Forget movie couples, now is the time to celebrate friendships. With June 8 being observed as National Best Friend Day, let us celebrate some iconic fictional friends in Malayalam cinema who made us believe in true friendship.
'Charlie': Charlie and Dr. Kani
There are very few platonic friendships portrayed in Malayalam cinema. In most movies, the girl ends up falling in love with the boy, or either one of them gets ditched for the lead lady. But in 'Charlie', new grounds were explored. Dulquer Salman’s character Charlie saves Dr. Kani played by Aparna Gopinath while she tries to commit suicide. From then on, it is a second chance at life for her. Their friendship was very realistic and wholesome.
'Ennu ninte Moideen': Pathumma and Kanchanamala
There aren't enough female friendships in Malayalam cinema and for the same reason, the dynamic between a girl and the mother of her lover was groundbreaking. Pathumma, played by Lena, brings Kanchanamala to her house after the death of Moideen. She becomes the widow of Moideen though the two weren't married. This decision by Pathumma sets her apart from numerous mothers-in-law and sets high standards for female friendships.
Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal: Akbar Ali and Alex
Two strangers break prison together and travel to Lakshadweep. Akbar Ali, played by Sunny Wayne, needs to get to the woman he loves, to give her the freedom she deserves. Asif Ali who plays Alex, goes unwillingly with Akbar; but their journey brings them closer.
Android Kunjappan: Bhaskaran and Android Kunjappan
Bhaskaran, played by Suraj Venjarammood, is an old man whose life does not revolve around technology. All he wanted was for his son to be there, with him, to take care of him. The son, played by Soubin Shahir, brings an Android robot to look after his father. In the absence of any human presence to support and help him, Bhaskaran forms a very strong connection with the robot, whom he named Kunjappan.
Ustad Hotel: Faizi and Kareem Ikka
An elderly hotel owner Kareem (Thilakan) befriends Dulquer Salman who plays the NRI youth who feels like he is stuck in India. The beautiful dynamic between the duo that goes beyond the grandfather-grandson relations power the movie.
