KAMANAA: MANY FACETS OF YOUPPE
Megastar Yoosuf Shafeeu, or Youppe as he’s popularly known, has long been synonymous with masterful acting. In 2006, he starred in the romantic-drama Vaaloabi Engeynama, his first film on a screenplay I wrote, which went on to win multiple awards at the 5th National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Youppe. To date, he has clinched four Best Actor awards at the National Film Awards, a feat no other actor has achieved.
In Kamanaa, Youppe steps into the shoes of Haider, a character who is both a loving husband and a man with a dangerous reflex for violence. His portrayal of Haider, who becomes entangled in an extramarital affair with Nora (played to perfection by Asha), is nothing short of extraordinary. When his wife Kamanaa (played by an outstanding Mariyam Azza) discovers the affair, Haider’s transformation from a caring partner to a violently ruthless man is both chilling and praiseworthy. It’s as if Youppe was born to play this role—the character fits him like a glove.
What truly left me in awe was Youppe’s extraordinary ability to convey a profound depth of emotion in just 5 to 10 seconds during Haider’s arrest scene. The look on his face in that brief moment is a masterclass in acting, a reason why he remains at the pinnacle of his craft. It wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience. The intensity in his eyes, the subtle shift in his demeanor, encapsulated the unraveling of a man’s life, leaving me with chills. It’s in these fleeting moments that Youppe’s unparalleled talent truly shines.
There is more brilliance from him as Haider that the audience must witness when Kamanaa is released on August 27, 2024. I can confidently say that his portrayal of Haider will be remembered as one of his finest performances to date. And if you stay until the credits roll, he will surely stir your emotions.
Don’t miss this chance to see a true master at work—Kamanaa promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Mahdi Ahmed 
Leave a comment