MUNAWWARU: THE MAN WHO BROUGHT KEEVVE? TOGETHER
If there’s one filmmaker who has been a constant presence in my screenwriting journey over the past sixteen years, it’s Hussain Munawwaru.
Or Kudafoolhu, as most of us affectionately call him.
Our collaborations have taken us through the brutal realities of Sazaa, the emotional turbulence of Dhilakani, the uncomfortable truths of Kamanaa, and the haunting silences of Kan’bulo. Somewhere along the way, we even ventured into experimental territory with Ingili, alongside Ravee Farooq.
We’ve had successes, disappointments, awards, and plenty of lessons. Enough material for a screenplay, perhaps. Though I suspect we’d argue over who gets to direct it.
And now comes Keevve?
Only this time, Munawwaru wasn’t directing.
Long story short, the idea for Keevve? originated with veteran filmmaker Easa Shareef and Munawwaru. They wanted to develop a film that would mark Easa’s return to feature-film direction after more than two decades.
Munawwaru commissioned me to write the screenplay and connected me with Easa.
Having worked together since 2010, Munawwaru and I had developed an understanding that went beyond simply exchanging scripts and feedback. He knew how I approached stories and characters, and I knew he wasn’t afraid to question something if he believed it could be better.
But this project was different.
For once, I was writing for another director, with Munawwaru overseeing the project as executive producer.
And, interestingly, I discovered another side of our working relationship.
Munawwaru always remained closely involved throughout.
While Easa and I discussed scenes, characters, and narrative adjustments, we kept Munawwaru updated on our conversations and the screenplay’s progression.
He wasn’t merely the man who commissioned the script and disappeared until the final draft arrived.
He remained part of the journey.
And I appreciated having someone who knew my writing so well involved while I worked with Easa for the first time.
When actor Reeko Moosa Manik was confirmed for the leading role, the project became even more exciting. We were bringing together two veterans whose earlier collaborations had helped define an era of Dhivehi cinema.
And somehow, I had been entrusted with writing their reunion.
No pressure whatsoever.
On 25 November 2026, Keevve? arrives in cinemas, marking the return of Easa Shareef to feature-film direction and Moosa Manik to a leading role after 22 years.
Two remarkable comebacks in one film.
But behind those returns is a filmmaker who, together with Easa, conceived the idea, commissioned the screenplay, and helped bring the project to life.
For me, Keevve? represents another meaningful chapter in a creative partnership that began sixteen years ago.
I’m grateful that Munawwaru continues to trust me with his cinematic adventures.
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