Ustad Hotel (2012)

Ustad Hotel is a 2012 released Indian Malayalam language drama film written by Anjali Menon abd directed by Anwar Rasheed. The film casts Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, and Thilakan, Nithya Menen, Siddique, Mamukkoya, Lena Abhilash in supporting roles, and Asif Ali and Jishnu in cameos. 

The movie is about a young man called Faizal or Feyzee, who goes to study in Switzerland, as a chef. He goes against his rich father's wishes. With the relation between father and son detoriating, Feyzee is obligated to work as a cook in a restaurant at Kozhikode, Calicut which was run by his grandfather Karim. 

A great bond develops between Karim, an aged Sufi Muslim, and his learned grandson who ultimately decides to work permanently in the restaurant. Apart from the relationship, the film also discusses issues of poverty, underprivileged classes and tensions between the rich and poor in India. Food and the importance of it becomes a fundamental character of the film. The film conveys the strong message of realization, contentment and compassion through service to our society.

                       

Ustad Hotel got many positive reviews, and reached number-one spot in the list of Top 10 Malayalam films of 2012. It was a considered a box office blockbuster, making millions. The film received three National Film Awards. It also won the award for Best Popular Film. Anjali Menon, for the same film won the award for Best Dialogue and Thilakan got a Special Mention from the jury for his wonderful performance in the film.