Queen Elizabeth (2023 film)

Queen Elizabeth is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by M Padmakumar and produced by Ranjith Manambarakkat, M. Padmakumar, and Sreeram Manambarakkar. It features Meera Jasmine in the title role, with Narain, as the main male lead. The other supporting cast includes Shweta Menon, Johny Antony, Neena Kurup, Jude Anthany Joseph, Manju Pathros, and VK Prakash. The film was released theatrically on December 29, 2023. Subsequently, it premiered on ZEE5 on February 14, 2024.

Story
The movie is a light-hearted entertainer set in an urban backdrop about a headstrong unmarried woman named Elizabeth, who leads a simple life. While her character is frowned upon by the people around her, Alex is in a pursuit to win her over. Things change when Elizabeth goes to Coimbatore for a business meeting. She is diagnosed with 3rd stage pancreatic cancer. She finds out that she has just three more months to live and changes her character. She befriends her employees and molds her relationship with her family. She becomes close to Alex and slowly falls in love with him. Towards the end, Elizabeth discloses her health issue to Alex, and they visit Dr. Vysakh. It is revealed that the doctor who consulted Elizabeth was suffering from a mental disorder due to her child's death from pancreatic cancer and that Elizabeth does not have cancer. The climax shows Elizabeth married to Alex and living happily.

Production
The film saw the lead cast Meera Jasmine and Narain reuniting after 17 years after they were seen together in Achuvinte Amma (2005), Ore Kadal (2007) and Minnaminnikoottam (2008). The shoots of Queen Elizabeth started in Kochi in April 2023 and was wrapped by May 1, 2023.

Reception
The movie generated positive reviews. OnManorama commented, “The movie is quite charming and will work for those who prefer watching films in the romantic comedy genre. Malayalam Samayam rated it 3 out of 5. OTT Play also rated it 3 out of 5 while commenting, “The movie satisfies the criteria for a family entertainer.”