Malik Movie Review: Fahadh Faasil is simply brilliant in this Amazon Prime film

Fahadh Faasil and Nimisha Sajayan-starrer Malik narrates the tale of one man who wants to keep his community united against nature, the State and the corporates. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, Malik released on Amazon Prime Video on July 15.

Set in the fictional fishing village of Ramadapally, Kerala, between 1965 and 2018, Malik tells the tale of a malik (master) Suleiman (Fahadh Faasil), who is the messiah for the fisherfolk of the village. The film begins with Suleiman AKA Ali Ikka in his 50s, set to take a pilgrimage to Hajj after renouncing illegal activities. He is leaving behind a life of crime that he has lead, but always with a strong moral centre. “I have quit all ungodly work, so who should I fear now? If someone above Him is waiting to kill me, let it happen,” he says, giving us a glimpse into his powerful yet flawed character. And also setting the pace for what’s in store for the audience. At the airport departing for Hajj, Suleiman is arrested by the police under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). And as the story unfolds from there, we come to know of Suleiman's story. Slowly, each and every character comes into play. We meet Suleiman's mother (Jalaja), who takes us through Suleiman’s childhood and how he developed the town that is Ramadapally. Though she wants her son to be punished for his deeds, she wants the law to take its natural course.