RUGYAH: CRAFTING SHADOWS INTO ART
A Serendipitous Beginning
About three days ago, I received an exciting request from Mua, the director of the captivating short film ‘Rugyah’ which was aired on Raajje TV on 23 April 2021. He approached me for assistance in providing subtitles for the movie, as he plans to submit it to an upcoming Indian film festival. This opportunity sparked a rush of memories, taking me back to the incredible journey we embarked upon, from the birth of the idea to its final manifestation on the small screen.
Inception of a Vision
Our journey commenced in early March of the same year when Mua had a remarkable vision for a Ramadan special on Raajje TV. His unique idea was to create a horror screenplay, but with a twist – the production had to be relatively simple and confined to minimal locations. Our brainstorming sessions were filled with intensity, and it was during one of these sessions that inspiration struck me. I stumbled upon an online news article featuring a local island’s scandalous ‘Rugyah’ scam, and its gripping narrative potential immediately captivated me.
The Birth of ‘Rugyah’
Writing the screenplay for ‘Rugyah’ turned out to be a whirlwind experience. In merely four days, I had a draft ready for Mua, who was genuinely thrilled with the outcome. However, casting came with some unexpected hurdles, especially when it came to finding child actors within the tight time constraints we faced. It was during this challenging period that Mua came up with a brilliant idea – to reshape the cast and introduce two real-life sisters, Azza and Rishmy. This ingenious move brought a captivating new dimension to the narrative, as their personal history of reconciliation added depth and authenticity to their on-screen portrayal of sisters Zee and Adhila.
Unfolding the Tale
The revised plot now revolved around Zee and Adhila, both trapped in a house, desperately fighting for freedom from Adhila’s manipulative husband, Easa, and the enigmatic character of Usman, a rogue spiritual healer. What unravelled before the audience was a bone-chilling tale of manipulation, torture, and survival, intertwined with supernatural beliefs. By the end of March, I wrapped up the final rewrites, and in April, Mua delved into the production phase.
Mua’s Directorial Brilliance
Mua’s directorial skills proved to be nothing short of brilliant. Despite the demanding production schedule of two weeks – one for filming and another for post-production – the quality of the film remained uncompromised. His steady and innovative direction respected both the story and the actors, ensuring that ‘Rugyah’ was a riveting watch from start to finish. Mua’s exceptional ability to choose the perfect camera shots transformed the 58-minute film, set entirely within the confines of an apartment, into a visually captivating masterpiece. I must mention one scene, in particular, where Zee is forced to scrape food into a bin while a famished Adhila helplessly watches on, which left a profound impact on the audience.
Immense Pride and the Continuation of Creativity
As I hand over the completed subtitles, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in having been part of the ‘Rugyah’ journey. The stellar performances delivered by the cast were truly remarkable, but it was Mua’s visionary direction that effortlessly showcased their incredible talents. His skill in maintaining engagement and conveying deep meaning through cinematography served as a testament to his artistic brilliance. And now, as he hints at a new project on the horizon, it seems that our creative journey is far from over, with the ball now in my court. ‘Rugyah’ was more than just a film; it was a remarkable voyage filled with creative challenges, constant adaptation, and ultimately, triumphant success.
Mahdi Ahmed 
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