Ustad Hotel is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Anwar Rasheed, written by Anjali Menon and produced by Listin Stephen.

The film features music composed by Gopi Sundar, cinematography handled by Loganathan Srinivasan and editing by Praveen Prabhakar respectively.

The story is about a young man named Faizal, known as Faizi (Dulquer), who studies in Switzerland as a chef against the wishes of his father (Siddique).

As the relation between father and son deteriorates, Faizi is forced to work as a cook in a restaurant in Kozhikode, run by his grandfather Karim (Thilakan) until he can plan something alternate.

This shatters Razak's dream of opening a five-star hotel in his hometown (Kozhikode) and costs Faizi a marriage proposal from a wealthy family.

Angered by the humiliation, Razak takes custody of his passport and credit cards so that Faizi cannot go to London, where he has a job as a sous chef at The Ivy restaurant.

The gig becomes a hit, and in the end, Faizi asks Shahana if she needs a ride, though initially, reluctant to go with him she agrees as she needs to get home before her family realizes.

Kareem having incurred lakhs in debt was at the mercy of his bank which was conspiring to seize the restaurant and give the property to the five-star hotel.

By the time Faizi comes back, Kareem decides to leave everything behind and go on a pilgrimage to the Sufi shrines in North India, his lifelong ambition.

"[17] The film was produced by Listin Stephen, and production began on 21 November 2011 with a pooja ceremony organised at Hotel Sarovaram in Kochi.

[18] Initially, Tamil actor Siddharth was considered for the lead role, but he rejected the offer, which was later given to Dulquer Salmaan.

"[20] Director Anwar Rasheed was sure none other than Thilakan could do justice to Kareem Ikka's role and, despite his health problems, it was instantly given to the veteran actor.

[21] Footballer Suvith Krishna, who represented the Kerala team from 2004 to 2010 and is a professional model, made his film debut as a keyboardist in the song sequence "Appangalembadum".

Anwar Rasheed says that he accidentally saw Jagan's Facebook profile and was stunned by the boy's resemblance to Thilakan in his teenage years.

[22] The cinematographer was Loganathan Srinivasan, the film was produced under the banner of Magic Frames, and the songs were composed by Gopi Sunder with lyrics by Rafeeq Ahmed.

Praveen Prabhakar edited the film, art direction was by Bipin Chandran and Sameera Sanish designed the costumes.

When asked about the origins of this story, Anjali Menon replied, "I am a complete foodie and I believe that every time we consume something we must give it full attention to enjoy every flavor.

Distinct flavors of tea, sweetness and sourness come together in a Suleimani creating a blend of experience that stimulates us – quite like romance, I think."

Anjali says, "Any script or film deserves to be treated with full respect for where it is located because at the end there is a reason why a certain story is set in a certain place.

The five-song soundtrack was composed by Gopi Sunder, with lyrics by Rafeeq Ahammed and was released by Satyam Audios on 22 June 2012.

In July 2012 some media reported that the release would be delayed again as it was not approved by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which received a complaint stating that camels were used in a song sequence without permission.

[28][29][30] Director Anwar Rasheed denied the charges and said, "The song sequence was shot in Rajasthan after getting the permit and there is no complaints against the movie.

Following a petition filed by Movie Channel, the 6th Additional District High Court of Kochi issued a John Doe order that empowers the film's owners to restrain suspected and unknown defendants from illegal distribution.

Ustad Hotel was one of the first Malayalam films to be granted the John Doe order – so called because it is an injunction sought against someone whose identity is not known.

In a film that gently meanders along touching upon facets of love between a man and a woman, a father and a son, and a grandfather and grandson, the elements are infused with precision.

"[45] Dalton L of Deccan Chronicle gave 3/5 stars, and wrote, "Fusing the conservative with the modern, a virtuous woman happily swaps her purdah for a pair of jeans and a mike, and a traditional mappila song reverberates, powerfully, with a rocking punch."

In her review for The Hindu, Nidhi Surendranath stated, Ustad Hotel "is a mix of endearing characters and poignant images that hits the audience with warmth and energy."

Anil R. Nair of The New Indian Express called Ustad Hotel an "appealing film which seems to have got everything simply right especially because of the star cast."

[46] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff gave the movie 3.5/5 stars, saying that "Writer Anjali Menon and director Anwar Rasheed have given us a delicious meal at Ustad Hotel.

"[47] Sify gave a verdict of "Go for it" and wrote, "Ustad Hotel may not shock you with some thrilling plots or dramatic twists, but it is an entertaining watch that can bring smiles on your faces or at certain other instances can make your eyes moist.