A PLAN B FOR PLAN B

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Yesterday, I watched the unreleased rough cut of Plan B — a screenplay I wrote 13 years ago for Maaskey Production, directed by Vishal Zaki (Vittey), starring Jummayil Nimal, Ismail Rasheed and newcomer Mohamed Faisal in the three principal roles.

Plan B had a very simple premise. Two druggies decide to rob their own dealer. Easy money. Bad idea.

But once they enter the dealer’s apartment, the story starts peeling itself apart. Layer by layer. Twist after twist. Because everyone inside that apartment has their own secret plan. Nobody is playing the same game.

Production itself went smoothly back then. The film was completed. But somewhere during post-production, things fell apart. The producers were unhappy with the CGI work at the time, and unfortunately there was no actual “Plan B” for Plan B. So the film was quietly shelved.

Then in April 2021, Maaskey, one of the producers contacted me again. First, he asked me to update the events and references to fit that year. A month later, they wanted a complete re-vamp while keeping the same core premise alive.

So once again, Plan B returned from the dead.

Production restarted.

And once again… it was shelved before even reaching halfway.

Some films really test your patience. This one apparently wanted a PhD in it.

Fast forward to last month. I met director Vittey, and for the first time in years, there was genuine positivity in his voice. He told me he had now taken charge of the production himself. But there was one condition.

I had to rewrite it again.

This time around the timeline and events of the original rough cut itself.

That was when I asked him to finally show me the rough cut.

And honestly… I was blown away.

Even after 13 long years, the film still felt potent. It never felt “old” except for some exterior shots where certain locations no longer even exist today. Almost like accidental time capsules of a different Malé.

But once the story locks itself inside that apartment, the tension becomes suffocating. Everything spirals beautifully out of control.

The three principal actors delivered nuanced performances. And newcomer Mohamed Faisal genuinely surprised me. He almost steals the entire film without trying too hard.

Watching that rough cut felt strangely emotional. I had always looked forward to this film releasing someday because personally, it remains one of my favorite screenplays I’ve written.

After watching it, I immediately called Vittey and Maaskey just to tell them one thing:

“Job well done.”

And now, with that positivity, I’ve begun the rewrite yet again.

But this time feels different.

For the first time in 13 years… it finally feels like they actually have a Plan B for Plan B.

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