Revisiting Sudani from Nigeria: The Soubin Shahir starrer that made us believe in humankind

The characters are all very striking – be it one of the central ones like Majeed’s stepfather or the fleeting ‘Nair’ who comes to visit Samuel while resting. However, two characters played their part as a major force in the film – one cannot help but revel in the aftertaste of kindness that both Jameela (Savithri Sreedharan) and Beeyuma (Sarasa Balussery) exude.

Both Savithri Sreedharan and Sarasa Balussery won the Kerala State Film Awards 2019 for Best Supporting Actress. Savithri even won a special mention in the National Film Awards in the same year.

Jameela pines for the affection of her son on whom her remarriage left a lasting effect on. She is seen to tend to her husband (Majeed’s stepfather who works as a security guard) in several scenes all the while casting a longing look at her son – almost looking for forgiveness.

Her willingness to provide Samuel a home, while she herself struggles to create a ‘home’ with her son is also what gives Jameela’s character more credibility.

Supporting her is Beeyuma – a close friend and neighbour of Majeed’s family. Though her character is not explored, she acts as a pillar of strength for Jameela.

At one point, both these characters are made to propel the plot forward – after Majeed discovers that the manager of a rival football team had given money to Samuel, he is enraged. At the hospital, he lashes out at an unwell Samuel who had no idea of the implications.

Majeed simply refuses to take the football player back home. It is at this point that both Jameela and Beeyuma take a stand.

“If I have looked after him so long, I can still do the same hereafter. Don’t forget that mothers have reached so far after cleaning up their children’s dirty mess,” are Jameela’s words after which Samuel is brought home again.

Both Jameela and Beeyuma are also characterised by their simple willingness to give. It is this nature that is highlighted beautifully towards the end – both of them go out of their way by undertaking a bus journey to visit a mosque for Samuel’s well-being. What makes the sequence better is when Jameela shows Samuel where she has kept money in case anyone comes along for alms. The scenes set the mood for the song “Cherukadhapole”.

Jameela and Beeyuma also organise a prayer ceremony after the death of Samuel’s grandmother.

The movie explores the theme of understanding between two persons who speak different languages and come from different parts of the world.

Even if the whole movie per se is an example of this theme, a few scenes particularly highlight it like the developing of a subtle bond between the stepfather and Samuel or when Jameela breaks down while talking about Majeed to Samuel.

Laced with humour, Sudani from Nigeria somehow manages to reinforce faith in humankind. For some two hours, you almost believe in a ‘Better World’.