Mahdi Ahmed

In the Dhivehi film industry, many know Rishfa Abdul Samad as the hardworking mother, a professional beautician, and a creative seamstress, as well as the loving wife of director Hussain Munavvaru. But what some may not realize is that she is the brainchild behind the upcoming film Kamanaa.

It was during her second trimester of pregnancy when Munavvar called me up for coffee to narrate a true-life account of a victim of domestic violence—a story that Rishfa had shared with him. The victim was a close friend of hers, and the raw, emotional weight of the story resonated deeply to become the spiritual sequel to the 2011 release Sazaa, my first collaboration with Munavvar and his directorial debut.

Although I never had the opportunity to hear the story directly from Rishfa, her influence on the screenplay was profound. She provided incredibly constructive feedback on my draft, and her insights made the final version of the screenplay more polished and emotionally resonant. Rishfa’s keen understanding of the nuances of the story ensured that Kamanaa would not only be a powerful film but also a truthful one.

I have immense respect for Rishfa for convincing Munavvar to bring this story to the Dhivehi audience. Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in our society, and Kamanaa doesn’t shy away from showing the horrifying extent to which it can go—even if it means a husband brutally beating the woman he once vowed to love and protect. As filmmakers, it is our duty to shine a light on these dark corners of society, and I’m grateful to Rishfa for her unwavering commitment to doing just that.

Thank you, Rishfa, for your courage and vision in bringing this important story to life. Kamanaa is not just a film; it is a call to action, and it’s all thanks to you.

Kamanaa is set to release on 27 August 2024.