Mahdi Ahmed

Scripting waves of imagination from the sunny side of the Maldives.

Posts tagged ‘MBBB’

VERBALLY AGREED

When Dark Rain Entertainment (DRE) honcho, Mohamed Ali Moger requested for a read of EMME MANZAREH (Just One Scene) just as soon as I updated my Facebook status on completion of the first write, I knew he had an ulterior motive. It was too obvious he wasn’t just planning on reading it and strain his eyes. So without asking any questions, I emailed him a copy immediately. But due to his health at that time, he was unable to read it. And while he was indulging himself with chicken soup and cold tablets, I started work on rewriting the screenplay and completed it a day ago. Even when I emailed a copy of the rewrite, Moger was still feeling unwell. So on his behalf, senior editor and cinematographer of DRE studio, Ali Shifau Chippe read the rewrite and gave it two thumbs up. He really liked the nonlinear narrative and especially loved the ending which took him by surprise.

Last night, I spoke with Moger over the phone and he has come to a decision, thus revealing his intention. He has verbally agreed to produce EMME MANZAREH and appointed director Ravee Farooq to helm it. This is going to be another addition to the series of production deals Ravee and I have with DRE. First one was MIKOE BAPPA BAEY BAEY (Come My Baby’s Father) or in short, MBBB. Once again Ravee’s production company, R Squared and mine, T for 2 Production will be associating with DRE. Principal photography has been tentatively scheduled for early February 2013. Chippe will be taking over cinematography.

Ravee and I have also agreed to produce with DRE the final installment of our two characters/ one location trilogy. We already have a cool title to it but will unveil it later. The plot will have two female characters at one location. Ravee and I produced the first installment, INGILI (Finger) independently with Hussain Munavvaru.

I’m yet to hear from Nadeem, Ravee and my niece on the feedback of EMME MANZAREH rewrite. I have also asked my writing partner, Ahmed Zareer to have a read. Hopefully on Sunday I’ll be getting all the feedbacks. Nadeem has already read the first half and thought it was splendid. I’m hoping he feels the same for the rest of the rewrite.

Last night I watched the edited scenes of DHILAKANI (Fire Sparks) since my last visit to the studio few weeks ago. Director Hussain Munavvaru was also present. After a bit of hiccups in few scenes when I last watched the rough edits, the creativity of director Munavvaru comes strong when the narrative demanded solidity and restraint. The entire cast turns on strong performances and yet again veteran actor Roanu Hassan Manik who was recently awarded with a honorary lifetime achievement shield for performing in theater and films, chews up all the scenes he appears. The man is a true legend. Another actor who shines in her role is Rashfa. Copee Issey remains consistent throughout the scenes I have seen so far. And Mohamed Manik also does an admirable job as a lovelorn politician.

Well, that’s all I have for this post. Until another update I say… what I have to say afterwards is in next line.

Cheers!

BURRAAS AND DHILAKANI EDITS

Two nights ago, at Dark Rain Entertainment Studio, Ravee and I had the chance to listen to the theme song of MIKOE BAPPA BAEY BAEY (Come My Baby’s Father) called Burraas, written and performed by Ford who has made some great songs for HEYLAA (Wake Up), HAPPY BIRTHDAY and LOODHIFA (Crept).

Burraas is a rock song that talks about how hens become defensive when their chicks are faced with danger. The song beautifully summarizes the storyline of the film which is about a devoted mother who would go to any extent of protecting her child.

After listening to the song, Ravee, producer Mohamed Ali Moger, cinematographer Ali Shifau Chippe and I agreed the song was simply perfect and didn’t need any changes. We even decided of making a music video for the song which will be used to promote the film. Ravee has already started storyboarding the video which will include new footage of the film.

Besides the shouting made by hens and roosters, burraas also means the scream of an angry woman.

Also that night, I had the chance to watch the first edited twenty minutes of DHILAKANI (Fire Sparks) with its director, Hussain Munavvaru. The editor, whose name I still decline to reveal, has done a great job in assembling the scenes in his creative way of storytelling. I was completely unaware of how twenty minutes passed by. It was really engrossing. The entire cast has given a great performance and interestingly, it has shown maturity of Munnavaru in his direction since his debut with SAZAA (Punishment).

Last night, at L’Aquila, I hooked up with Munavvaru, leading actor Ismail Rasheed and Ravee who was recently commissioned to produce all the promotional videos for DHILAKANI. We discussed on Ravee’s proposed ideas of producing the trailers for the film. I must say his ideas were simply brilliant. Ravee is planning to complete the teaser trailer of DHILAKANI for a mid-November release. The sound of it made my day and my Marocchino never tasted better making me feel all warmed up as the rain outside poured down heavily.

Cheers!