The dynamic Malayalam film industry is abuzz with the news of actor Soubin Shahir, fresh from his acclaimed performance in the blockbuster hit Manjummel Boys, preparing to join forces once again with director Zakariya Mohammed. This collaboration is highly anticipated as it promises to be an encore to their earlier successful project, the much-loved ‘Sudani From Nigeria’.
Soubin Shahir, a multifaceted actor known for his ability to breathe life into diverse roles, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming project with a post on social media. Director Zakariya Mohammed, reflecting on their new venture, indicated that audiences could expect another visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic piece. Further details about the film are currently under wraps, making the project even more intriguing to film enthusiasts.
The actor-director duo previously created magic with the 2018 comedy-drama sports film, ‘Sudani From Nigeria’. A riveting tale of a Nigerian football player, played by Samuel Abiola Robinson, who joins a club in Malappuram for the sevens football match, captivated viewers with its heart and humor. The film was not only a critical success but also a crowd-pleaser that garnered five accolades at the prestigious Kerala State Film Awards. These included Best Screenplay and Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value. Zakariya was also lauded as the Best Debut Director while Soubin Shahir took home the Best Actor award. The female cast members, Savithri Sreedharan and Sarasa, jointly won the Best Character Actor category. Moreover, the national recognition came with the most coveted award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam at the 2018 National Film Awards, along with a Special Mention for Savithri Sreedharan’s remarkable performance.
Notably, Zakariya Mohammed’s subsequent directorial effort, ‘Halal Love Story’, also saw Soubin Shahir making a special cameo appearance, further solidifying their professional rapport.
Currently riding the wave of success of Manjummel Boys, a film that topped ₹200 crore at the global box office, Soubin Shahir has proven his box office mettle. This survival thriller, inspired by true events, narrates the harrowing ordeal of a group of friends from Kerala whose trip to Kodaikanal goes awry when one of them accidentally falls into a pit in the infamous Guna Caves. This incident not only tests their survival instincts but also showcases the enduring spirit of friendship and determination.
Soubin’s stellar portrayal of his character has resonated with viewers, earning him accolades far and wide. In a personal milestone, the actor recently met with legendary actor Kamal Haasan, a moment he described on social media as a dream come true and an incredibly humbling experience. The encounter added another layer of poignant connection to his already powerful performance, as the Guna Caves gained their name from a film starring Kamal Haasan.
Following an exceptional trajectory, Soubin Shahir is set for multiple upcoming projects. He will star opposite Tovino Thomas in ‘Nadikar’ and will share the screen with Basil Joseph and Chemban Vinod Jose in ‘Pravinkoodu Shappu’. These projects promise to showcase the actor’s versatility and further cement his position in the Malayalam film industry.
As fans and cinephiles eagerly await more details on the reunion project with Zakariya Mohammed, there is no denying that Soubin Shahir has become a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema. With a knack for choosing impactful roles and delivering memorable performances, his journey is a testament to the depth and richness of contemporary Malayalam cinema.
