Lukman and Anarkali headline Ashraf Hamza's next  

After Bheemante Vazhi, writer-director Ashraf Hamza revealed his third project, Sulaikha Manzil. Dulquer Salmaan released the first-look poster on his social media handles. Lukman Avaran and Anarkali Marikar headline the cast. The other cast members are Ganapathi, Amalda Liz, Dipa Thomas, Adhri Joe, Archana Padmini, and Nirmal Palazhi, among others.

Speaking to Cinema Express, Ashraf, who was a co-writer on Thallumala, says the film revolves around a Muslim wedding in Malabar. "It's a love story -- one that occurs between the time of fixing the function and D-day," he shares. "And since two families are involved, naturally, it swirls around the emotions and fun spawned by the narrative. The film has a celebratory mood; the setting is Ponnani. After Thallumala, although we mention Ponnani, it doesn't have the same style -- it's not loud or action-packed. It's more of a character-driven family drama."

Although Lukman was part of Thallumala, which Ashraf co-wrote, Sulaikha Manzil marks the first time the latter is directing him. "I've known Lukman since my school days. But whenever we considered doing a movie together before, the situation was such that there wasn't much for him to do in my film. He is a favourite of mine, and I was waiting for the right time to gift him a strong character."
 

Written and directed by Ashraf Hamza, Sulaikha Manzil has the backing of Chemban Vinod Jose, Subeesh Kannanchery, and Sameer Karat. Noufal Abdullah handled editing on the film shot by Kannan Patteri. Vishnu Vijay is composing the music to Muhsin Parari's lyrics.

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Lukman is known for his scene-stealing performances in Unda, Operation Java, and Saudi Vellakka. Besides Sulaikha Manzil, Anarkali has Arun Chandu's sci-fi satire Gaganachari, opposite Gokul Suresh and Aju Varghese, coming up soon. Ashraf Hamza made his directorial debut with Thamaasha, starring Vinay Forrt and Divya Prabha.