Halal Love Story

The appointed director for the Halal film, Siraj is framed as a mainstream figure by Thoufeeq, known for his drinking and less strict adherence to religious norms. He grapples with balancing organizational demands and creative direction, pushing for a cohesive vision as the shoot progresses. His leadership is tested by conflicts between the cast, the script, and religious guidelines, ultimately guiding the project toward a reconciled climax.

A street-play actor chosen as the male lead and Suhra's husband, Shereef embodies the tension between performance and personal truth. His defensive reactions arise after a lie about Suhra's father surfaces, complicating their on- and off-screen relationship. He becomes a focal point for the conflict between authenticity in love and acceptance within the community.

The heroine selected to star opposite Shereef, Suhra's character arc includes sharing intimate truths and facing scrutiny about her past. Her dynamic with Shereef drives emotional tension and eventually pushes the script toward a more honest resolution. She embodies resilience under communal expectation while contributing to the film's emotional core.

A writer and organizer who initially considers a one-hour telefilm more feasible than a feature film. Thoufeeq guides the script’s evolution, shaping the narrative to fit halal constraints and community norms. His resistance to certain revelations and his push for a compliant ending create key ideological fault lines that Siraj must navigate.

A member of a Muslim religious organization who oversees the project’s halal status and approves or disapproves creative choices. Rahim embodies the community’s gatekeeping role, balancing religious sensibilities with the practicalities of making a film. The ending scene places Rahim within a ritual moment, anchoring the film’s reconciliation in shared faith.

The acting workshop casting director who provides training to aspiring actors, shaping performance quality and on-screen chemistry. Her guidance helps seven or six selected participants refine their craft, smoothing over initial misfires and enabling more convincing relationships. She acts as a bridge between raw talent and screen-ready execution.

Owner of a tile factory and a key community figure in the workers' world. His establishment supplies a grounded, working-class backdrop that contrasts with the studio environment and highlights material realities faced by the characters. Abukka's presence anchors the film in a tangible, industrial setting and underscores economic dimensions of the story.

A member of the extended circle around Rahim, she represents the family and social network intertwined with the organization's decisions. Her role underscores how personal relationships intersect with community leadership and cultural norms. Her perspectives contribute to the layered tensions surrounding the film's subject matter.

The sound recordist for Tele Cinema, ensuring the audio quality of the production. Azad represents the technical backbone of the crew, balancing the demands of a sensitive dramatic project with the constraints of a live shoot. His role is essential to the film’s realism and production discipline.

The cinematographer responsible for capturing the film’s visuals within Tele Cinema’s production. Jayan’s eye for framing and light plays a crucial role in translating the story’s emotional beats to the screen. He contributes creatively to the climax’s photographic approach and the overall tone.

Associate Director in Tele Cinema, assisting Siraj and coordinating day-to-day shoot logistics. Abhi helps manage cast, schedule, and on-set coordination, acting as a practical counterbalance to the creative ambitions. His role is pivotal for keeping the production on track amid tensions.

A legal professional involved in the film’s personal intersecting storylines, representing tensions that mirror the public and private pressures the cast faces. The character adds a dimension of formal conflict resolution to the unfolding drama. His presence underscores the legal and social stakes of relationships within the narrative.

A family figure whose presence grounds the personal stakes in the larger conversation about morality, tradition, and an artist's responsibility within the community. Her perspective enriches the exploration of lineage, respect, and societal expectations shaping the characters’ choices.

A poet whose voice doubtlessly permeates the film’s dialogue and themes, lending a lyrical layer to the narrative. The poet’s presence enriches the communal atmosphere, echoing the broader cultural discourse surrounding art and religion.