Adaminte Makan Abu - a film of positivity

Fathima Shan

               

Film Review

For the first time in decades, a Malayalam film 'Adaminte Makan Abu' will be representing the country at the Oscars. Adaminte Makan Abu marks the directorial debut of Salim Ahamed. He has painted the sorrow and suffering of an elderly Muslim couple, who struggle to find money to fulfill their dream of going to the  Hajj pilgrimage. This film is making it to the headlines almost everyday for one or the other reasons.

           

            Some of the shots in the film are divinely beautiful, conveying a deep sense of loneliness and gloom. The movie is sure to get a glorious position in the history of Malayalam cinema..

           

            Salim Kumar, who is known for his comedy, has appeared in a serious getup in Adaminte Makan Abu. He has delivered wonderful performance, which truly deserves the national award. Zarina Wahab, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nedumudi Venu and Sasi Kalinga have also done justice to their respective roles.

           

            Adaminte Makan Abu has won four national awards for best film, actor, photography and background music.

           

            Abu (Salim Kumar) and Aishumma (Zarina Wahab) are elderly Muslim couple living in Kerala's Malabar region.  The movie revolves around their aspiration to go for the Holy Hajj pilgrimage, and their various sacrifices like selling off their dearest animals and tree to achieve this aim. Their only son Sathaar, deserted his parents to look out for life in the Middle East after marrying a rich girl.

                       

            Adaminte Makan Abu is a family drama and Salim Kumar's excellent performance remains as the major attraction of the movie.

            The specialty of the film is that it has very little space for negativity or negative characters

            On the dawn of the Hajj, Abu tells his wife that they will go next year, and he is seen going to the mosque to pray on the morning of Hajj.

            When he is sure that he cannot fulfill his dream. he introspects his selfish decision to sell the tree to meet expenses for the Hajj. Many birds lost their habitat. This must be the reason for the cancellation of the journey, he thinks.