefully scripted movie ;each scene of which will make you feel it's real. Would recommend it as a must watch as it paves the way for a different kind of film making.A film with no glamour, no great fashion, no action, no celebrating song yet which is rich in its story and best screenplay.The film reminds me,a movie doesn't need a so called superstar,heroe or a heroine.All what it needs is a well thought crafted scripts and heart touching real dialogues which makes you feel that you are just there in those scenes, with those characters as one among them.

A great applause to the director for his real hardwork behind the scene which has given the film all its beauty. Soubin shahir is always a great actor, but then this role as MAJID in this movie will be marked in history for its excellency.I would say he was living as MAJID rather than acting.

Was very happy to see that a particular community who were at many times stereotyped for various things was taken out of the box and was shown as the symbol of real love and affection which they really depicts at all times.

Give good cinemas all that it deserves and go and watch the movie in theatre.

A beautiful tale of Benignant Kerala People and a Backward Nigerian's struggle for Livelihood. This Malayalam Sports Drama surmounts the limits of the genre.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 13 September 2021]

Sudani From Nigeria (2018) : Brief Review -

A beautiful tale of Benignant Kerala People and a Backward Nigerian's struggle for Livelihood. This Malayalam Sports Drama surmounts the limits of the genre. Sudani From Nigeria can make a place at every Malayalee's heart. It is so heartwarming and generous as a Human Drama that even a man who isn't a sport fan would love it. The best thing i found about it is that it crosses the boundaries set by the genre. It does not limit itself to Sports action and that breathtaking climax we see in almost every sports drama but eventually it dares to turn the entire sports drama genre into a solid human drama. That's the thing i haven't seen in any sports drama till date. Maybe because it had that subplot of illegal Migration for desperate livelihood and even that works so well even if it's not an local issue. That issue reflects the struggle of Backward foreigners from the nation which isn't as progressive as America, Japan or China. The story follows a Nigerian football player who joins a club in Malappuram, Kerala for a sevens football tournament. This is a tale of goodwill more than a sports drama and i feel everyone should watch it from that perspective. If i had been a Malayalee or a Keralian then i would have felt proud on this film for subjecting generous and passionate nature of the people and how beautifully it touches your heart is a thing which does not need you to be a Malayalee. I loved the performances of every single cast member in the Film. I have seen Soubin Shahir in couple of great classics already so i was sure about his good performance but this Nigerian fella, Samuel Abiola Robinson was good alongside. Every single supporting character in the film has great shades of human nature to show and the positive writing deserves equal credit for that. What a fabulous work Zakariya Mohammed has done in debut. A Must Watch!

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Worst movie ever made in malayalam language

[cinemafans-27305 · 1/10 · 25 February 2019]

This is an extremely overrated movie. We can't call it a movie it's just a telefilm shot in mobile phone camera. Very very over hyped telefilm. Direction, acting, music, screen play and every thing related to this movie is absolutely worst.

A Nigerian from Sudan!!!!

[rosetony-12859 · 10/10 · 12 August 2018]

It is one of the best malayalam movies of 2018. It is a family drama and a good feel movie. It is a very simple story with heart touching moments. 3.5/5

Heart touching

[shijilnambiark · 10/10 · 25 November 2018]

A small story teaching with many themes. Teaches Value of relationship, love , help hard work etc. Really heart touching movie.