Ali Shaniz | Mahdi Ahmed

Posts tagged ‘Ali Shaniz’

ALI SHANIZ: THE CAPTAIN WHO DIDN’T FLINCH

It takes a certain kind of producer to make a blockbuster. But it takes a braver one to follow it up with something as raw, unsettling, and emotionally demanding as Kan’bulo.

Ali Shaniz, the producer behind Kamanaa—the biggest Dhivehi blockbuster of 2024—could have played it safe. He had every reason to. After delivering one of the most commercially successful films in recent memory, most would steer toward lighter waters. But Shaniz chose the storm. He chose Kan’bulo.

This isn’t just a film. It’s a cinematic reckoning. A story laced with silence, trauma, and emotional violence—territory most producers would instinctively avoid. But not Shaniz. When director Hussain Munavvaru handed him the screenplay, Shaniz didn’t hesitate. He understood what the story was asking of him—not just financially, but morally. And he said yes.

Producing a film like Kan’bulo is not just about funding—it’s about backing the emotional and social weight of the story. Shaniz never once tried to soften the edges. He never once asked, “Can this be toned down?” Instead, he leaned in. He created the space for this film to be what it needed to be: unflinching and honest.

It’s also worth noting that this was the very same team that made Kamanaa what it was. From post-production to performances, Shaniz believed in bringing everyone back—not for familiarity’s sake, but because he understood that a story this delicate needed people who could hold it with care.

As a writer, it’s rare to find a producer who not only respects the page but also protects it. Shaniz is that kind of producer. He doesn’t just produce movies—he shoulders them. With grit. With grace. And most of all, with guts.

Producer Ali Shaniz is once again at the helm, this time navigating far rougher waters with Kan’bulo. But steady as ever, he’s steering this ship straight through the storm. And if there’s anyone I’d trust to sail a story this heavy into harbor—it’s him. Aye, Captain.

Kan’bulo is currently enjoying a successful run at Olympus.

KAN’BULO – TRUTH TOLD WITH TENDER BRUTALITY

There are films that entertain, films that inspire, and then there are films like Kan’bulo — films that confront. Films that hold your gaze and refuse to blink first. Directed by Hussain Munawwaru, Kan’bulo is not a safe film. It’s a brave, emotionally volatile narrative that pulses with truth — sometimes uncomfortable, often heartbreaking, and always deeply human.

The story traces back to Yuktha, the award-winning long story by Yashfa Abdul Qani. Her delicate yet devastating writing carried the emotional weight that demanded adaptation. Reshaping it for the screen meant preserving its soul while finding a visual rhythm to match its intensity.

At the heart of the film is Mariyam Azza, delivering one of her strongest performances to date. Playing Kan’bulo demands range and endurance, and she handles every moment — from innocence to devastation to resilience — with precision. Even her silences carry meaning.

The ensemble brings depth and texture: Sheela Najeeb with quiet strength, Wasia Mohamed with loyal presence, Shakeela with protective resilience, Ahmed Easa with tenderness, Ahmed Nimal with chilling intensity, and Ismail Rasheed in a performance that feels like a powerful return. Together, they anchor the film’s emotional truth.

The makeup and costume work of Rishfa Abdul Samad and Hussain Hazim (Sandy) supports the characters with subtle authenticity, while Mohamed Faisal (Fai) shapes sound into an emotional undercurrent that lingers. Ahmed Imthiyaz (Inthi) adds music that mourns, observes, and uplifts without ever overwhelming.

Editor Abdulla Muaz, handling both edit and color grading, balances past and present with seamless precision, letting the story flow like fractured memory while keeping the emotions grounded. His work ensures the narrative is coherent yet haunting.

Producer Ali Shaniz deserves recognition for backing a film of such weight, reuniting the trusted team from Kamanaa and giving space for significance over safety.

And at the center, Munawwaru directs with restraint and conviction. He doesn’t exploit pain; he lets it speak. His choices give the film its raw honesty, making it less of a story told and more of an experience endured.

Kan’bulo is not an easy watch, nor was it an easy script to write. But it is necessary. It stares directly at what many would rather look away from — and by the end, neither can we.

Kan’bulo is currently running at Olympus.

KAMANAA: A Raw Portrayal of Domestic Violence

Kamanaa is a profound exploration of domestic violence and betrayal, a thought-provoking journey skillfully directed by Hussain Munawar. This spiritual sequel to his earlier work, Sazaa, delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, offering a raw, unfiltered portrayal of the often-hidden realities that many women endure.

The narrative centers on Haider, a man who initially appears to be a devoted husband. However, his darker side emerges as he embarks on an extramarital affair with Nora. When his wife, Kamanaa, discovers the affair, Haider’s true nature comes to the forefront, leading to a series of violent and emotionally charged events. Based on actual incidents shared by Rishfa Abdul Samad, the film is both intense and brutally honest, offering a raw portrayal of domestic violence that is as compelling as it is unsettling.

Yoosuf Shafeeu (Youppe) delivers a masterful performance as Haider, seamlessly transitioning from a loving husband to a man driven by dark impulses. His portrayal is chillingly authentic, particularly during moments of intense emotional conflict. Youppe’s ability to convey deep internal turmoil through subtle expressions and gestures is remarkable. In the post-credit scene, he proves why he continues to reign in the Dhivehi film industry.

Mariyam Azza excels in the titular role, portraying Kamanaa with quiet strength and resilience. Her performance is deeply moving, capturing the character’s pain and endurance with sensitivity and grace. Azza’s commitment to the role, including gaining weight and donning a burqa, adds an extra layer of authenticity to her portrayal. Her scenes, particularly those where she grapples with her husband’s betrayal and violence, are filled with raw emotion, making Kamanaa a character who resonates deeply with the audience.

Aminath Rashfa (Asha), as Nora, brings complexity and depth to her character. As the other woman in Haider’s life, she navigates the emotional intricacies of her role with finesse, capturing both the allure and the inevitable consequences of her actions. Her chemistry with Youppe is electric, creating a captivating and unsettling tension.

Mohamed Rasheed as Abbas, Nora’s husband, and Nathasha Jaleel as Zulfa, Abbas’s elder wife, provide strong supporting performances. Rasheed’s portrayal of Abbas is one of quiet dignity, while Nathasha’s Zulfa offers wisdom and stability, grounding the film in moments of intense drama.

Rishfa’s role as the glamour makeup artist and costume designer in Kamanaa is nothing short of transformative. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of character development allowed her to craft looks perfectly encapsulating each character’s personality and journey. From the subtle yet impactful wardrobe choices to the meticulously designed costumes, Rishfa ensured that every visual element added depth to the story. Her spot-on casting decisions brought together a cast that embodied their roles, elevating the film’s emotional and dramatic impact.

Mohamed Manik played a crucial role as the dynamic Production Manager of Kamanaa, seamlessly handling the film’s challenging logistics while contributing to the creative process. His expertise in special effects makeup added a layer of realism to the characters, particularly in portraying violence and its aftermath. Additionally, Manik took on the supporting role as Nabeel, a character who earnestly tries to reform Haider, adding depth and nuance to the story. His multifaceted involvement was vital in bringing Kamanaa to life.

Shivaz Abdulla’s cinematography complements Munawar’s vision with carefully crafted shots that enhance the emotional intensity of the narrative. The lighting and framing are particularly effective in highlighting the contrast between the characters’ public facades and their private turmoil.

The sound design by Mohamed Faisal (Fai) is a critical element of Kamanaa‘s success. Utilizing the newly installed 5.1 surround sound system at Olympus Theatre, Fai creates an immersive auditory experience that heightens the film’s emotional impact. Every sound, from the quiet moments of tension to the explosive outbursts of violence, is meticulously crafted to draw the audience deeper into the story.

Ahmed Imthiyaz (Inthi)’s rousing score complements the narrative and underscores the film’s most poignant moments, while Ravee Farooq’s song choreography adds more depth to the relationship of the pairs appearing in each song.

Abdulla Muaz’s work as an editor, CGI artist, and color grader is exemplary, contributing significantly to the film’s overall impact. The editing is sharp and precise, ensuring the narrative flows seamlessly while maintaining the tension and suspense driving the story. The CGI is used sparingly but effectively, enhancing the film’s realism without detracting from its gritty, grounded tone. The color grading is particularly noteworthy, with muted tones and stark contrasts that reflect the bleakness and emotional weight of the story.

Hussain Munawar directs Kamanaa with an unflinching eye, committed to portraying violence in its rawest, most honest form. Munawar’s approach to filmmaking is marked by his dedication to realism. He believes that the only way to confront societal issues like domestic violence is to present them without filters. Kamanaa is a film that challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths, making them more socially aware. Kudos to him for assembling the right cast and an effective crew to bring his vision to success.

Last but not least, Ali Shaniz’s unwavering dedication as the producer of Kamanaa is admirable. From pre-production to the final release, Shaniz was deeply involved in every aspect of the film’s journey. His hands-on approach ensured that every detail was meticulously managed, from securing resources during production to overseeing the intricate post-production processes. His passion extended beyond the creative realm as he drove marketing efforts to ensure Kamanaa reached its audience. Shaniz’s relentless commitment is the cornerstone that made Kamanaa a reality.

In short, Kamanaa is a film that does not shy away from the harsh realities of domestic violence. It is a powerful, thought-provoking piece of cinema that challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths. The performances, particularly by Youppe, Azza and Asha, bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Hussain Munawar’s direction, combined with the stellar work of his devoted crew, including Muaz’s exceptional editing, visual effects and color grading, makes Kamanaa a must-see film that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers, sparking important conversations and raising awareness about domestic violence.

P.S. Wait for the post-credit scene to witness Azza’s unbelievable physical transformation.