Djibouti preview: All you need to know about the Malayalam film Djibouti

The Malayalam film industry can finally rejoice at the fact that theatres can finally reopen in the state, albeit at a limited capacity. Djibouti and several other films, which have been delayed by the pandemic, are expected to have theatrical releases between October and the end of this year.

Who are the filmmakers of Djibouti ?

The film is the directorial debut for S J Sanu who has already announced his next project titled Theru. Sanu has had to overcome several obstacles to complete the production of Djibouti after the cast and crew were stranded in Djibouti, the East African country near the Red Sea and Suez Canal, due to the pandemic. In fact, Djibouti became the only film in Malayalam in production in 2020.

The film is produced by Blue Hill Nael Communications and Nile & Blue Hill Motion Pictures with Jobi P. Sam as executive producer. Renowned music composer Deepak Dev is in charge of the music and sound design while T D Sreenivas has been credited as the film’s cinematographer.

Who are the actors in Djibouti?

Amith Chakalakkal will portray the primary protagonist of the film. While the actor is well known for playing supporting roles in films such as Kayamkulam Kochunni, Iyobinte Pusthakam, and C/O Saira Banu, he has recently played the lead in Yuvam and Varikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam. The female lead is portrayed by relative newcomer Shagun Jaswal.

Dileesh Pothen, Jacob Gregory (ABCD and cult classic TV series Akkara Kazhchakal), Alencier Ley Lopez, Anjali Nair, Sunil Sukhada, and popular television actor Biju Sopanam (Uppum Mulakum) are part of a stellar ensemble of supporting actors.

What is Djibouti about?

The film is an action thriller intertwined with an international love story. It is partly shot in India and Djibouti. It will likely delve into international human trafficking and the fraudulent visa agencies set up in India and abroad. The film’s trailer suggests that Chakalakkal’s character gets romantically involved with Jaswal’s, a native of Djibouti, after she visits India. The narrative then appears to take them to Djibouti in the hopes of starting a new life in the African nation. Things don’t go according to plan and the couple, along with their friend (played by Gregory), are forced to face several daunting challenges. The film is expected to have thrilling action sequences with plenty of drama added to the narrative.

When and where to watch Djibouti?

Despite rumours of an OTT release for the film, the filmmakers are expected to wait for a theatrical release. Considering the state has a tentative date of October 25 for reopening it’s theatres at the moment, a November or December theatrical release is likely on the cards for the film. Of course, there are no guarantees with how the pandemic will evolve in the coming months, which could push Djibouti for an OTT release before the end of the year. Regardless of the situation, there is a high probability that the film will be released either in theatres or on streaming platforms before the end of the year.