Covering multiple genre of movies, Ustad Hotel is a must watch. The plot revolves around Feyzee, a slightly spoilt brother, a son with a lot of expectation from his rather conservative father but with mind of his own. Then, his grandfather (estranged from his father), comes into his life and helps him find his mojo and purpose in life. Ustad Hotel is a fair reflection of societal pressures put onto young person, mostly when the person is a son. There are also references and quite satirical state of sexism existing in the Malayali culture. One of the most memorable performance by Thilakan, one of the last ones he did. Hence, there is an emotional element to the climax of the film for his fans, pretty much all Malayali film lovers.

Though it was Dulquer Salmaan's first film as an actor, he didn't go with the typical mindset of Indian actors of introducing himself as an super hero or central character of any film (when he could do that). That shows his maturity and wisdom.There were many times when the viewers felt the central character was Thilakan and not Dulquer Salmaan. Thilakan sir again proved that with whomever he is acting, he will steel the show. What an actor .!I really liked the cute, smart Nithya Menon. Her Malabar accent was awesome.The rest of the crew also did their job fabulously. The background music was also very good.It must be the kind of masterpiece that every director and viewers dream of.I congratulate all the crew member for making the film such a huge success and wish them to always come with such ideas.Thanks, Sujith

It's really a wonderful feeling when you set to watch a movie with average expectation and it then blows your mind away :) Without doubt, Ustad Hotel is one of the most endearing movies I've seen and is also now one of my all-time favs in Malayalam cinema. Everything about it including the acting, direction, music & visuals are so impressive.Dulquer Salmaan is excellent as Feyzee, the aspiring chef. So is Thilakan for whom I cannot praise as he's beyond all that. Thank God, one of his last movies gave him such a meaty, beautiful role. And of course there the other actors too like Nithya Menen(refreshing), Siddique as Dulquer's father and lot of supporting cast who are naturally convincing.There are some socially relevant messages in the movie that truly hits home without making us feel bored or patronized. That's how any movie should be, which entertains & enlightens! I'm assuming there could be some minor plot holes which I missed, therefore the 9/10. lol...Verdict: Definitely, one of the best movies of 2012 and in my opinion, a must watch.

Its a plain coming of age story of a youngster, how he understands the value of life, relatives etc.The first thing that comes to my mind after watching the film is the BG (first time i am seeing claps for just the BG), Gopi Sunder has done a terrific job. Direction by Anwar Rasheed is of top class. Camera work is too good & treat to your eyes, Calicut has never been presented this beautifully. Anjali Menon as a writes has done a neat job, even-though it looses some grip in the second half, where the movie tend to be bit preachy and has a documentary feel. Performance of Thilakan stands out, good to see Maamookkoya in a lengthy role (in a commercial film) after a long gap. Dulquer was good, the role was not that demanding, he just had to be himself a happy go lucky guy. Nithya Menon looked fresh in a small role.The first half is very good while the 2nd half a tad above average. Should be a pleasant watch for everyone, despite few shot comings.Comparing with Happy Journey, Manjadikkuru (Anjali Menon) & Bridge (Anwar Rasheed) the movie may fall well short of expectations.