Shefeekkinte Santhosham

Story: Shefeek, an expatriate, is a good samaritan who is loved by everybody around him. During his short visit to his hometown for his wedding, he gets into an issue which brings out the true colours of his kith and kin

Review: Malayalam cinema has seen many movies of expatriates who realise the true colours of the people when they meet face to face, which is very different than what is conveyed over letters and phone calls. Anup Pandalam's directorial with Unni Mukundan tells the tale of a Gulf Malayali.

Shefeek (Unni Mukundan) is a happy-go-lucky guy who wishes good for everyone around him. People in his village, which includes his longtime girlfriend Sainaba (Divya Pillai) and his close friend Ameer (Bala), eagerly await his arrival. Life takes a sudden U-turn on the day of his engagement when Shefeek gets arrested for a serious crime. The movie portrays his understanding about life after that.

The filmmaker has tried to create a film that caters to all kinds of audiences. However, it is scripted with a lot of melodrama, which is not a bad thing, but doesn't suit this film. It is an ideal theme for soaps. In fact, such soaps are highly necessary in the current scenario where serials are filled with hatred and animosity.

Unni Mukundan has made Shefeek a lovable protagonist with his charming looks and innocent smile. Krishna Kumar, who plays Unni's father too, has done a good job. However, some characters were misfits. Bala's Ameer who used some of the dialogues of the actor in real life which are popular on social media created some laughter in the theatre.

The film is all about Shefeek trying to create happiness in others’ lives and ultimately realising that it is important to take care of his happiness. Happiness is a perspective. Also, it's a paradox. Shefeekinte Santhosham can be added to the latter.
- Anjana George