Cheena Trophy review: Dhyan Sreenivasan-Kendy Zirdo’s latest a feel-good film

Feel-good films are a great stress-busters. Cheena Trophy, helmed by debutant director Anil Lal, is the latest addition to the list of feel-good entertainers released in Malayalam recently.

It offers nothing new but the comedy works wonders.

Dhyan Sreenivasan, who delivered a hit with Nadhikalil Sundari Yamuna (2023), is also one of the highlights of the movie.

The plot and characters remind us of many films which were set against the backdrop of rural areas. But Cheena Trophy has a foreigner in it and the title has a reference to this character.

Now, let us check how the movie fares:

Synopsis

Rajesh (Dhyan Sreenivasan) is a small-time cook. He makes snacks and delivers them to the shops nearby.

One day, a customer raises a complaint when her family falls sick due to food poisoning in Rajesh’s snacks. However, the family later realises that the reason for food poisoning is something else and not the snacks.

By then, the health officials shut down his food unit.

This affects Rajesh, who is already reeling under problems due to unpaid loans from a bank. So, he looks for a solution to his problems.

Rajesh shares a good bond with his uncle, played by Sudheesh, who lives in China. One day, he learns from a Chinese woman named Shen (Kendy Zirdo) that his uncle passed away.

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Turn of events

Shen arrives in Rajesh’s village. He learns that his uncle owes her money.

This creates a problem for Rajesh who is already in a financial crisis.

As time passes, Rajesh and his friend Theresa (Devika Ramesh) start a Tibetan restaurant near his house with the help of Shen who is well-versed in Tibetan cuisine.

Shen is a Tibetan citizen and this revelation has an important part to play.

Some scenes where Shen expresses her dislike for Communist China remind us of the Chinese character in Arabikatha (2009). At the same time, a few scenes glorify the Communists.

Cheena Trophy has several cliched elements like the protagonist helping the female lead to get rid of her problems. Here Rajesh helps Shen leave the country as her visa expires. He even offers her financial aid.

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Old wine in new bottle

Cheena Trophy has a tried-and-tested formula. But it works in most of the areas and ends up being a clean entertainer.

The introduction of a Chinese character is the selling point of this film. Celebrity cook Chef Pillai makes a special appearance too.

The action scenes involving the Chinese woman keep the audience engaged.

The movie captures the greenery and backwaters in the location well.

Performances

Dhyan Sreenivasan as Rajesh is really good. He also shines in comedy scenes.

Jaffer Idukki gets equal screen space as Dhyan and excels in his role. He offers some lighter moments through his comedy as Rajesh’s close friend.

Kendy Zirdo as Shen is the star of the film. She pulls off her role with ease. This is her third movie in Malayalam.

A native of Arunachal Pradesh, Zirdo debuted in Mollywood with Android Kunjappan in 2019.

Devika Ramesh, as Theresa — Rajesh’s love interest, delivers a subtle performance.

Johny Antony plays his part well.

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Verdict

Cheena Trophy is a feel-good entertainer that doesn’t claim anything special. However, it brings a smile to your face with its clean comedy and a slight dose of sarcasm.

(Views expressed here are personal.)