• By Sukanya Saha
  • Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:20 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Daredevil Musthafa On OTT: Friday was an exciting day for cinema enthusiasts as the highly anticipated film Adipurush, starring Prabhas, had its theatrical released. However, for Kannada movie lovers, it was a double treat. Not only did they have the opportunity to watch the dubbed version of the Ramayan adaptation, but they also got to enjoy the much-loved film Daredevil Musthafa, which was made available on an OTT platform, thereby increasing its accessibility to a wider audience.

Upon its theatrical release, Daredevil Musthafa garnered significant praise from both critics and viewers, enjoying a successful 25-day run at the box office before becoming available on Amazon Prime Video. Although the film is still being screened in a few theatres, the OTT release has sparked a renewed interest in director Shashank Soghal's cinematic adaptation of writer Poornachandra Tejaswi's eponymous short story.

Also read: Farhana OTT Release Date: When And Where To Watch Aishwarya Rajesh's Controversial Film On Islam, Patriarchy

Taking to Twitter, one user wrote, "#DaredevilMusthafa - @shishirabaikady put up a confident performance and never felt it was from a newcomer. @AdityaAshree as a bully but with the past is good and steals the show in the climax. Good credits should be given to the actors who play the latter's friends."

Another remarked, "#DaredevilMusthafa "BEAUTIFUL" enjoyed every scene of the film, loved the characters & their performances Screenplay & writing 🤌Highlight was climax were characters development & transition took place without much dialog @ShashankSoghal direction MUST WATCH."

Also read: Way Before 'The Kerala Story', Netflix's 'Caliphate' Highlighted Radicalisation Issue In The West

A third added, "Easily best Movie of This Year #DaredevilMusthafa," while a fourth commented, "based on a short story from Poornachandra Tejaswi's work "Abachoorina Post Offisu" is a from cinema. The screenplay is music to the ears. A pressing, contemporary topic wrapped in a blanket of old-world charm. Ramamani alone needs her own story arc."

About Daredevil Musthafa

The Kannada film is set in Abachuru, a place predominantly inhabited by Hindus, particularly Brahmins. The story revolves around four young people, led by Ramanuja Iyengari (portrayed by Aditya Ashree), who begin their college journey. Ramanuja develops feelings for Ramamani (played by Prerna Hegde), who happens to attend the same college. However, Ramamani, being the most attractive girl from their school, has garnered the attention of more than one admirer.

In a significant turn of events, Musthafa Hussain (portrayed by Sishir Baikady), a Muslim boy, enrols in their college for the first time. However, he doesn't attend classes for the initial 20 days, leading his classmates to assume that he won't be joining them.

Until that point, Ramanuja Iyengari and his fellow students had limited exposure to Muslim culture, except for the annual conflicts between Hindus and Muslims during the Ganesh Chathurthi procession near the mosque.

Speculations begin to circulate, linking Musthafa to Tipu Sultan and suggesting he sports a long beard, among other rumours. On the 20th day, Musthafa finally appears, and that's when trouble begins to arise.

The tensions between Iyengari and Musthafa intensify, leading to a situation where the teachers have to intervene. The root cause of Iyengari's strong animosity towards Musthafa is questioned. Will they ever reconcile and form a friendship despite their differences?

The narrative is a depiction of the bond between Hindus and Muslims, highlighting the consequences of religious disparities and misunderstandings that can breed animosity without valid reasons. The film effectively portrays how we tend to pass judgment based on outward appearances, while emphasising that people can have diverse backgrounds and still coexist in communal harmony and peace.