The film, which was shot entirely in the UAE, is different from the usual Gulf-based stories seen in the Malayalam film industry.
A South Indian movie Deira Diaries that revolves around the lives of middle-class residents in the UAE, and was entirely filmed in Dubai, has been released on streaming service NeeStream.
Written and directed by Mushthaque Rahman Kairyaden and produced by Madhu Karuvath, the film moves between different people in Deira, Dubai.
This is also the first feature-length film from Kariyaden, who has directed several TV series and shows in Malayalam. He has lived in the UAE for the last 27 years.
According to the makers, Deira Diaries talks about a 60-year-old Malayali who has spent the last four decades in the Gulf. It looks at the direct and indirect influence he has had on different individuals.
The film was shot over two months in 2020, just before the coronavirus-imposed stay-at-home measures. With the exception of the lead actors, Abu Valayamkulam and Shalu Rahim, who are well known in the Malayalam film industry, Deira Diaries features fresh faces, most of who are UAE residents.
Dubai radio presenter Arfaz Iqbal also features in the film.
