Inthi | Mahdi Ahmed

Posts tagged ‘Inthi’

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.

KAN’BULO: A TRAILER THAT LEAVES NO ROOM FOR ESCAPE

There’s a kind of silence in cinema that isn’t empty. It lingers. It presses down. It forces the audience to confront things they would rather not. With the release of the official trailer for Kan’bulo, that silence now belongs to us.

Watching this trailer unfold, even though I know the story inside out, I found myself holding my breath — not because of what it shows, but because of what it dares to suggest. This is not a film that chases spectacle. It chases truth. And it doesn’t ask for permission.

What strikes me most from a technical and structural perspective is how deliberately the trailer mirrors the film’s emotional architecture. It begins with tenderness, shifts into unease, and descends — not with melodrama, but with precision — into something far more suffocating. Director Hussain Munawwaru’s vision is clear: this is a story about the quiet destruction that happens behind closed doors, the kind of suffering that society often overlooks until it’s too late. The trailer reflects that ethos with restraint, leaving just enough unsaid to force the audience into those uncomfortable gaps.

From the trailer alone, the performances speak volumes, even in fragments. Mariyam Azza, in the titular role of Kan’bulo, carries a haunting vulnerability that’s impossible to look away from. In just a few glimpses, her embodiment of pain, fear, and defiance cuts deep. Sheela Najeeb’s restrained but devastating presence adds a maternal weight that lingers. Ismail Rasheed, with his trademark intensity, dominates his scenes with quiet menace and authority. Ahmed Easa, Wasia Mohamed, Shakeela, and Ahmed Nimal each bring a lived-in truth to their characters — even from these brief moments, you sense the years of pain, resilience, and buried secrets these roles demand. These are not performances built on spectacle; they are performances built on humanity, on raw emotional honesty, and on the quiet devastation of survival.

From a screenwriting standpoint, seeing this trailer gives me a sense of quiet satisfaction — it captures the essence of why I wrote it. Kan’bulo was never about shock value. It was about honesty. About confronting a truth that refuses to stay silent any longer.

And then there’s that ending — the harrowing wail of Kan’bulo’s newborn, piercing through the silence, rising with unbearable weight until it amplifies and collapses into the film’s haunting title. It’s a sound that stays with you, a cry that speaks not only for the newborn but for every unspeakable pain that has been buried beneath silence. The final post-title shot, with Kan’bulo weeping, her voice breaking as she cries out to her father in the background, “I would never sin,” leaves no doubt about the depths this story is prepared to explore. It’s a moment not designed for shock, but for reflection — and it lands with devastating clarity.

I believe this trailer has done exactly what it needed to do. It doesn’t offer easy answers. It invites questions. And it demands we listen — even when it’s uncomfortable. Because some stories don’t shout to be heard. Some stories whisper… and leave us haunted.

Kan’bulo is set to release on 31 August 2025

KAMANAA: UNPRECEDENTED BOX OFFICE TRIUMPH

Since its release on 27th August 2024, Kamanaa has taken the Maldivian box office by storm, surpassing all expectations and becoming an unexpected blockbuster. The film’s gripping storyline, powerful performances, and raw portrayal of domestic violence have resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a massive surge in demand.

A Phenomenal Start and Growing Momentum

From the very first day, Kamanaa has been a runaway success. The scheduled shows sold out well in advance, prompting the producer to add late-night screenings to accommodate eager moviegoers. In a testament to the film’s popularity, even these additional late-night shows have quickly sold out. The overwhelming demand has made Kamanaa a cultural phenomenon, with fans flocking to theaters to witness the story unfold on the big screen.

A Nationwide Sensation

The excitement around Kamanaa isn’t limited to the capital city of Malé; it has spread like wildfire across the Maldives. The reception in the islands has been nothing short of overwhelming, with many islands queuing up to host the film’s premiere. The producer has been inundated with requests, showcasing the film’s wide-reaching impact. The anticipation and enthusiasm from audiences in every corner of the country have turned Kamanaa into more than just a film—it has become a nationwide event.

The Ingredients of Success

Several factors have contributed to the extraordinary success of Kamanaa. First and foremost, the direction by Hussain Munawar has been lauded for its raw and honest portrayal of a deeply sensitive issue. The gripping story, based on true events, has struck a chord with viewers, making them feel every moment of tension and emotion on screen. The performances by the stellar cast are central to this film’s success:

Yoosuf Shafeeu delivers a chillingly authentic performance as Haider, transitioning from a loving husband to a man consumed by his darker impulses. His depth and nuance bring Haider’s complex character to life.
Mariyam Azza shines in the titular role of Kamanaa, portraying the strength and resilience of a woman enduring domestic violence with heartbreaking authenticity. Her transformation, both physically and emotionally, adds immense weight to her character.
Aminath Rashfa as Nora brings complexity and depth to her role. As the woman caught in an illicit affair with Haider, she navigates her character’s emotional turmoil with finesse, capturing both allure and guilt, while her chemistry with Yoosuf Shafeeu creates an electrifying tension.
Mohamed Rasheed as Abbas delivers a dignified performance, portraying a husband unknowingly caught in a web of deceit. His portrayal adds weight to the story, grounding it in the stark reality of betrayal and broken trust.
Natasha Jaleel as Zulfa, Abbas’s elder wife, exudes a calm yet commanding presence. Her character embodies wisdom and stability, serving as a quiet counterbalance to the turmoil surrounding the main characters.
Mohamed Manik shines in a supporting role as Nabeel, a friend trying to reform Haider. His nuanced portrayal adds emotional depth, enhancing the film’s dramatic impact and making Nabeel a memorable character.

Creative Contributions

The creative efforts of the crew have significantly elevated the film’s impact. Abdulla Muaz, responsible for editing, CGI, and color grading, has delivered exceptional work that shapes the film’s narrative flow and visual tone. His precise editing ensures the film maintains its tension and intensity throughout, while his CGI and color grading add a hauntingly realistic quality to the story’s most gripping moments.

Cinematography by Shivaz Abdulla further enhances the storytelling, with carefully crafted shots that capture both the beauty and brutality of the narrative. His use of lighting and framing creates a visual contrast between the characters’ outward appearances and their hidden struggles, drawing viewers deeper into the emotional landscape of the film.

Rishfa Abdul Samad significantly shaped Kamanaa with her compelling story and sharp casting choices, ensuring a strong ensemble. As a costume designer and makeup artist, her meticulous attention to detail brought authenticity to each character, enhancing the film’s emotional depth and realism.

Sound Design and Music

The sound design by Mohamed Faisal (Fai) has played a critical role in the film’s immersive experience. Utilizing the newly installed 5.1 surround sound system at Olympus Theatre, Fai has created an auditory landscape that amplifies the emotional highs and lows, making each scene more impactful. The music score by Ahmed Imthiyaz (Inthi) complements this, adding layers of emotion that underscore the film’s most powerful moments. Ravee Farooq’s song choreography adds yet another dimension to the film, bringing cultural vibrancy and rhythm that enriches the narrative.

Ali Shaniz: The Driving Force Behind the Success

A special mention must go to Ali Shaniz, the producer whose tireless dedication made Kamanaa a reality. His hands-on approach throughout every phase—from pre-production to marketing—ensured that every detail was meticulously executed. His efforts to promote the film, particularly in reaching audiences across the islands, have been instrumental in the overwhelming success of Kamanaa.

A Film That Sparks Conversations

Kamanaa’s unexpected success is not just about numbers; it’s about its ability to resonate with the audience and spark essential conversations on domestic violence and societal norms. The film’s raw portrayal and thought-provoking narrative have encouraged viewers to reflect on these realities long after they’ve left the cinema.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

With its unprecedented box office run, Kamanaa continues to capture hearts and minds across the Maldives. As more islands line up to screen the film, and as audiences continue to clamor for more shows, it’s clear that Kamanaa is more than just a cinematic success—it’s a cultural moment. The film’s triumph is an indication to the power of storytelling, the strength of its cast and crew, and the importance of tackling vital social issues through art.

Kamanaa is not just a movie; it is an experience that leaves a profound impact, one that challenges and inspires. And this is only the beginning of its journey.

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.

KAMANAA: INTHI SCORED GOLD

Yesterday, when director Hussain Munawwar invited me to watch the music score for Kamanaa, I was curious, yet a bit skeptical. Having never seen any of its music composer, Ahmed Imthiyaz or Inthi’s previous work, the score was the most doubtful area of the film for me.

As the scenes played out, especially the climax and the moments leading up to it, I was utterly captivated. Inthi’s music didn’t just complement the scenes; it breathed life into them. The emotion, the tension, the pain—all were amplified to a level that I hadn’t anticipated. I found myself completely absorbed, so much so that I realized I was holding my breath until the final frame.

The music seemed to interweave with the narrative, enhancing the intricacies of each character’s inner turmoil and elevating the impact of every pivotal moment. It was as if the melodies became an essential character in the story, shaping the atmosphere and guiding the viewer’s emotional journey with remarkable finesse. The synergy between the visuals and the music created a profound sensory experience, leaving a lasting impression that lingered long after the film concluded.

After the scenes ended, there was a moment of silence. It wasn’t just in the room; it was within me. I felt every ounce of what the protagonist endured, as if I had lived those moments myself. When Munawwar suggested we watch a few more scenes from the start, I simply shook my head—I didn’t need to see more to be convinced.

I turned to Inthi and shook his hand, acknowledging the tremendous job he had done. His score is a masterpiece, adding a depth to “Kamanaa” that will leave audiences as breathless as I was.

“Kamanaa” is set to release on 27th August 2024, and with a score like this, it promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.