Usthad Hotel begins with Abdul Razaq and Fareeda, a young Muslim couple who are expecting a baby. Abdul Razaq wants a boy. After four girls, he leaves to Dubai on some work. Then is born his son Faizal or Faizi. Fareeda dies because of multiple deliveries. Abdul then brings his children to Dubai where his sisters take good care of Faizi.
They raise him and he takes a shine to cooking. His father has a prejudice against cooking because Faizi’s grandfather is a cook who runs a hotel. Faizi tells his father that he is going to Switzerland for hotel management which delights his father who is about to open a five star hotel. However, he cheats his father and instead takes to being a chef which he reveals to Shahana who later spreads it to everyone including Faizi’s family. Faizi and Abdul Razaq have a tiff and then Faizi leaves to join his grandfather in his Usthad Hotel.
The story is quite good- expect for the first half which is a bit too long and a bit asinine. But it’s worth it when you get to the second half.
The character performance is quite good. Dulquer Salman is handsome and while he fails in the acting department in some parts, he is an OK actor. Nithya Menon as Shahana is good. She looks cute and suits her character of a girl belonging to a conservative Muslim family, but she herself is "progressive". Thilakan as Karim Ikka is fabulous. Raise your glass to this great actor. An awesome toast in his memory.
The songs are quite good, especially the modern version of the evergreen mapala pattu Appangalembadum is funny and very enjoyable.
The story is silly in the first half, but the message it delivers is touching and will remain even after the film. Thilakan’s dialogues have been very well written.
Watch this movie. It’s definitely a winner.
If only Usthad Hotel was an existent concept.