'Sufiyum Sujatayum' review: A poignant love story undermined by its unambitious premise

During one of promotional interviews of Sufiyum Sujatayum, producer Vijay Babu said that Sujata is a beautiful Kathak dancer. His words found face in Aditi Rao Hydari, who is like poetry in her debut Malayalam film. Set in rrn part of Kerala, Sufiyum Sujatayum narrates heart-wrenching love story of a Namboodiri girl and a Sufi saint. 

film starts with Sufi returning to his Master, Aboob's vill. Sufi, who is a Sufi saint is a religious and god-fearing saint. During early prayer, Sufi dies of cardiac arrest, and villrs decide to cremate his body in same graveyard as his Masters. However, his body can only be cremated after his ex-lover Sujata comes and visits him. 

Meanwhile, Sujata, who is w married to Rajeev and resides in Dubai, is still meddling with her past. Her undying love for Sufi has led to an unhappy marri for both Sujata and Rajeev. So, when Shafeek informs Rajeev of Sufi's demise, he decides to accompany Sujata to see him for one last time, expecting that this would help Sujata move on in life. 

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Sufiyum Sujatayum, written by Naranipuzha Shanavas, explores tender love of Sujata and Sufi through course of film. While Aditi Rao Hydari essays role of Sujata in movie, debutant Dev Mohan plays Sufi. Although movie focuses more on love story of Sufi and Sujata, however, re are underlining tions of religion and how ories of love jihad lure minds of people.

For instance, when men dig grave for Sufi, Balan Parakkal's character mentions that Sufi's love for Sujata was for love jihad. Although he is silenced in a minute, however, re are many such references where Sufi's religious practices are put under scrutiny. Incidentally, Sufi and Sujata's relationship ends because ir faith and beliefs are different. 

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Sufiyum Sujatayum's cast

Aditi Rao Hydari as Sujata is poignant and powerful, especially when she emotes with her dance. Sufiyum Sujatayum is her film. Aditi is like poetry in every scene. With dialogues to back her performance, Aditi puts out a great show in movie. 

Although Aditi Rao Hydari excels in acting department, however, she is unconvincing as a Nambodiri girl, who resides in a small vill, where archaic thoughts prevail. She is bold and unhesitant. Aditi Rao Hydari's character seems misfit in movie's milieu. 

Dev Mohan, who makes his Mollywood debut is reduced to a mystic character, who grins off looking at Sujata. His scenes with Aditi Rao Hydari are enduring. However, love story between Aditi and Dev's characters is never explored to its full potential. 

Jayasurya as Rajeev, Sujata's husband, puts toger a great performance. Although a small role, Jayasurya's acting finesse adds depth and voice to a one-tone character. Meanwhile, actors like Siddiquie,  Hareesh Kanaran, Mammukoya, Valsala Men, Kalaranjini, and Manikandan Pattambi exist to convey various tropes director wants to explore through film. 

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Sufiyum Sujatayum's crew 

Naranipuzha Shanavas has written and directed Aditi Rao Hydari and Jayasurya starrer. Naranipuzha Shanavas, who reportedly had written script a few years ago has mand to give Malayalam cinema ar memorable female character. However, Shanavas' script is so in love with its central character-Sujata that it forgets to explore prominent characters like Sufi, Rajeev, or Sujata's parents. story of Sufiyum Sujatayum would have been fascinating if director had invested more time in developing love story and or characters. 

However, flaws in  script are uplifted by M. Jayachandran's background score. His music is melodious and evokes strongest of emotions. music of Sufiyum Sujatayum vicariously acts as dialogues of film. Same does Anu Moodath's camera. Jayachandran's music and Anu Moodath's camera make Sufiyum Sujatayum a cherishable experience.  

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Sufiyum Sujatayum is produced by Vijay Babu under his banner Friday Film House. With 122 minutes of runtime, Sufiyum Sujatayum is a poignant love story undermined by its half-baked script. Sufiyum Sujatayum premieres on Amazon Prime Video on July 3, 2020.