Top 10 Must Watch Malayalam Films Of Actor Soubin Shahir
The recent success of Manjummel Boys is a testimony to the potential of the Malayalam movie industry to redefine Indian cinema. Mollywood, unlike its counterparts, prioritizes powerful scripts and raw performances over conventional hero archetypes and star power. This approach has produced a treasure trove of acting gems like Indrans, Salim Kumar, Vinayakan, etc. who do not fit in the mold of conventional superstar looks but have carved a niche in the industry through sheer acting talents. Another such actor who has created a place of his own and mesmerized the audience with his craft is Soubin Shahir. Be it supporting roles like in Bro Daddy, Maheshinte Prathikaram, etc., or leading the charge in Kumbalangi nights or Ambili, Soubin has consistently delivered unforgettable performances. Let’s take you on a cinematic journey with Top Tens Only, showcasing his remarkable talent through a list of the Top 10 Must Watch Malayalam Films of Actor Soubin Shahir.
Soubin Shahir: Exploring The Powerhouse Of Malayalam Cinema
Soubin’s talent goes beyond acting. He established himself as a skilled director with the movie Parava, leaving us waiting for more Soubin Shahir directed films. However, his journey in Malayalam cinema began early, with lesser known child-acting roles in films like Vietnam Colony and Kabooliwala. After a hiatus, he returned to the industry, this time behind the camera as an assistant director for renowned filmmakers like Faazil, Siddique, Amal Neerad, etc. Soon, he got opportunities to hone his craft with impactful supporting characters in Maheshinte Prathikaram, Premam, Charlie, etc., where his roles had limited screen time but left a lasting impression on the audience. The turning point came with Sudani from Nigeria, where he played the lead and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. This was the beginning of the series of impactful characters that Soubin has brought to life on screen, some of which will be discussed in our Soubin Shahir movie list.
1. Sudani from Nigeria (2018)
Zacharia Mohammed directed this heart-warming sports drama that proved Soubin’s power as an actor to single-handedly carry a film as the leading man. In the movie, he shares the screen with Samuel Abiola Robinson, a Nigerian actor, and beautifully portrays the bond between a football player and his coach.
Majeed (Soubin) is a football coach who takes in Samuel, aka Sudu, a migrant player injured during a match. Despite initial struggles to connect, they gradually open up, sharing personal stories and forming a deep friendship. Majeed’s struggle to help Samuel return to his family in Nigeria forms the crux of the rest of the story. Both actors display unparalleled performances, especially towards the climax, where Samuel bids an emotional farewell to the town. The movie bagged the national award for the best Malayalam feature film as well as five state film awards, including Soubin Shahir’s state award for the best actor.
2. Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019)
One of the few science fiction films in Malayalam, Android Kunjappan Version 5.25, was the directorial debut of Ratheesh Balakrishna Pothuval and features acting stalwarts Suraj Venjarammood and Soubin Shahir in the lead roles. Soubin plays Subramanian, a mechanical engineer working at a Japanese robotics company in Russia who designs an Android robot named Kunjappan for his ageing father Bhaskaran (Suraj). After initial struggles, Bhaskaran connects with Kunjappan emotionally, finding companionship and a reminder of his distant son in the helpful robot.
The film, a gem from Soubin Shahir’s filmography, explores the complex human-machine relationship, raising intriguing questions about technology’s influence on our lives. While showcasing the initial novelty and potential benefits of advanced AI, it also subtly reminds us about the irreplaceable human connection.
3. Ambili (2019)
Soubin Shahir captivates the hearts of the Malayalam audience once again with his titular role in this feel-good drama about Ambili, an innocent, mentally challenged orphan. The film, one of the best movies of Soubin Shahir, is directed by John Paul George. It follows Ambili’s life as he navigates friendship, societal challenges, and romantic interests towards his childhood crush, Teena (Tanvi Ram). Soubin masterfully portrays Ambili’s eccentricities and goofiness, eliciting laughter and endearment simultaneously. At the same time, the audience gets teary-eyed too at his struggle to fit-in as well as his heartbreak and vulnerability when his friend Bobby (Naveen Nazim) distances himself due to Ambili’s condition.
Soubin’s nuanced performance adds layers to the seemingly-simple character of Ambili, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a touching story of innocence and resilience.
4. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Kumbalangi Nights is a Soubin Shahir and Fahad Fazil movie directed by Madhu Narayanan. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, narrating the tale of a dysfunctional family of four brothers leading an unorganised life at Kumbalangi, a famous tourist spot in Kerala known for the magnificent bioluminescent beaches. The eldest of them is Saji, played by Soubin Shahir, who embodies the film’s core conflict. He grapples with strained relationships with his brothers, especially with Bobby (Shane Nigam). However, the equation in the family changes with the entry of two women as the brothers reconnect, breaking the emotional barrier between them.
Soubin mesmerised the audience with his performance as Saji breathed life into a character struggling with internal conflicts. Kumbalangi Nights is a poignant film that explores family dynamics deeply and reiterates the transformative power of emotional connection.
5. Meow (2021)
Meow, directed by Lal Jose, is one of the top movies of Soubin Shahir that speaks of diverse social issues. The movie showcased Soubin in the lead role as Dasthakhir, an Indian businessman in the UAE. Mamtha Mohandas appears as his on-screen wife, Sulaikha, a character that breaks away from her usual filmography. Dasthakhir, known for his dislike for cats, finds his life turned upside down when a stray feline enters the house. Dasthakhir’s insightful dialogues spark complex conversations about religion and the politics associated with it. In a nutshell, Meow, despite its low reception at the box office, is a perfect family entertainer with a social message. The subtle humour coupled with the natural performance, especially by Soubin, adds to the charm of the narrative. Harisree Yousuf Aldo appears in the movie in a notable role, portraying a commendable performance.
6. Bheeshma Parvam (2022)
While Bheeshma Parvam isn’t a solely Soubin Shahir film, it showcases his undeniable talent in a supporting role. Directed by Amal Neerad, this action thriller features megastar Mammootty in the lead. However, Soubin stole the show, portraying Ajas Ali, a pivotal character who plays a significant part in a major plot twist in the movie. The film became a phenomenon in Kerala, fueled by Mammootty’s star power, his iconic dialogue ‘Chaambikko’ (that inspired a viral Instagram trend) and the electrifying background music by Sushin Shyam, which also marked a career breakthrough for him as a composer. One of the scenes where Soubin’s character makes a grand entry has also cemented a place in Malayalam cinematic history. If you are a fan of Malayalam actor Soubin movies, Bheeshma Parvam is the best choice, packed with action and intrigue.
7. Ela Veezha Poonchira (2022)
This movie deserves a special mention among Soubin Shahir thriller movies for his phenomenal performance. Directed by Shahi Kabir (Joseph fame), Ela Veezha Poonchira is a crime thriller movie that stands out for its deliberate pacing, building suspense through its unsettling atmosphere and exploration of moral grey areas. Soubin and Sudhi Koppa portray the characters of two policemen stationed in a remote, high altitude village shrouded in local legends. Matters go out of hand when the police find scattered body parts of a murdered woman. The film talks about the moral grey areas of human behaviour and justice. The investigation that follows delves into the complexities of human nature, blurring the lines between morality, justice, and the chilling reality that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities Soubin Shahir shines in this role, but the film itself is a must-watch for fans of unconventional thrillers and those seeking a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
8. Ayalvaashi (2023)
9. Romancham (2023)
10. Manjummel Boys (2024)
Ten Soubin Shahir Movies That Will Make You Laugh, Cry and Think
The above list of top-rated Soubin Shahir Malayalam movies showcases the depth and versatility he brings to Malayalam cinema.. Also, he is not confined to just humor and sentiments but can also convincingly portray negative characters, as evident from his performance in CBI 5: The Brain. His recent foray into production with Manjummel Boys further highlights his deep understanding of the filmmaking process and underscores his multifaceted contribution to the Malayalam movie industry.
Hopefully the above list has surprised you with Soubin’s versatility, entertained you with his filmography and left you wanting more of this phenomenally talented artist. Stay tuned as we delve into your favorite genres and actors, bringing you more Top Ten lists to fuel your cinematic adventure.