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1 | Name of Movie | Translated Movie Name | Director | Screenwriter | Year of Release | Time period movie set in (if applicable) | Watched | UAE | KSA | Other GCC | Characters raised | Characters migrated | Brief mentions | Desert Scenes | Stereotypical Scale | ROI in UAE | ROI in India | Genre | Watched On | Character Tags | Summary | Narrative Derived From | Dialogue Extracts | Translation Dialogue Extracts | Location Archetype | Indian audience Feedback | Awards | ||||||||||||||
2 | Aadujeevitham | The Goat Life | Blessy | Blessy | 2024 | 1992 (Unsure) | Biographical, Adventure, Drama | Netflix | Goatherd | This film tells the story of Najeeb Muhammed and his experience living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) employed as a goat-herd. It is inspired by the novel Aadujeevitham authored by Benyamin which tells the tale of ex-immigrant’s – Najeeb – real-life horrid experiences living in Saudi. The film follows Najeeb's migration to the Middle East to solve his financial problems. It depicts how he ends up living in brutal conditions as a goat-herder, rather than as a helper in a corporate firm. The narrative explores his hardships, physical and mental abuse he ensures and eventual escape back to India. | Adaped from a novel, based on true events | 7:04-7:35 “Njan watch uri kodthapo Shashinte mogathe olle santhoshm kanadyirno? Paavam, ethre nalleai nammale polle gulfe veran Bombayil kedanne alayinne.” 7:40 In Arabic translated to English. “Is your name Abdullah?. And you? What is your name?“ “Sreekumar sirinte visalle anena para.” In Arabic translated to English. “I’m asking for your name! Can’t you hear me? Where have you come from? Who is your kafeel (sponsor)? Don’t you have any brains? Oh, God! Such a disaster!” 8:20 “Enthoru mussade valli alle ayalke? Alla, ningal alle korchu munne pullu adichithe Arabinte verpinne muthrathine okkeanne attarum sprayoke ondakinunathe.” “Pullu allada. Sherikyum Arabikal angannaya. Vellathe attare oracha kullikyanathe. Ithe etho katte Arabi kullikyatheum nanakyandeum.” 10:00 In Arabic translated to English. “Get into the vehicle. Come on. Don’t waste time.” Opens car door. “What are you doing? Not here! Didn’t I ask you to go there? Go and sit at the back. Go!” | 7:04-7:35 “Did you notice how happy Shashi was when I gave him my watch? Poor fellow. He has been waiting for so long in Bombay to come to the Middle East just like us.” 7:40 In Arabic translated to English. Is your name Abdullah?. And you? What is your name? “Tell him that we have come here on Sreekumar sir’s visa.” In Arabic translated to English. “I’m asking for your name! Can’t you hear me? Where have you come from? Who is your kafeel (sponsor)? Don’t you have any brains? Oh, God! Such a disaster!” 8:20 “He was stinking, right? Well, did you joke before that attar and perfumes are made from the sweat and urine of Arabs?” “I wasn’t joking. The real Arabs are like that. They bathe using water infused with attar. This guy seems liked a rugged Arab who hasn’t bathed in ages!” 10:00 In Arabic translated to English. “Get into the vehicle. Come on. Don’t waste time.” Opens car door. “What are you doing? Not here! Didn’t I ask you to go there? Go and sit at the back. Go!” 11:50 In Arabic translated to English. “Brother!” “Yes?” “Where are you taking them? To the market?” Laughs. “Wishing you well!” “Wishing you the best!” 13:24 Arabic “Get down. I asked you to get down. This is your workplace. Can’t you hear me?” Takes down suitcase. Malayalam “What’s going on?” “Get down.” Arabic “Get down.” Points to Najeeb “No, you stay here.” Points to Hakim ”You come with me.” Greets the other Arab. “Hey, brother!” Malayalam “Sir! Sir! We assumed our accommodation would be in town. We need to call our families. Phone call–” Arabic “You’re blabbering too much! Go, go back to the vehicle.” Malayalam “Hakkim, try to make him understand somehow. Isn’t he asking me to get into the vehicle?” Arabic “Don’t you dare talk too much! Go and get into the vehicle. Don’t be a pain in the neck! Go!” Malayalam “Kafeel, we are together….Open your mouth and say something!” Arabic “Hello, Abu Khaled. Why have you locked the gate?” “Due to the threat of wild animals.” “Listen, Abu Khaled. Let this boy stay here. I’ll contact you tomorrow.” Malayalam “Brother..” “Kiddo, whether it’s English or Hindi, just convey it in a language you’re familiar with. How else can we…Go!” Mix of Hindi and English “Sir, Kafeel…we’ve come on the same company’s visa. Helpers. We stay together.” Arabic “Shut up! Go back. Go back! Quick!” Malayalam “Kafeel, we are together. One room…” Arab shoves him away Arabic “You move away. Come on! Take him!” Shoves Hakkim to Abu Khaled. Malayalam “Brother!” “Hakkim!” “Let go of me!” Arabic “Out!” Malayalam “We have come together!” Arabic “”Hey! Go back I say! Listen to me!” Mal “Brother!” Kaleef starts hitting Najeeb to force him back to the vehicle. “Why are you hitting me?” Arabic “Go back, I say!” “Be careful with him!” “Don’t let go of him! Where are you going? Come here!” Hakkim tries to run. “Where are you going? Come back!” Malayalam “Hakkim!” Arabic “Come on” Malayalam “Don’t go!” “Stop the vehicle!” “Don’t go, brother! Don’t go!” “Hakkim!” “Brother!” 22:30 Malayalam “What’s with the new style? Have you changed from beedis to cigarettes?” “They’re foreign cigarettes. Take one. My brother-in-law bought them from the Middle East.” 22:58 Malayalam “Hey, Santosh! Didn’t your brother-in-law from Karuvatta bring anything from the Middle East?” “He has brought two visas. Do you want to go?” “I’m just waiting for the visa from God now. I needn’t spend money on that, right? It’s a free visa.” “Hey, Santosh! Is that thing about the visa true?” “Why? Do you want to go?” “It will cost a lot of money, right?” “it will cost at least 30,000 rupees. But you can earn it back with just two months’ salary, right?” “30,000 rupees? I’ll have to sell my house.” “Why do you have to sell it? You can mortgage it, right? It’s only a matter of two months.” 25:00ish Talking about the money to travel there and struggle to acquire it. Include only if needed. 26:25 Malayalam “We are taking the trouble of this unnecessarily, Sainu. While he enjoys buffalo meat and biryani there, do you think he’ll also eat your pickle?” “Mom, the wealthy Arabs eat camel meat there. My brother, Nasser brought it for me when he visited once.” “That reminds me. Get him Nasser’s and Hussain’s phone numbers. they are his brother-in-laws after all. In case of any emergency, he can call them.” “Stop it, mom. I begged and pleaded several times with my dear brothers to arrange a visa for my husband. Did they even bother? Why do we need them now? I’m waiting for Najeeb’s first money order to reach us. I’m planning to buy a copper vessel from Mannattu and bring it home so that my sister-in-law can cook some biryani in it!” 28:00 Arabic “Get out! This is my tent!” Mal. “Let me lie down here.” Arabic “Get out!” Mal. “It’s really cold outside–” Arb “Bloody scoundrel! Idiot! Don’t you understand anything?” Mal. “I’ll sleep here.” Arb “Listen, you scoundrel! If you repeat this, I’ll break your legs!” 30:35 Arb “Keep an eye on him so he doesn’t cause trouble for us later.” “Don’t bother about that. He’s new here, he’ll learn everything soon.” 37:00ish Trying to be kind to him to make Najeeb more accommodating. 39:40 Mal “Where..road..main road… Where is it?” Hind “Road? It’s far. Very far away. Who knows how far it is.” Mal. “I feel like i’m trapped in the middle of the sea, Sainu. How do I inform you of this?” 42:15 Mal. “I’m not asking for much. We need a room of our own, a place to sit and talk like this. Can we sneak into someone else’s boat like this once we have have a child? We need to fix the leaks in our kitchen. And…we should send our son to a good school. That’s all.” “Have you decided that we’re going to have a son? Don’t you want a daughter?” “I want a daughter as well.” “Shouldn’t we educate and raise her as well? Shouldn’t we get her married?” “You’ll be an old man buy then! At most four or five years, come back after that.” 44:50 Mal. “You’re leaving with a small bag, but make sure to bring big suitcases when you come back.” “Sure.” “Brother, it’s ok if you don’t bring anything, but just don’t forget about the visas.” “Okay.” 46:42 Arb. “You bloody dog! We pay money to buy this water! The water is intended for use in our work here. Do you know the value of water here?” Mal. “I was just–I was just taking a dump.” Arb. “If you touch it again, I’ll chop of your hands.” 47:33 Mal. “Brother! Can you take me with you?” hind “What?” Mal. “When you head back, can I ride with you in your vehicle?” Hind. “What are you saying, brother? I don’t understand anything.” Mal. “To the road. In your vehicle. Can you take me with you?” Arb. “What did this rascal tell you?” “I don’t know.” “You don’t know? Come here, where are you going? Come here. I know what he said. Wasn’t he asking you to help him escape?” “No.” “What were you telling him?” Mal. “I didn’t say anything.” Arb. “I overheard your talking to him. What were you blabbering to him?” Mal. “I didn’t say anything.” Arb. “Didn’t you hear me?” Mal. “Why are you hitting me? I didn’t say anything! Let me go! Let me go back! I will go back!” Arb. “You’re fighting back? Bloody scoundrel! I’ll teach you a lesson. I’ll show you.” ….. Arb. “You bloody scoundrel. Bloody devi! Do you think you can fight back against me? Sure! I’ll kill you, you bloody dog!” “Boss, he didn’t tell me anything!” “You shut up! You don’t need to het involved in this!” Mal. “Why are you shouting at him? He didn’t tell me anything! I didn’t tell him anything!” Arb. “You are grabbing my gun? I’ll pull the trigger and blow your head off! How dare you fight me, you dog. I’ll kill you and bury you in this desert.” 59:00 Najeeb in mal Brother Worker in hindi Where have you been? Najeeb stuttering How long has it been…..how long has it been since you came here? Worker shakes his head weakly and ominously No one inside can go outside. it’s a very famous song. (muttering to himself) No one inside can go outside. No one outside can come inside. stands up shakily and slowly walks away from him and the camels. Next morning. Najeeb is sleeping in the broken down vehicle. Jasser (O.S yelling) Hey Hindi! Get up! Come on! It’s already late! Come on! Najeeb slowly rouses awake. He slowly looks outside the window and gets up, wincing in pain. Jasser (O.S yelling) Milk the goats and bring me the milk. Milk the goats and bring me the milk! Najeeb slowly crawls out of the van to see Jasser standing on the other side of the fence. Jasser (yelling) Come on! Milk the goats and bring me the milk. Come and milk the goats! Hurry up! 1:03:19 Najeeb walking in the blazing desert sun herds all the goats. Noticing two goats knocking heads, he rushes to break up the fight to get in the crossfire. He is struck from behind on his back by the goat, and falls. The Kafeel notices this while riding his camel through a monocular…. Kafeel What are you doing, you idiot? Struggling to get back up, Najeeb is knocked unconscious by the goat ramming into his head. Kafeel shoots at the animals, to scare them away. Kafeel (getting off the camel) Are you fighting with the goats? Kafeel approaches Najeeb and nudges him with his foot. Kafeel Get up! (drops water on Najeeb’s face. He startles awake. Kafeel nudges him again with his foot and Najeeb slowly rolls on to his back and gasps in pain) Kafeel Get up! Are you crazy? Be thankful to your Gods that you are not dead! Najeeb rolls onto his side and gasps for breath. He reaches a hand out to the Kafeel and gasps for water. Kafeel gives him the sack of water and Najeeb eagerly begins to gulp the water down. Kafeel (snatches the water bag away from him) That’s enough! Go and take the goats back. I won’t give you another drop of water. Get up! (bends to grab Najeeb’s herding stick). Take this. Get up! (tosses the stick at Najeeb’s face and Najeeb winces). Come on! Get up! Najeeb struggles to get up on to his feet using the herding stick. Kafeel Get up. Get up, go on and bind the goats. Najeeb stands and is hunched in pain. Najeeb (gasping in pain) I’m hurt. I need to go to the hospital. I need to go to the hospital. Kafeel Stop blabbering and take the goats back. Go! Najeeb (gasping and in a faint voice) I need to go to the hospital. Kafeel (takes off the agal) (angrily) I asked you to take them back! (gesturing with the agal) Hurry up! (walking away and muttering to himself) This guy is so bothersome. 1:08:30 Najeeb notices how he looks in the side mirror of the car and is shocked by how ragged he looks with unruly hair and beard and sunburnt skin. The side mirror is knocked off suddenly and Najeeb turns to see the Kafeel. Kafeel You rascal! What are you looking at in the mirror? Admiring your beauty? Get back to work! He walks away (O.S muttering) He’s admiring his looks. Ha ha. Idiot! Najeeb turns back and looks at the broken pieces of mirror on the desert floor, and within it his ragged reflection. He picks up a piece and looks at his reflection closely. CUT TO Najeeb sitting alone with a few camels in the desert. He attempts to use the broken piece of glass to cut his beard and hair. He cuts off a piece and looks back into the broken glass… Najeeb (muttering) The beard…How long has it been? (scratches his head) How many days has it been? I can’t remember anything. How long…(picks at the side of his head and takes something out) (crying) I can’t do this, Mom. I’m exhausted. I’m fed up. I’m fed up. God… (dubiously) Why should I call on God? Why should I pray to God? if there were a God…my fate wouldn’t be like this. (crying again and looking at himself in the broken glass). (Najeeb frustrated at his fate starts to dig the glass piece into the desert sand repeatedly. He then throws the glass away and looks at the camels nearby. looking off into the distance, he gets up and starts to walk away form the camels, rapidly increasing his pace. He reaches the edge of a cliff to see vultures gathered around something at the base. Najeeb gets off the cliff and approaches them to see them feasting on someone. He chases them away to look at the person and recognises the remains of the Hindi worker) 1:15:00 (Najeeb is herding the goats. He surveys his surroundings to notice no one around. He drops his herding stick starts running. The goats run around him and he breaks his way out of their midst. Najeeb runs as quickly as he can. The Kafeel views him through the monocular running away) Kafeel (yells) Stop there, you dog! Najeeb continues to run and disappears from sight. Kafeel Go! (The Kafeel kicks the camel to start chasing after Najeeb. He chases after Najeeb riding on the camel. Finally spotting him, the Kafeel takes out his gun and takes aim and shoots at Najeeb but misses. Shocked by the near gunshot, Najeeb falls and looks at the approaching KAFEEL in terror) Kafeel (Approaches Najeeb on the camel) You dog! Stop there, you! Where do you think you’re trying to escape to, you swine? (He gets off his camel and walks towards Najeeb yelling angrily) Where are you going? Stay there, you swine! Are you running away from me? You dog! (He kicks Najeeb in the shoulder. Najeeb falls back. The Kafeel uses his gun to break Najeeb’s foot and Najeeb yells in pain. The Kafeel hits his foot again with the gun and Najeeb yells again). Kafeel What were you thinking? I’ll teach you a lesson, you dog! (He walks around Najeeb to his side, while he writhes and screams in pain) Kafeel You scoundrel! (He steps on Najeeb’s hand with his boot covered shoe) I’ll kill you, you filthy animal! (He applies pressure to Najeeb’s hand to hear the bones cracking) How dare you run away from me? What were your trying to escape to? 1:58:57 Najeeb, Hakkim and Khadiri wander the desert going west trying to find the road. Hakkim and Najeeb look around wearily while Khadiri keeps walking. Hakkim (O.S) (weakly) Oh no. Where are we….going? (Looking around) Why aren’t we getting anywhere? Satan is sending us around in circles (collapses to the ground) (Najeeb reaches him and cradles his head. Khadiri turns around to look at them) Najeeb (frantically) Hakkim! Kiddo! Hey! Open your eyes! (gestures towards Khadiri) Hey! (Khadiri approaches them) Najeeb (O.S) Hakkim! Kiddo! Open your eyes! Khadiri Hey, Hakkim! (O.S) Friend, you’re not tired! (Khadiri reaches the two of them) Khadiri (Arabic) Stand up. Stay strong! Stand up! Hakkim stands up and clutches Khadiri. Hakkim Shut up, you bloody dog! (glares at Khadiri) Don’t utter another word! If I had been back there, I could have at least gotten some water. (trails off and falls at Khadiri’s feet). 2:40 Najeeb stands in a lineup with other immigrants who don’t have any documentation. Several kaleefs have been summoned by the police to help identify the unknown workers. Several police officers walk through the hallway to make way for the kaleefs. Speaker (V.O) Line up so that your sponsors can identify you properly. No one should talk. Keep silence. The unknown workers stand by the wall, while the kaleefs walk down the middle of the hallway. Man 1 (steps out of line) What are they saying? Second man Narayan, please keep quiet (pushed him back to stand in line). Man 1 They’ve line us up as if we’re goods for sale in the market Man 2 (to Man 1) Narayan. don’t you know what will happen of your sponsor identifies you before the out-pass is issued? Another kafeel in the background picks out a man and starts yelling at him. Najeeb looks at this interaction in fear. Man 2 He was supposed to go back home tomorrow. He is done for! The kafeel takes the man out of the room. Next round of kaleefs walk in and among them is the kafeel that took Najeeb in the first place. Najeeb notices him and gets scared. He attempts to shrink back behind Man 2, scared of being identified. Kafeel notices Najeeb and approaches him. Kafeel (shoves Man 2 out of the way) Bloody son of a gun! You think you can fool me? (grabs Najeeb and shoves him to the opposite wall) I’ll show you what I can do! Najeeb (Falls at the Kaleef’s feet and begs.) Don’t take me back! Please don’t take me back there! Kafeel I will teach you a lesson. Najeeb (Begging at Kafeel’s feet) Don’t take me back there! Kafeel (kicks Najeeb off) I’ll show you what I can do! (takes off the agal) I will teach you a lesson. Najeeb Don’t hit me! Kafeel coils the agal around his hand preparing to strike him. Najeeb comes back to the moment and stands hunched trying not to het his kafeel’s attention. The kafeel looks at him dubiously. Najeeb slowly glances up to make eye contact, shaking in fear. The kafeel almost walks past him but then pauses. Najeeb continues standing against the wall looking at the ground shaking in fear. Kafeel approaches Najeeb. He turns Najeeb towards him and lifts Najeeb’s head, recognising him. Najeeb shakes in fear while casting his eyes down. Kafeel (whispers menacingly) So, you got away? if you were really under my sponsorship, I’d have hauled you back to the Masara. Najeeb shakes in fear and Kafeel walks away from him. Man 2 (leans towards Najeeb) (in a low voice) Najeeb, he was not your actual sponsor. If he was, he would have dragged you back to the Masara now. Your visa was sponsored by someone else, but this man abducted you. (whispers to Man) He worked under this Arab there. So unfortunate! Najeeb slides down the wall in disbelief and cries. CUT TO. Najeeb traveling in a car, clutching his new passport. Najeeb (V.O) The three months I spent in jail felt longer than the three years I spent in the desert. Since I began to feel hopeful about returning home, I haven’t slept at all. It was a long wait for the out-pass. At the airport, amidst the crowd awaiting expats with large suitcases filled with perfumes, tape recorders, and televisions my son and Sainu will be waiting for me. All that remains for me to give them is the time i have left in my life. (The vehicle door opens. Najeeb exists the vehicle along with other workers. He walks slowly towards the airplane. He climbs the staircase to board the plane. Najeeb pauses while the others continue towards boarding. He slowly turns back and squints into the sun) | Haunting | Profit/Loss– TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | Momo in Dubai | n/a | Ameen Aslam | Ashif Kakkodi & Zakariya | 2023 | 3/10 | $5,245 | Comedy, Drama | Dailymotion | Site worker | This film tells the story of Momo (Mohammed) and his experience visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The film follows Momo, a young boy from a lower-middle class family in Kerala, traveling with his family to visit his father who is a site worker in the UAE. It depicts Momo’s fascination with his upcoming vacation in a foreign land and the opportunity to visit the Burj Khalifa over which he has been obsessed. The narrative explored his unexpected revelations encountered on the journey, leading to a newfound appreciation for life's simpler joys. | Personal experiences- Director and Co-producer were ex-residents of UAE. | 51:18 So, Habib. I want to tell you something. My plan’s going to my home for vacation. So, I was thinking, maybe you can shift your family to my home. What do you think? Any problem, Habib? Don’t worry, already I paid the rent. 1:14:20 Momo, today, I will surprise you. You will see something beautiful. 1:35:28 Momo. Happy ayille? Burj Khalifa anniku kannan pattingal entha? Anne Burj Khalifa-il elarum kandile. | 51:18 So, Habib. I want to tell you something. My plan’s going to my home for vacation. So, I was thinking, maybe you can shift your family to my home. What do you think? Any problem, Habib? Don’t worry, already I paid the rent. 1:14:20 Momo, today, I will surprise you. You will see something beautiful. 1:35:28 Momo. Are you happy? So what you couldn’t see the Burj Khalifa. Everyone saw you on the Burj Khalifa. | Benevolent | Profit/Loss– UAE Earnings of $5,245 after showing in 20 theatres. No info on India https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt13711200/?ref_=bo_tt_ti TRP Ratings– n/a News Article/ Reviews– "Bollywood ‘s popularity cut across geographies because the storytellers and filmmakers were proud of their culture and family relationships that inevitably got reflected in the films they made,” she says, “In the UAE, we grew up watching and loving these movies. In fact, we connected to Indian culture through them."– film co-producer Nahla "The film is about the hopes of millions of workers whose lives get intertwined with the multi-cultural landscape of the UAE even as they toil hard to fulfill the dreams of their families and provide them with a better life." "For the debutant director, Momo in Dubai is also a tribute to the all-inclusive, welcoming spirit of the UAE. “I came to this country over a decade ago and have made it my home. Throughout these years, I have received a lot of support from my employers and friends to work and fulfill my ambitions. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this is a region where dreams come true,” he adds." https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/local-events/why-malayalam-film-momo-in-dubai-produced-by-an-emirati-filmmaker-is-creating-waves "As I said, the craft aspect of the writing of this movie isn’t that spectacular. Since the kids are the film’s primary audience, a little bit of loudness and spoon-feeding are there in the treatment" "I liked how Johny Antony’s character behaves in the Burj Khalifa sequence, as it gives you an idea about that character’s struggle." "With a climax that puts a smile on your face despite being guessable and slightly on the over-the-top side, I found Momo in Dubai as a harmless feel-good film that will definitely work for children. With the dialect, dialogues, and attitude of Momo making him a peculiar character, Momo in Dubai is an easy watch with a runtime of 102 minutes." https://lensmenreviews.com/momo-in-dubai-malayalam-movie-review-2023/ https://ngandacinema.com/momo-in-dubai-review/ – very important! shows dual points of view to the film!! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | Ayisha | n/a | Aamir Pallikkal | Ashif Kakkodi | 2023 | 1988 | 3/10 | $90,627 | Biographical, Comedy, Drama | Maid/ Househelp | This film tells the story of Ayisha and her experience living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) employed as a domestic worker. It is inspired by the real-life experiences of Nilambur Ayisha, a prominent ex-actress who served as a domestic worker to one of the royal families in Riyadh. The film follows her journey to the Middle East to solve her financial problems and subsequent death threats. It depicts how she adjusts to her new life as a domestic helper, a complete change from the spotlight she was accustomed to. The narrative explores her evolving relationship with her sponsor’s mother, and over time, comes to be her closest ally. | Loose Biopic- Nilambur Ayisha | 19:30 The next place you will sleep will be at your home only. 51:29 Annaku sugamthane-alle. Koipum onum illalo. Enthingal onindgal ingittu ponnale. Enthinane arande cheethai kite nikanathe. 1:04:30 Ayisha, do anything to make Mama happy. No need to wait for anybody permission. 1:11:06 Mama, we have small problem. What is it? Tell me. Mama, khaddamas here Saudi. Only see Riyadh airport, this palace. They no go out, no buy anything. Driver taking money from us but not- but not- buying anything. What about your weekly off? Mama, munnadi off day there. That accident. She run away. Then in hospital, athike aprom vellike kuttitepurane stop pannitange. Oh, yes. I know who’s behind this. Tomorrow Friday. Off, right? Whoever wants to buy, you take them to the market and you will be responsible for them. Nobody will stop them. This is my word. 1:30:30 Ayisha’s guest are our guest. In this palace, if Mama says yes, it’s a yes. You welcome them. Make them comfortable. Every Friday, this majlis will be open for your actor. 1:37:20 You know when you see someone special? That’s what I felt when I first time saw you. You are special but I don’t really…in what way. 1:56:50 Aslam alaikum. Walaikum aslam. This is Abdulla Masum. Mama’s son. How are you? Alhamdulilla How is your family and kids? Good. Good. How is Mama? Mama good? Mama not doing well. She’s actually very tired. I would say more her mind than her body. Even me, my brother, grandchildren..even we are not able to make her happy. She misses you, Ayisha. But I know you have your life back home there now and I’m not asking you to come back. I know that not be right. But my family want to know if you could come. Anyway, how’s everything else going with you? Everything good. But mama’s sad because of me, I also feel sad. Don’t worry, Ayisha. That not because of you. I feel sad, thinking Mama. Two days, I give answer for this? Insha-Alla. May Alla bless you. I will call you later, Ayisha. Aslam alaikum. Walaikum aslam. 2:24:30 Ayisha, We wish you could be here all our life, we don’t want to hold you back. We understand how great you are. Thirchu chennal inniku avade entho idithe vechitundavumne kardite onne alla. Inni thodangangil thanne, athym modhale thondanganm. Enne elarm maranje kazhinju. Jeevikyan veru orum margum ille, veendum idhe polle, verai ethingilum veetil jollike kerumayirkyum. Pakshe, mama illathe ee vittile, inni njan illa. Innike adhinu avulla. Ainollu manse illa. We understand you. But you ever want to come back, feel free. We are here for you. | 19:30 The next place you will sleep will be at your home only. 51:29 You are doing well, yes? No problems, right? If there is anything, come back. Why are you staying there and listening to someone swearing at you? 1:04:30 Ayisha, do anything to make Mama happy. No need to wait for anybody permission. 1:11:06 Mama, we have small problem. What is it? Tell me. Mama, servants here Saudi. Only see Riyadh airport, this palace. They no go out, no buy anything. Driver taking money from us but not- but not- buying anything. What about your weekly off? Mama, in the past we used to have a day off, but after that accident and the girl ran away and in hospital. After that incident, they stopped allowing us to go outside. Oh, yes. I know who’s behind this. Tomorrow Friday. Off, right? Whoever wants to buy, you take them to the market and you will be responsible for them. Nobody will stop them. This is my word. 1:30:30 Ayisha’s guest are our guest. In this palace, if Mama says yes, it’s a yes. You welcome them. Make them comfortable. Every Friday, this home will be open for your actor. 1:37:20 You know when you see someone special? That’s what I felt when I first time saw you. You are special but I don’t really know…in what way. 1:56:50 Peace be unto you (standard greeting in Arabic.) Peace be unto you, too (standard greeting reply in Arabic.) This is Abdulla Masum. Mama’s son. How are you? Praise be to God (usually used to Thank God or saying all’s well thanks to God). How is your family and kids? Good. Good. How is Mama? Mama good? Mama's not doing well. She’s actually very tired. I would say more her mind than her body. Even me, my brother, grandchildren..even we are not able to make her happy. She misses you, Ayisha. But I know you have your life back home there now and I’m not asking you to come back. I know that not be right. But my family want to know if you could come. Anyway, how’s everything else going with you? Everything good. But mama’s sad because of me, I also feel sad. Don’t worry, Ayisha. That not because of you. I feel sad, thinking Mama. Two days, I give answer for this? If God wills it. May God) bless you. I will call you later, Ayisha. Aslam alaikum. Walaikum aslam. 2:24:30 Ayisha, We wish you could be here all our life, we don’t want to hold you back. We understand how great you are. I’m not going back thinking there is something waiting for me. If I have to work again, I’ll have to start over. Everyone has forgotten me there. If I don’t have another way to earn, again like this, I’ll go to work as a help in someone else’s house. But, with Mama no more, I’m not going to continue here. I can’t bear to do it. My heart won’t let me. We understand you. But you ever want to come back, feel free. We are here for you. | Benevolent | Profit/Loss– UAE Earnings of $90,627 after showing in 39 theatres. No info on India https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3019539201/weekend/ TRP Ratings– n/a News Article/Reviews– "Aamir Pallikkal's directorial is a fictionalised version of the story of Nilambur Ayisha, the first woman to act in Malayalam cinema from the Muslim community. The colourful and stylised film reminds one of Iranian films that speak poignantly on survival, optimism and identity. The hopeful drama explores pain, departure, the moments before death, betrayal, and the magical bond between humans that knows no borders." https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/ayisha/movie-review/97178979.cms "As a movie that documented chapters in someone’s life, I think Ayisha has done a reasonably good job. Because it makes you curious to know more about the person after the movie. But as I already said, the writing is trying to cover everything on a scene order level. And there isn’t much of an effort to take it away from that straight forward flat narrative." "Manju Warrier has said in her interviews that it isn’t that typical Gulf Malayali story of suffering and sacrifices. As a director, Aamir Pallikkal tries to keep the movie in that pleasant zone. The cinematography by Vishnu Sarma captures the grandness of the lifestyle in almost every frame. What felt very odd in many places was how the dialogues were written and performed. The artist-backdrop of the central character can be an excuse to make that character say poetic lines. But Ashif Kakkodi’s dialogues are border-line bumper sticker captions. Even the screenplay structure looked very simplistic and predictable. Manju Warrier’s dance, M Jayachandran’s atypical tune, and Prabhudeva’s choreography made the Kannilu Kannilu song look unique. But the placement of that song wasn’t that smooth." "But from a cinephile perspective, it’s a movie that takes a safe path by being usual in many places." https://lensmenreviews.com/ayisha-malayalam-movie-review-2023/ "Apart from Mama and Ayisha, no one really sticks out as normal people." https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/ayisha/movie-review/97178979.cms "The well-layed out tables, the food and the sisterhood between the gaddamas remind you of those English movies set in aristocratic households." "The best thing about 'Ayisha' is the way the Arab characters are portrayed. For a person unacquainted with Saudi Arabia, it is a small eye-opener to the lives of people there. The typical treatment of the pyche of the people in movies gets a spin as it shows a different side of their persona. This is clearly evident from the way Mama speaks and treats Ayisha." https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/01/21/ayisha-movie-review-manju-warrier-aamir-pallikkal.htmln | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham കഠിന കഠോരമീ അണ്ഡകടാഹം | It’s a Complicated World | Muhashin | Harshad | 2023 | Covid/Lockdown Time Period | 5/10 | Comedy, Drama | NOT MENTIONED | The film primarily revolves around Basheer and his ambition to have a successful business in Kerala. The first half of the movie depicts his struggles and how he refuses to go to the Gulf, like his father, as he believes money can be made anywhere. The second half of the movie focuses on how Basheer struglles to bring his father's corpse to Kerala when lockdown has been administred. In short, the movie focuses on how Covid has affected businesses and legal procedures. | Unknown | Haunting and Insignificant | Profit/Loss– TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | Ennalum Ente Aliya | Still, my brother | Bash Mohammed | Bash Mohammed & Sreekumaran Araykkal | 2023 | Comedy, Drama | Prime | Balakrishnan- Insurance Agent. Kareem- construction site head | Unknown | Profit/Loss– Didn't run in theatres for long. Acquired by Amazon. Contact them? TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | Kurup | n/a | Srinath Rajendran | Daniell Sayooj Nair & K.S. Aravind | 2021 | 1966 | Biographical, Crime, Thriller | Netflix | Unknown, but something to do with money laundering and illegal trading | This film tells the story of Sudhakara Kurup and his experience living in Persia (modern-day Iran) employed as a smuggler. It is inspired by the real-life story of one of Kerala's most wanted fugitives Sukumara Kurup, charged with murder and insurance fraud. The film follows Kurup’s early life working with the Indian Air Force in weapon management, to his subsequent escape from justice after faking his death and conducting various illegal activities both before his supposed suicide and in his new life in the Middle East. It depicts how he lives comfortably in Persia while engaging in smuggling. The narrative explores his continued evasion of capture from the Kerala police and the Arab countries as well. | Biopic of an Indian figitive and one of the most-wanted criminals in Kerala, Sukumara Kurup | Clip 1 Kurup, Pillechan, Sabu and Ponnachan are on the way to Vandanam after picking up Kurup from the airport. Kurup and Ponnachan sit in the front, while Ponnachan drives. Sabu and Pillechan sit behind. Pillechan inebriated is singing a song… (After Pillechan sings the song) Kurup Don’t you do plays anymore, Pillechan? Pillechan (Leans forward to Kurup) What? Kurup (Louder) Don’t you do plays anymore, Pillechan? Pillechan (Sluring) Where do I have the time, brother? Ponnachan That’s true! How can he make time? He is always in the arrack shop. (Kurup chuckles) Pillechan (Sluring) That’s true! Ponnachan (To Kurup) Brother, why don’t you take him to Persian once more? At least he can make some money over there. Pillechan (Muttering to himself) I haven’t recovered from my first visit yet. Kurup Neither have I. (Lights a cigarette. Blows out the smoke) Ponnachan? Ponnachan (O.S) Yes? Kurup You don’t have to go to Persia to make money. Ponnachan (O.S) Then? Kurup You can make it right here in Vandanam before you know it as well. Clip 2 Someone has come to visit Kurup at his home. Kurup signes a cheque in their name of an amount of 15 thousand rupees. Kurup (Hands the signed check to woman) People will say I’m showing off because I’m a Gulf expat. Leelamani Oh, they won’t say anything like that. Kurup (Serious) Well, they should. (The visitors chuckle) Clip 3 Kurup monologues his role in Persia as a smuggler. The scene shows how he carries out his duties and how he got involved in them. Kurup (V.O) (Recalling his activities) The fourth son of the sultan’s third wife had realised that his status was no better than that of a corpse. So, he set out to become as strong as the sultan himself. That was Walid, the young prince. The black gold, also known as crude oil. That was Walid’s investment. My job was to smuggle it without the sultan’s knowledge. That means mu life itself was…my investment. The job of Satan. (Kurup drives to meet Walid to hand over the profits) Kurup (Cont’d V.O) Walid kept receiving double the market price. But what about me? Only the mere bones that he threw at me. (Walid opens the briefcase to see the gold biscuits. He hands a few to Kurup). Kurup (Bowing in gratitude) (In Arabic) Thank you, sir (In broken English) But boss, my next deal…is very big. Three million US dollars. But..risk..is also very big. Walid (Smug) (In Arabic) When was the last time you saw one of the royals in jail? So, the risk is only yours. Kurup (Cont’d V.O) He was right. Not a single person of the royal bloodline had ever gone to jail. Risk! It was entirely mine. So, I decided to take a risk for the last time. I swipes 3 million US dollars from the sultan. However, I didn’t take the money to Walid this time. | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $2,082,662 in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | Koode | Together | Anjali Menon | Anjali Menon & Sachin Kundalkar | 2018 | 3/10 | $432,858 | Drama, Fantasy | Construction worker/ Labor worker | A remake of a Marathi film, this movie focuses on a man from a lower-middle-class family, named Joshua. His mother is a stay-at-home mom and his father owns a garage. At the age of 16, his mother gave birth to his younger sister. Unfortunately, she has some health conditions that prove expensive to treat. Unable to bear the costs on their own, Joshua’s parents decide to send him along with his uncle to the UAE so that he can provide money for his sister. As Joshua takes on labor work in the UAE, the movie delves into his sense of sacrifice and explores his bond with his sister. | Remake of Marathi movie- Happy Journey | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $432,858 in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Jacobinte Swargarajyam | Jacob's Kingdom of Heaven | Vineeth Sreenivasan | Vineeth Sreenivasan | 2016 | 1/10 | Biographical, Drama | Dailymotion | Business | This film tells the story of Jacob Zachariah and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) employed as a businessman. It is inspired by the real-life experiences of Jacob's life as a reputed entrepreneur in the steel industry. The film follows Jacob’s comfortable life being upturned due to a global recession leading to financial difficulties, especially following a subsequent betrayal by a business partner. It depicts how he is forced to remain out of the country, fearing imprisonment due to the large debt. The narrative explores his family’s efforts, focusing on his oldest son and wife, to rebuild their business and clear his name. | Biopic- NRI businessman Jacob Zachariah | 5:12 Oru pathu 65 varsham mumbe, ingine ayirnu nammude Dubai. Inginne ayirnne Dubai-e inne kannunathe Dubai akyie mattitha enthannane ariyo? Dreams. Orubade alkarude swanpangal. Pallurde vision. Adhvanm. 14:35 Oru swanthashom vartha ningilai ariykyan ondu. Kazhinje financial year ne abhiksheche, ee thavna, Centour Groupnt businness has doubled! 23:40 Oru city, nammal epozhum oru oriyathine kannanm. Ithe ee vishalm city parane kedkanathe kanambol athvanikyan thonum. Swapnam kannan thonum. 36:10 Varthakal vishatham ayi. Logam innum sampathyam mannithinu akkaum kuttikondu, American obirapani? thagar-adinju. 1987le kannathe sampathyam thalerchike shesham, American vippinil ondaye ittum veliye durandham anne innithe ithide. Logam muthalathe sampathyam vevasthake thanne, inne oru durandham dinum annene vidhaktar velliarthanu. Americalum Britainlum banking rangathe ondaye akkranum thagarche-ude agartham Gulf naddikillum adalarikyumne aanu sujanana. Kettadum nirmanu maikilla, real-estate, oppum bindhe pitte kidakane matta thozhmegillil, eviye ellam veliye pazhasadhintan sadyatha undanne sampathya vidhaktar villayerthunu. 37:00 Changu orpe-olle kozhai manshyamare ondakye city anado ithu. Athinte ee strength ee cityke enthayalum ondu. Enthoke kashtapadm ondayalum, athu ellam marikadanu, Dubai munnotu thane pokum. 44:39 This is yours. Thank you, Bhaiya. Mere saari financial problem abhi solve hone walla hain. With this money, I’ll going to make a clean sweep. Mai aapko khabi nahi bollunga. 47:24 Nasare, njan pazhanenno kaike. Illa illa illa, njan evidyum ponninilla. Njan evide thanne ondu. Ajmel- Ajmelle njan trace ithollam. Waitiyunm, please. Sadheer, Sadheer njan njan adhyathe nammal paranje polle krithyam datene paisa thannathale. Njan expectiyathe oru avasthe ayi poyi. Please, please onnu manasalakanum. Please. 1:03 Stay back. You’re breaking the law. This is an arrest. You’re breaking the law. This is an arrest. I told you. Urgent. 1:04:05 Jerry Jacob Zachariah. You don’t pay credit card bills? Emirates NBD bank put a case against you. 1:05:50 Pattinilla, Philip uncle. Innai kondu ondum pattinilla. Enthu chiyanmne ariyampadilla. Evede thodangnmne ariyampadilla. 1:07 Jeevitham padikyan, orubadu duram onnum ponnda, Jerry. Ee streetinte orum attum matte attum verai valichu oru nadatham nadanal madhi. 1:12:37 Pinne njan enthu parayanm?! Kodi kannikunulle kadam ondune parayano?! Kadakare pedichu veeddu marikondu irkyannene parayano? Papade peril case ondu, Papa INTERPOL annishikyinne criminal aninne. Ithe okai anno njan paryandithe?! 1:26:32 Ithana ee nagarathinte aittum velliye prethikatha. Ivide mathum, desham, vargum, jaathi, ithu onnu alla. Panni iddikuga, pannum ondakuga. Orartheverkum avishyum, vishvasikyan pattiyne alligal anne. And now, they trust me. 2:05:40 Jerry, aa officer avane get-out adichu. Avan aizhthye ondakye clause-um, contract okai kattai kalayan parnju. Eda, aa Menon ninte peril case ondakan patilla. Nee Jacobinte legal son anninele-ollu, company owner onne alla. Nee inni cashe thirchi kondithingal pollum, avane nine onum chiyan pattilla. Ninte papayum ammayum avane lockiyam pattum. Pakshe, contract motham matti typeithe evide konduvane notarize-emperthaikyum, kodathi samyam kazhiyam. Aduthe 3 divasum, public holiday-a. Avane cash athyasham undanalle? Nee paranikyane out of court settlement allendai, matte onum ivide nadakan pokunnilla. | 5:12 65 years ago, Dubai too was a desert like this. Do you know what changed this desert Dubai to the Dubai we see today? Dreams. A lot of people’s dreams, their vision, their earnings. 14:35 I have some good news to share with you all. Surpassing last financial year, this year, Centour Group’s business has doubled! 23:40 We should always a city from up above. When we see it from a higher perspective laid out in front of us, we will want to earn. We will start dreaming of great things. 36:10 News today. America has entered a great recession. Since 1987, this is considered the greatest recession in American history. The major countries have announced this to be a great downfall today. The recession in the American and Britain’s banking industry, will affect the Gulf countries as well. Architecture, real estate, and related business are likely to be affected financially due to this downfall. 37:00 Many brave hearted people built this city. That strength lies in this city as well. No matter what troubles it may face, Dubai will stride forward. 44:39 This is yours. Thank you, brother. All my financial problems are going to be solved. With this money, I’ll going to make a clean sweep. I’ll never forget you. 47:24 Nasar, please listen to me. No, no, no I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here. Ajmel- I’ll trace Ajmel. Please wait. Sadheer, Sadheer, I-I met all the payments on time the first time, right? I’m in a situation that I didn’t expect. Please, please try to understand, please. 1:03 Stay back. You’re breaking the law. This is an arrest. You’re breaking the law. This is an arrest. I told you. Urgent. 1:04:05 Jerry Jacob Zachariah. You don’t pay credit card bills? Emirates NBD bank put a case against you. 1:05:50 I can’t, Philip uncle. I can’t seem to do anything. I don’t know what to do nor where to start. 1:07 To learn life, you don’t have to go far, Jerry. You only have to walk from one end to another on this street. 1:12:37 Then what should I say?! That we have debts worth millions?! We keep changing our home in fear of debt collectors?! There’s a case on dad’s name, and he’s a criminal being chased by Interpol?! Is this what I should say?! 1:26:32 This is the uniqueness in this country. Here caste, nationality, religion don’t matter. Work hard, earn money. What everyone needs is a person to trust. And now, they trust me. 2:05:40 Jerry, that officer told him to get out. He told him to toss the clause he typed up and his contract to the sea. That Menon can’t file a case against you. You are only Jacob’s legal son, not the company’s owner. They can’t do anything to you even if you don’t repay the debt. However, he can lock up your parents, but by the time he retypes the contract and gets it notarised, the court time will be up. The next 3 days are public holidays. He has an urgent need for money, yes? Apart from an out of court settlement with you, nothing else is going to happen here. | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of Rs.15Cr in Kerala. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/heres-nivin-paulys-jacobinte-swargarajyam-jsr-9-days-collection-report-kerala-box-office-675162 TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | Notebook | n/a | Rosshan Andrrews | Bobby Prakash | 2006 | 8/10 | Drama, Romance | Youtube | Business | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | Marubhoomiyile Aana | Elephant of the Desert | V. K. Prakash | Y. V. Rajesh | 2016 | Comedy | Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OngXpP9MVss | Domestic worker/Broke | This film tells the story of Suku and his experiences of visiting Qatar, employed as a temporary smuggler. It is inspired by unknown sources. The film follows Suku’s attempt to restore his family’s lost wealth and honour by befriending a Qatar sheikh. It depicts how he dupes people into believing he has influential contacts and means. The narrative explores how he becomes entangled with Sultan Hamad, a penniless Half-Malayali Sheikh linked to a murder case from Qatar, leading to a series of comedic events that shape the lighthearted tone of the film. | Unknown | Clip 1 Joy, a wealthy businessman, has just conducted a successful client meeting in Qatar and is on his way back to his hotel room. He walks along the corridor with his jacket swung over his shoulder. (Joy stops walking when Davis calls out for him) Davis (Walking alongside Joy) You did well, Joy. (Davis and Joy walk together) Joy (Proud) I didn’t do much in this, Davis. It’s all our workers’ hard-work, their families’ and the Qatar governments’ support. Davis Come, let’s go have a drink togethe– Joy Oh no, Davis. It’s late right now. It’s almost 10pm in India and my daughter won’t sleep without calling me. She has school tomorrow. You can leave, Davis. Good night! Davis (Pauses in his walk) Such men won’t improve even after coming to the Gulf. 8:20-8:30 Clip 2 In Kerala, Suku and Martin sit on a ledge, facing each other discussing Suku’s financial situations. Martin works in Qatar and Suku doesn’t have a job. Martin Bro, aren’t there many opportunities here? Sneak into one of them! Save yourself, bro! Suku When are you going back? Martin (Desolate) I have two more weeks of leave. Suku Rather than giving me advice, try and find me a job! Martin About the job– Suku Even if it’s cleaning toilets, I’ll do it! Martin (Leans forwards) (Scared) You haven’t told anyone that it was my job, right? Suku No, I haven’t said anything. Do you think I will? Martin (Dejected) It’s not like before, bro. It’s a complete mess right now. Suku You try to get me some sort of job, please. Martin I mean there aren’t much jobs available right now. Now, their locals do the smallest of jobs. Clip 3 Sheikh Sultan reveals who he really is and about his life in Qatar to Suku and his brother-in-law, Satheesh. They talk outside of a hotel in Kerala by the pool at night. Sheikh Sultan lights a cigar. Sheikh Sultan (Turns towards Suku) (Desolate) Who do you think I am? I’m not who you think I am. Suku (Shocked) So you aren’t a sheikh? Sheikh Sultan Sheikh– Satheesh (To Sheikh Sultan) (Tying his mundu) You’re speaking in perfect Malayalam. Whom are you trying to fool? Sheikh Sultan (To Suku) I’m a sheikh, from the Qatar’s royal family. You saw my passport and visa, right? Suku (To Sheikh Sultan) Then? Sheikh Sultan (Hesitant) Now, how do I tell you this? Suku Tell me. Sheikh Sultan My dear child, I’m completely broke. I’m a sheikh who is penniless and can’t even afford a ticket back home. (Satheesh starts laughing) Satheesh (To Sheikh Sultan) (Laughing) Please don’t make us laugh by saying there are broke sheikhs. Suku (Sheikh Sultan) Sheikh, tell us the truth. Sheikh Sultan I’m telling you the truth. (In Arabic) No money, no problem. (In English) No money, no problem. Satheesh (To Sheikh Sultan) Is that what your catchphrase means? Sheikh Sultan Yes. (Suku drops to sit on the floor shocked by the news. Sheikh Sultan squats to speak with him) Sheikh Sultan I was born in a wealthy family. My mother was my father’s fourth wife. She’s from a village in Koilandikara. Married to an Arab and her son were only seen as servants. (Flashback begins. Visuals depict Sheikh Sultan serving as a domestic worker in his own home) Sheikh Sultan I grew up with the Malayali kids there. (V.O) That’s how I know Malayalam so well. (Back to the present) Not long after, my mother passed. | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | Pathemari | Dhow | Salim Ahamed | Salim Ahamed | 2015 | Drama | Construction worker | *Note songs at the beginning, at 20:00, 1:21:00* Notable movie on NRI perceived. This film tells the story of Pallikkal Narayanan and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed as a labour worker. It is collectively inspired by the real-life experiences of many NRIs who moved to the Middle East hoping to solve their financial problems, often taking desperate routes to reach there. The film follows Narayanan’s journey through various odd jobs, saving and sending money to his family while gradually becoming distant from them. It details how he is reduced to being seen only as a source of income by his family, despite his desire to return home, eventually concluding with Narayanan’s death abroad. The narrative explores a factual portrayal of the challenges faced by Gulf NRIs, contrasting the common perceptions with the reality of their lives | Inspired from real-life stories of Malayalis who left Kerala for the Gulf to build a better life for their families. | 10:58 “Hello, Babu. Njanada, Preman. Aa nammil panni idithondu vedinte owner ille, aa Gulf karan? Ayal thatti poyi. Ninde doctornte veedu panni nalle thodangan pattuvo? Ay, ithe ipol onnum thodingillla. Onne nokuda. Shsho, oraratherke marikyan olla samyam. Manshine medekedithan veinditte.” 15:15 “Chettuva pallile naircha koodan pokuvailla. Devusanglai olle yathre anne. Athu chelpol masangal avum. Ithilla-ne verum. Kadala.” “Arayam. Kettitinde. Avade etti kittiyal, nangalde koodumbm raksha pedigille. Veetile pattani mattan patingille, koodeparapene oru jeevitham kodaman pattuingille, ee kadalle kadakan nangale thayarra.” 34:20 “Narayan-ettan enna onne verva? Innike kannanm” “Inikyum.” “Innike vayya evide, ottake.“ “Ninikke avare okke ille avade? Njan alle Nalini ivide ottake.” “Epazha verra?” “Veram. Inni vagyilla.” 35:38 “Devuse ethra vera nammilde nattine vannu arnganne.” “Ee marabhoomiyile, aluvidinte bhoothm chodithikyane enthum kodukan thayar-ayite ninkananna nattekarude vejarum.” 57:20 “Vernane mumbe entha-okaya paranjinne. Innike onnu sherikum mindan pollum kittila, Narayan-ettane.” “Ishtam ondaitte allalo nammil ee ponnanuthe. Adakan kottumbum addinte manassa thirchu pokumbm.” “Ennal, pinne pokan irinude?” “Pokathe pattillelalo. Kayil patti chakka mollake thinte kutta Persia karante jeevitham. Ethre thaichalum pokulla.” 1:08:19 “Ellarkum onnum kondavunilla parathi ondatto.” “Vanne poitte 6 massam alle ayitte ollu. Elarkum kayı naranje kodathathallle.” “Ennalum, vannuthe Dubaine annillo.” “Njan ethe onnum Dubainte footpathine parki idikinithe onum alla. Kadanne kashe koduthe medikyannatha.” “Njan paranjune ollu.” “Visa podukan olle samyam ayi. Athene thane velliye oru thoka venum. Shambalathinte karyum onum parayanda. Nee ipo arodum paryan onum nilkanda. Njan vannathe visa mattan onnum alla. Njan thiriche ponnum onum illa.” “Onum illingilum oru Dubai karante bhariyane olle peru inniku ondai-irnnu. Inni ipol athum ondave illale?” 1:32:45 “Aru ayirkyum, ee mannil kallu koothiye adhiyatte malayali?” “Aru ayirnillalum, nadde kannan vanithe ayirkilla. Nammale polle, veetil embadum pattaniyum, pora naranje irkyunane pengamare aringil ayirkyum.” 1:33:45 “Ee naddu alle, Moidinne nammude agrangal sadhiche thannuthe.“ | 10:58 “Hello, Babu. It’s me, Preman. The house we’re working on, that man who is in the Gulf? He died (crude usage of language). Can we start work on that doctor’s house of yours tomorrow? Oh now, it won’t start now, can you check? Sheesh, what a time for people to pass away, just to trouble others.” 15:15 “You aren’t going to attend a festival in the Chettuva Church. It’s a trip that takes several days. Sometimes, it can take months. You might even not reach. It’s the sea.” “I know, we have heard of it. If we do reach there, our family will survive. If our family won’t starve anymore and if we can give our family a good life, then we’re ready to leave by sea.” 34:20 “When will you come, Narayan? I want to see you.” “Me too.” “I’m tired of being alone here.” “You have family there, right? I’m the one who is alone here, Nalini.” “When will you come?” “I will. Soon.” 35:38 “Everyday, there are a lot of people from Kerala who arrive here.” “The people there believe that there’s a genie in this desert place ready to grants us whatever we want.” 57:20 “Before you came, what all did you say. I didn’t get enough time to even speak with you properly, Narayan.” “I’m not going back because I enjoy it. I feel like a goat about to be slaughtered when I return.” “In that case, can you not return?” “We can’t survive with me staying here.” 1:08:19 “Everyone’s complaining that you didn’t bring anything for them.” “It has only been 6 months since my last visit. I bought stuff for them then.” “Still, you came from Dubai right.” “I don’t pick this up for free from the Dubai streets. I buy them from the stores there.” “I’m only saying what others said.” “It’s time to renew my visa. I need a huge amount just for that. It’s best not to mention my salary. You don’t mention this to anyone now. I didn’t return to renew my visa. I’m not going back anymore.” “If I had nothing else, I could say that I’m a wife of a person who’s in Dubai. Now, I won’t even have that, right?” 1:32:45 “Whom do you think is the first malayali who set foot on this land?” “Whoever he was, he surely didn’t come to just visit this place. It would be someone like us, whose family is struggling and who has sisters who need to be married off.” 1:33:45 “Isn’t it this land which granted our wishes, Moideen?” | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $1M in India. TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | Premam | Love | Alphonse Puthren | Alphonse Puthren | 2015 | 9/10 | Comedy, Drama, Romance | N/A | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Ustad Hotel | n/a | Anwar Rasheed | Anjali Menon | 2012 | 6.5/10 | Comedy, Drama | Business | The story revolves around Faizi (Faizal) and his aspirations to become a chef. After his mother died, Abdul (Faizi’s father) took his 5 children to Dubai. Being an orthodox Muslim, Razak disapproves of Faizi’s dream of becoming a chef and wishes his son to become a businessman like himself. The plot showcases how Faizi decides to live with his grandfather, who owns a small restaurant in Kerala, and how his experiences with his grandfather give Faizi a new perceptive to life. | Script was made as a friendship between the director and screenwriter. Screenwriter also grew up in Dubai, which influenced how the city was portrayed. | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ in UAE TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | Diamond Necklace | n/a | Lal Jose | Iqbal Kuttippuram | 2012 | Drama, Romance | Doctor | This film tells the story of Arun Kumar and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed as a doctor. It is inspired by the personal stories from the screenwriter's life in the UAE and the director’s interactions with Gulf NRIs. The film follows Arun's extravagant life, driven by his desire to maintain his image as a wealthy bachelor, which is funded by credit card loans and increasing debt. It depicts how his financial situation spirals out of control, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities. The narrative explores his personal evolution, highlighting how he moves away from his playboy persona and begins to understand the deeper value of relationships and life itself. | Stories adapted from the director's interactions with Gulf NRIs and screenwriter's personal stories from living in the UAE. | 6:30-7:20 “Nee pinneum vandi mattiyo? 39991, nice number. Hey, you’re a bit late. Aa B27inte Iranian patientinne internal haemorrhage ondu. BPium pulsm montiriyan Shanthamma sisterne elpichitondu. Keep an eye on him, ok?” “Sure, goodnight ikka.” “Bye, good night. Take care…..Nissan, ugran vandi alle, Dr Kurivilla?” “Oh, jaada. Alathe entha? Ee puthiya pillaru chethi nandane doctor’s community-ude dignity kalayum. Avane kandal oru doctor annu-enu thonuvo?” “Kandite enthina thonnene? Caot-um ee tie-um ketti nadannitum Dr Kuruvila kandal thonuvo oru doctor anne ennu?” “Kazhichal mathram alla. Avande kayil irupm doctorde allalo.” “Puthiya generation alle. Avirde ritthi avarke vittikalla doctorai” 11:10-11:35 “Ohh, Arathi Chaturvethi, Neelima Roy, Amelia. Innike vayyia. Kozhchude kazhinje kettiyal mathiairnu alle-da?” “Ay, athu patilla. Ninke sthreedhanmayi Burj Khalifante ee-flat kittanum, bharya prasavathine puvanm, ene polle oru decent gentlemanepole oru roommate ayitu kittanum, nee kettiallu pattu Basheerai?” “Aa, orurthinte yogum.” 15:30-16:20 “Innile roomile, Burj Khalifa buildingne patti ayirnu samsaram. Ellarum athe dooraine kandittu ondingilum, aduthe vanne kaanan arkum kazhinjitilla. Nee avade annu thamasmne paranjittu arkum vishwasm illa. Enal pinne athu neritte kaniche kodithitte inni bakki karyumene paranju, valante samshyam ollavaril nalle-periyum kootee njan ingottu ponnu.” “Venu-etan ipol evide ethi?” “Njan athinte thottu chottil ondu. Nee ipum mooriyil ille? Nee aa-security karanodu onnu villiche paranjal njangalke angotte keri veruvarinnu.” “Ayo, Venu eta. Njan ipol hospitalle annalo.” “Ayo, apol nee evide illai?” “Illa. Apol inni pinne oru duvasm villichite verru, Venu etta.” 19:50-20:30 In Tamil translated to Malayalam “Oh, velia maharani. Phone villiche idduvilla, thriche vellikyuvilla. Paissa aykyanne kariyum enthayi? Nee dubayil irrne, cashu muruvan anavshyamayi cheluvakkarthe. Pannum ayircheke ee ashpathri kettan ollu vahi nokku.” 21:40-22:05 In Tamil translated to Malayalam “Ente achane chilsa kettandayi marichu. Athokonda enne oru doctorakki, gramathil oru ashpathri kettam inne amma agrahichu. Lakshmyude Saraswathiyude perualle-olu. Ashpathri kettan olle pannathinne Dubayil vannathe. Amma epozhum kashinnu vendi phone chethondi-irkyunne.” 30:14-30:40 “Hey, that’s my car. Sir, please stop, sir please. Sir, that’s my car. Please stop. Sir, that that’s my car.” “This is your car?” “Yea.” “Did you take loan from bank? Did you repay it? No, say they’re taking it back.” “Sir–” “We are sorry. Please contact our bank’s credit department.” “But sir, listen to me. Sir!” 39:02-39:50 “Appol, doctorne travel ban ondu. Athe ayithe bankle loan adichu therkande, ee rajyam vidan pattila onu artham. Entha ippe chiya?” “Enthingalm cheedhetharne, sir. Amma hospital-lanu.” “Close to 500,000 Dirhams. Nalle sangi ondalo, doctorai. Ammake veliye rogam vellum ano? Athine vendi loan editheda?” “Alla.” “Doctornte family oke?” “Not yet married. Amma mathre ollu.” “Oh, I see. Dubaile ottake jeevikyan smart ayi oru Bachelore, sherkyum onne arngi thirichale, keesha kalli avan adiyam samyam onnum vendane innke ariyam. Chukri paranjal, shamblam kittyal elam bank-karu kudi pangu idethe idikum. Pinne kayil onum bakki ondavilla. Alla, athe pinne parnjate karyum illa. Pakshe, ithu..korche complicated issue anne. Engilum, let me try” 41:00-42:00 shopping trip 45:30-46:45 “Oh, nee endoru bhagyawan anna-da. Dewusam Chlorine illathe ee-ellnir vellathil kulli, sarkar schoole jolli, acahanm ammayum nattakarum, kanji kappayum pozha meenum, oh what a life man.” “Nine arro pedichontu poi jaile itapole annalo. Nee thane vendanne vechitu alle ithe oke?” “Mmm. Ipol ennike mansal avannondeda njan entha okke anne miss-eyinne.” “Ninde ammay eende ammaye okayeayitu ororu ashwathri thinnakargumbol, njan ninne orthe pragite onde. Naatakerke illingil venda, sonda ammake obugarum pettilingal, doctorne paranjate enthada karyam? Ennite, annya naatil chennu malamarkyan poyitte enthada baki ayithe? Logathinte ettum oyirum koode buildingle thamasm, vella kudiye carle minnikale. Neram pollarnal manja pokunne Dubai cityde night life. Kalinjate vada ingotte.” “Pongachum innkyum madathuda. Pakshe njan ayitu ondaki kooti vechi korai badidingal theerkande, innike avadanne uri poran pattilla.” “Nee kerannille? Amma enthokke ondaki vechetonde. Kazhichite pokam.” “Dubai karanne ethokke vellepozhum kittine saubhagyangal-le? Athe nee ottake anubhoycho.” 1:02:00-1:02:25 “Rajasree-ye Dubaike kondepokan olle parvadi ondavullo-le?” “Ovu, avade chennutte athinte formalities chiyanm.” “Ketto, Arun. Njan ee-Palakad jilla vettite engotum poyitte illa. Inni ipol nerbundm vechal, njangalum randalongudi angade veram. Dubai-ke.” “Pinne entha.” “Dubai shopping festival samyam anningille, ennikyum koode oru visa idakanm. Global village onne kannalo. I will definitely come!” 1:16:14-1:16:25 “Pore natalloke jeevikyanne ellel-class second generatione oru prashnm ondu. Parents alingal friends. Athe allande swandm natakkare ayito bendukl ayito oru connection ondavilla.” 1:21:35-1:22:30 “Serious disease conditions handleeine doctorke, enganaya ithre light ayite behaveiyan pattinithe?” “Thats really simple. I have no regrets about the past. I’m not anxious about the future. I’m just living in the present. Pinne ithe Dubai-anu. Santhoshm ayalum sangadam ayalum, athine evide pathu mintente ayisai ollu.” Chuckles. “Ende boutique setupiyanole therkille Dubai sherikyum onne enjoy chiyan patilla. Ah plan hipo drop chethu sthidike ishtam polle smayam onde. How’s Dubai?” “Maya, you know what is maya?” Chuckles. “Maya means illusion. Sherikyum illathade ondunne thonna, right?” “That’s right. Ee city athe polle onne anne. Oru magician ayilaude kayil magic stick konde DIMenu kanichepo ondaye maya nagram. Magicnte powere kazhiyembe nammal thiriche aryem ithe ellam sundaramayi oru swapnm ayirnu enne. Apol ipozhithe santoshm, sangadm prashanm illathe avum. It’s all maya, Maya.” 2:15:28-2:16:00 “Innale nammake party thanne Chandra ethane, 27 kollam evide kedanne kashtapiteta naatil 3 cente stalithe oru cheri vedde vechithe. Njan thanne evide vannitte 19 kollam ayi. Prolakyinne palarum annum Dubayil ondairnnu. Naatile masam masam cashum kathirkynne sondarkude mukam ormayil verumbol manase allagande kadiche pidiche ange jeevikyum.” | 6:30-7:20 “You changed your car again? 39991, nice number. Hey, you’re a bit late. The Iranian patient in B27 has internal haemorrhage. Nurse Shantamma has been assigned to monitor his BP and pulse rate. Keep an eye on him, ok?” “Sure, goodnight sister.” “Bye, good night. Take care…..Nissan, Nice car, right Dr Kurivilla?” “Oh show off, what else to say. These new kids will ruin the dignity of the doctor’s community. Does he look like a doctor?” “What is there in looks? Do you look like a doctor even with the coat and tie attire you have on?” “It’s not only in looks, his general behaviour and character isn’t good either.” “It’s the new generation, let them determine their own path.” 11:10-11:35 “Ohh, Arathi Chaturvethi, Neelima Roy, Amelia. I envy you. I should have also married after a while.” “No, that’s not possible. For you to receive this Burj Khalifa flat as dowry, for your wife to go back home to give birth, and for your to get a decent man like me as your roommate, you had to marry right Basheer?” “Ah, it’s all in one’s fate.” 15:30-16:20 “Yesterday, in our living quarters, we were discussing the Burj Khalifa. Though everyone has seen it from afar, no one has had a chance to come see it up close. No one could believe that your live there. Deciding to show that to a select number of suspicious people, I have arrived here.” “Where are you now then, Venu?” “I’m right below it. Aren’t you home now? If you could call the security, then we could all come in.” “Oh, Venu. I’m in the hospital right now.” “Oh, so you aren’t here?” “”No, next time please call and come, Venu.” 19:50-20:30 “Oh, fancy queen. You never answer my calls nor return them. What happened to sending the money? Don’t spend all your money unnecessarily in Dubai. Try to find a way to send the money for the hospital this week.” 21:40-22:05 “My father passed without getting treatment. That’s why my mother wished for me to become a doctor and build and run a hospital in my village. I only have the name of goddesses, not their power. I came to Dubai to earn money to build the hospital. That’s why mom keeps calling asking for the money.” 30:14-30:40 “Hey, that’s my car. Sir, please stop, sir please. Sir, that’s my car. Please stop. Sir, that that’s my car.” “This is your car?” “Yea.” “Did you take loan from bank? Did you repay it? No, say they’re taking it back.” “Sir–” “We are sorry. Please contact our bank’s credit department.” “But sir, listen to me. Sir!” 39:02-39:50 “So, you have a travel ban. This means you can’t leave this country without paying off the bank loan. What can be done now?” “Please do something, sir. My mother is in the hospital.” “Close to 500,000 Dirhams. This is a huge amount. Does your mother have a major illness? Is that why you took out such a huge loan?” “No.” “What about your family?” “Not yet married, I only have my mother.” “Oh, I see. I know for a smart bachelor living in Dubai can really blow away their money in no time. In short, when you get your salary transferred it is spent on repaying all of your credit card bills and loan interests. Then you are left with nothing, now there is not point in saying this either. However, this is a bit of a complicated issue. Still, let me try.” 41:00-42:00 shopping trip 45:30-46:45 “Oh man, you are so lucky. Taking a shower in this chlorine free water, government school job, a life filled with your parents and neighbours while enjoying a good rice soup with tapioca pudding. Oh what a life man.” “You are acting as if someone forced you into a jail there. Aren’t you the one who decided to leave all this behind?” “Mmm…now I understand everything I left behind.” “I have really cursed you when I saw our mothers struggling with the healthcare system here. Forget the society, but if you aren’t useful to your own mother then what’s the point of being a doctor? And after, you went to a foreign land to prosper which led to what? Living in the world’s tallest tower, driving an expensive car, and a night life that fades once dawn approaches. Leave it behind and return here.” “Even I’m fed up of the luxury, but I can’t return here without solving all the problems I have created there.” “Aren’t you coming in? Mom has made something special. Have dinner and then leave.” “Aren’t these luxuries something that the NRI doesn’t get much? You go enjoy it on your own.” 1:02:00-1:02:25 “You have plans to take Rajasree to Dubai, right?” “Yes, I have to start the paperwork once I return.” “Listen, Arun. I have never left this area of Pallakad. Now, if you insist, we can also come there to Dubai.” “Why not?” “If it’s around the time of the Dubai Shopping Festival, then I too will need a visa. I want to visit the Global Village. I will definitely come!” 1:16:14-1:16:25 “Children who live abroad and are from second generation middle-class have a problem. They only communicate with their parents or friends. Apart from them they don’t have any connections with anyone else.” 1:21:35-1:22:30 “How are you able to be so light-hearted being a doctor who handles serious medical conditions?” “That’s really simple. I have no regrets about the past. I’m not anxious about the future. I’m just living in the present. Plus this is Dubai. Whether it’s happiness or sadness, it only lasts for a few moments.” Chuckles. “Amidst planning to open my boutique, I wasn’t able to really enjoy Dubai. Since that plan has been dropped, i have lot of time now. How’s Dubai?” “Maya, you know what is maya?” Chuckles. “Maya means illusion. You believe in something that doesn’t exist in reality, right?” “That’s right. This city is also like that. It’s a place conjured by a magician with a wave of his wand. When the magic fades, you will realise that it was all a beautiful dream. So the emotions you feel now, be it happiness or sadness, will not be a problem anymore. It’s all maya, Maya.” 2:15:28-2:16:00 “Chandran who treated us yesterday to celebrate his housewarming struggled for 27 years to earn the money to build that small house in a 120 square meter land. I have been here for 19 years now. There were a lot of temptations in Dubai then too. When I remember my family who awaits the money I send every month, I force myself to let these temptations sway me.” | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of 125.7 million INR. Accurate data or not? TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Khaddama | Servant | Kamal | Kamal & Girishkumar | 2011 | 3/10 | Drama, Thriller | Maid/ Househelp | This film tells the story of Aswathi and her experience living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), employed as a domestic worker. It is inspired by a report from Saudi-based journalist K. U. Iqbal, detailing real-life accounts of mistreatment and abuse faced by Khaddams. The film follows Aswathi’s journey as she migrates to the Middle East, hoping to resolve her financial problems after becoming a widow. It depicts how her hopes are shattered when she finds herself subjected to slave-like conditions, working for a brutal family. The narrative explores the severe physical and emotional abuse she endures, leading to her eventual escape and return to India, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many migrant workers. | Based of a report on mistreatment and abuse of Khaddamas (taken from real-life stories of actual Khaddamas) by Saudi–based journalist K. U. Iqbal | 4:45 Panni idithu, ellum nadivu odinjapm maadhi ayki poiyatha. Innitu entha? Naatil deruvadhm khastapadm theerendai? Pinniyum pnnu.....Kelkarvarku entha rasam, Gulf-kari alle? 21:00 Pingal kazhcha-okai sherikyum kando. Arabidil veetil kariye pinne poralogam kannindhu thirchu airportil pokumpm avum. 56:37 Anniya rajyathil aithoru veetil ichillu varan, njan avalai aikyunnilla. 1:01:00 Inniku madhiyai, Usmanai. Inni ivide ninnal, njan mazhichu povum. Enne ivir kollakollavu chiya.....Inniku engingilum thirichu pokanm. 1:30:30 Saudi-ude marhabhoomi oru kaddil, alleda.....Ithil vannil pettal, pinne evidiya-da oddi rekshupada? 1:57:15 orkathil nammil orubadu du-sapna kaanum. Onurumbol, adhum onnum orthavaikyarillalo. Evidethe chheriye kaalithu jeevithivum, adhu oru du-sapna airinnu-nu vijarikyanm. Saichithu ellam, ee marhabhoomiyill obaishchte venam vimanm kairan. | 4:45 Working hard and fed-up, I returned after breaking my bones. What's the use? My home's financial troubles aren't over, right? Again, I returned....Those who hear find it amusing. I'm a Gulf-lady, after all. 21:00 Now's the chance to take in the sights, sister. After you enter the Arab's home, you won't see the outside world until you return to the airport. 56:37 I'm not sending her to a foreign land to an unknown's home to clean up after them. 1:01:00 I have had enough, Usman. If I stay on, I'll die. They're torturing me.....I want to go back somehow. 1:30:30 Saudi's desert is a like an ocean....If you get trapped here, where we can one escape to? 1:57:15 In sleep, we see a lot of nightmares. Once awake, we don't remember any of it. Think of your short life here as a nightmare. Everything you suffered, leave it behind in this desert before you board the plane. | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha | The Arab, Camel and P. Madhavan Nair in a Desert Tale | Priyadarshan | Abilash Nair | 2011 | 2/10 | Comedy | Corporate Employee | This film tells the story of Madhavan and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed in an administrative role. It is inspired by Hollywood films Nothing to Lose (1997), Excess Baggage (1997), and Serendipity(2001), though the events are entirely fictitious. The film follows Madhavan as he migrates to the Middle East in hopes of resolving his financial difficulties, living as a solitary figure dedicated to supporting his family back home. It depicts how his routine life takes an unexpected turn after meeting Meenakshi, whom he decides to marry. The narrative explores how a misunderstanding between them leads to a series of comedic and satirical events, shaping the light-hearted tone of the film. | Inspired from Hollywood movies- Nothing to Lose (1997), Excess Baggage (1997) and Serendipity (2001). | Benevolent | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– Title was changed to Oru Marbhommikadha (A desert tale) due to Gulf NRI outrage. https://web.archive.org/web/20110930124305/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/71476.html | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded | n/a | Amal Neerad | S.N Swamy | 2009 | 6/10 | Action, Crime | Mafia | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | Arabikkatha | Arabian Tale | Lal Jose | Iqbal Kuttippuram | 2007 | 2/10 | Drama, Thriller | Labor worker | This film tells the story of 'Cuba' Mukundan and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed as a contract worker. It is inspired by the screenwriter's real-life experiences as an NRI Medical Director in Dubai. The film follows Mukundan as he migrates to the Middle East in hopes of resolving his financial difficulties, despite having no formal education and only knowing how to be a communist. It depicts how he is shocked by the harsh living conditions of labor workers and forced to take on various odd jobs to survive. The narrative explores his interactions with diverse people in Dubai and subsequent revelations about the realities of migrant labor life in the Gulf. | Screenwriter is also a Medical Director in Homeopathy in Dubai. His experience as a Gulf NRI is used to showcase UAE in that relevant timeline. | 31:17 Hindi- Jake kaam karo. Ye sab uttakai iski sar pe rakko. 36:56 Ividithe thozhlallikal pinirdpum moorachigal annune mansalkki. 38:00 Pathrandu manikyooru thodachayi chomadm idikknantjho, vaddil illathu kula-mooriyil kullkyambo, uppu illathu khuboos thinanathlo, onum oru virodhm illa. 43:00 Mellu adangi panni idikan ariyilla, basha ariyilla, computer pollum ariyilla. Ithu-okai ariyanaverru ividu irinu kashta peduva. 49:35 Ithu ends aizhamathu visit visia. Arru prashyam visit changiyan, Irannil Kish Island laiku poyttu vannu. 1:04:20 Poyu kayyum orman ondallao? Bankinde manager edaiku villachu shalliyam chiyanondu. Kitiye kashu, thonniyu pollai chellavu akathai, aa bankkinde kadam korai koode vegathil adichu theerkan noku…..Cuba Mukundan nammude kayilninu poyina thonnannai. Avade poyipum ellam marnnu. Bankide kadum, partiyude sadhakule, okkam marannu. Dubail kashum ponnum varri kottinude therkal alle. 1:08:25 1. Mollude kalliyanm ayittu ningal natti pokathu-enthu? 2. Njan avide poyittu enthu akkanna? Nikkanu vednathu ponnum pannumma. Athu avade krithyam ayittu ethichitu ondu. Karingal noki nadithan, ollde maman maru ondu. Ende aniyan maru munne vere ondu. Flight ticketinte kashu kondu, moonu pavan koodithal vangan vechu. Entile oru avishyam illa avade. Pakshe innale rathri, mole villichitu, Bapa ningal ente kalyanithil ne verulai? ne paranje orai kazhichille. 1:45:20 Nalu-anju kolum ividu ninne, kodumbathitinde prashnanm okai theerkamnu vechu vannatha. Ipo kollam 34 ayi. | 31:17 Hindi- Go and work. Take all of this and put it on his head. 36:56 The workers here are in hindsight are very arrogant and bossy. 38:00 I don't have any issue working 12 hours without break, taking a shower in a door-less bathroom, eating khubooz without salt 43:00 You don't know how to work physically properly nor do you know how to operate a computer. Those who know this are suffering here. 49:35 This is my 7th visit visa. 6 times, I went to Kish Island in Iran to renew my visit visa. In this time period, I wasn't able to find work here. 1:04:20 You remember why you went, yes? The bank manager keeps calling and disturbing us. Rather than squandering the money you earn, try to pay off the bank loan sooner......Cuba Mukundan has left us behind. He has forgotten everything after arriving there. The bank loan, his party members, everything he has forgotten. He's busy gathering all of Dubai's gold and money. 1:08:25 1. Why didn't you go for your daughter's wedding? 2. What will I do after going there? For the wedding, you need money and gold. Both have arrived there safely. Her uncles are there to get things done. My 3 brothers are there as well. With the flight ticket money, we bought 24 more grams of gold. There is no need for me to be there. But my daughter called last night and asked whether I won't go for her wedding and then burst into tears. 1:45:20 I thought I'd live here for 4-5 years and help remove my family's financial burdens. now it has been 34 years since I arrived. | Haunting | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | Runway | n/a | Joshiy | Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas | 2004 | 9/10 | Action, Comedy, Thriller | N/A | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | Dubai | n/a | Joshiy | Renji Panicker | 2001 | 7/10 | Action, Thriller | Business | This film tells the story of Ravi and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed as a businessman. It is inspired by unknown sources. The film follows Ravi’s journey as he moves to the Middle East, hoping to rebuild his life following his imprisonment in India after being falsely accused of murder. It depicts how he quickly becomes a successful businessman, expanding his ventures across the region, despite the envy and animosity this generates. The narrative explores the series of unfortunate events that follow, with people targeting Ravi and his loved ones, as he works to unravel the threats against him, shaping the suspense of the film. | Unknown. | 30:50 Ente ichayane Dubai-il oru state of the art payakapil ondune paranjapol, vishwasm vernilla evilmarke. 44:15 Thai ee beltinte adiyil full bottle thergi, on motorcycle, Ajman Sharjah Abu Dhabi routil, liquor smuggling nadithunne kallum. 57:17 Ponne monne, onne madhiakke. Nammilde naatille police alla Dubai-ille. Ethre velliye alla-ayilum thetum kutovum chitha, shiksha orpa. | 30:50 When I said that my brother owns a state of the art yacht in Dubai, these girls couldn’t believe it. 44:15 A time when Liquor smuggling was at its peak, I was caught en-route to Ajman Sharjah Abu Dhabi on motorcycle. 57:17 My dear child, please stop it. The Dubai police aren’t like ours. No matter whom you are, if you commit a crime, you are sure to get punished. | Insignificant. Almost like easy money | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | Nadodikattu | The Nomad Wind | Sathyan Anthikad | Sreenivasan & Yusufali Kechery | 1987 | 9/10 | Comedy | N/A | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Akkare Ninnoru Maran | A Groom From Abroad | Girish | Sreenivasan & Jagadish | 1985 | Comedy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil | In Front of the Guruvayur Temple | Vipin Das | Deepu Pradeep | 2024 | Comedy | Corporate Employee | This film tells the story of Vinu Ramachandran and his experience living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employed in an administrative role. It is inspired by unknown sources. The film follows Vinu’s journey after being betrayed by his ex-girlfriend, leading him to swear off marriage. It depicts how he eventually reconsiders and agrees to an arranged marriage, only to face unexpected drama when he investigates the prospective family’s background. The narrative explores the humorous misunderstandings and pre-wedding drama that ensue, unraveling a series of comedic instances that shape the lighthearted tone of the film. | Unknown. | 22:54 “Ah, mone” “Ah, ammai. Sukam anu” “Entha kazhichai?” “Kazhchithu….burgerum cokum” “Avide inni ente meen anu kitithe?” “Meen….mean karan ethivere vannilla” “Ah, Vinu mone.” “Oh?” “Mon verumbo innike oru cheeri Pro Max” “Athu mathiyo?” “Njan paranjathe markandato” “Mac, alle?” | 22:54 “Hi, son” “Hi, mom. I’m fine” “What did you eat?” “I ate….a burger and coke” “What fish did you buy today?” “Fish….The fish vendor hasn’t arrived yet” “Listen, Vinu.” “Yes?” “When you come, please bring me a small Pro Max” “Is that enough?” “Don’t forget what I told you, ok” “Mac, right?” | Insignificant | Profit/Loss– Gross Income of $ TRP Ratings– News Articles/Reviews– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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