Usthad Hotel(2012)

Rating 3.95/5
Malayalam

"Usthad Hotel" is amongst  my top 3 malayalam movies of 2012. It scores a notch better than "Run Baby Run"(2012).  It's a  story that encourages the youth to succeed by identifying their innate competencies [cooking in this case]. This film also captures the relationship between a grandfather(Tilakan) and grandson(Salman Dulquer) in unique way.  It shows the passage of worldly wisdom from older generation to younger one in this modern society. Though generations pass-by the success mantras have not changed; in new form the old techniques are still useful. This is knowledge wasnt understood well by first generation, but was captured well with hands-on practice by new generation. The films also carries several important social messages including work for betterment of socially destitute.

Tilakan's(late) presence is the unquestionable cornerstone of success in this film. Acting in one of his last movies before he died in late 2012. The mannerisms of small hotel owner and expressions of  in depth worldly wisdom gained over years of experience in cooking is well captured.
The newcomer Salman Dulquer, plays a good role. He's promising young actor but would have to add more acting skills else would quickly be dubbed as repeater. The character  inspite of being a Swiss trained chef needed to work tirelessly at grassroots amongst poorest in India. Salman was seen working hard towards it, much to the liking of audience :-)
Overall good music (expect one song) and a Kozhikode muslim community flavour to it, making this one of the best Malayalam films of 2012.