Orkeyz | Mahdi Ahmed

Posts tagged ‘Orkeyz’

ROBOMAN: THE MOVIE – A FAMILY MUSICAL WITH DANCE AND DRAMA

Roboman: The Movie is a family-oriented musical that beautifully blends heartwarming moments, dance, and stunning visual effects with an engaging time-travel narrative. Directed by Ibrahim Wisan and produced by Mohamed Munthasir and Ahmed Saji of Orkeyz Inc., the film is a bold, fresh entry into Dhivehi cinema. With standout performances from newcomers Amelia Nasrulla Shakeeb and Misha Ismail Niyaz, along with breathtaking cinematography and CGI by Mohamed Saami, this film is a cinematic treat for audiences of all ages.

The film begins in 2040, where Roboman, a beloved masked hero and national icon, is living peacefully—until he discovers that his timeline has been drastically altered. His arch-nemesis, Umar, has tampered with the past, specifically the events of 2024 during the finale of the Robo Junior Challenge. Due to this interference, Roboman finds himself labeled a convicted criminal, hunted by the authorities for crimes he didn’t commit. As the police close in, Roboman is forced to use time-travel technology to return to 2024 and stop Umar from rewriting history.

In 2024, the focus shifts to Ahu (played by Amelia) and Asee (played by Misha), two young cousins competing in the Robo Junior Challenge, a prestigious dance competition. Despite being the younger of the two, Ahu is more confident and self-assured. However, as an orphan living with her aunt, she feels the weight of being treated differently by the family. Although Ahu can sense the subtle discrimination, Asee’s unwavering support makes her feel truly part of the family. Ahu, in turn, becomes Asee’s source of strength, giving her the confidence to perform and pursue her dreams.

Unknown to both, their competition is at the center of Umar’s plan to discredit Roboman and shift the narrative of history in his favor.

As the competition unfolds, Roboman races against time to prevent Umar from permanently tarnishing his legacy. Along the way, Ahu and Asee’s journey intersects with Roboman’s, leading to a thrilling climax where friendship, family bonds, and the fate of the future are at stake.

Amelia brings depth and charisma to the role of Ahu, portraying her as a strong, confident young girl who faces discrimination but never lets it break her spirit. Despite being younger than Asee, Ahu is the more assured one, and it’s her quiet strength that inspires her cousin. Amelia’s portrayal of Ahu’s resilience and determination is captivating, particularly in moments where she has to balance her personal struggles with her role as Asee’s emotional anchor. Her dance performances are dynamic, reflecting not just her skill but her internal drive.

Misha excels as Asee, the cousin who struggles with the pressures of competition. While Asee initially lacks the confidence to perform at her best, it’s Ahu who bolsters her and gives her the courage to shine. Misha beautifully captures Asee’s vulnerability and her deep love for Ahu, making their bond one of the emotional highlights of the film.

Roboman (played by the real-life showman) delivers a performance filled with seriousness and mystery. As both the masked hero and the judge of the Robo Junior Challenge, Roboman’s silent yet expressive presence raises the stakes of the story. His dual role in both the present day and 2040 adds urgency and drama to the narrative.

Shabin portrays Umar (both in 2024 and 2040), bringing complexity to the antagonist. His depiction of the younger, bitter Umar highlights his jealousy and ambition, while his portrayal of the older Umar exudes menace and cunning. Shabin’s performances add depth to the film’s villain, making him a worthy adversary to Roboman.

Fathimath Noora and Mohamed Shivaz give strong performances as Asee’s loving parents, grounding the film in relatable family dynamics. However, subtle hints of favoritism toward Asee, despite their love for Ahu, provide an emotional undercurrent to Ahu’s story. Their support of Asee, along with their gradual realization of Ahu’s strength, adds an important layer to the narrative. Sobah and Gobbe, as Akbar and Aton, play Umar’s friends who eventually discover his nefarious plot and decide to help Roboman, adding complexity to their characters.

The film also features a fun cameo by superstars Mariyam Azza and Ravi Farooq as themselves, playing the cool judges of the Robo Junior Challenge, adding an exciting celebrity twist.

Mohamed Saami’s cinematography and visual effects are nothing short of spectacular. His portrayal of a futuristic Malé in 2040 is visually breathtaking. The futuristic scenes, particularly Roboman’s music show and his high-tech apartment with an AI bot, blend seamlessly with the live-action elements. Saami’s dynamic camera angles and fluid motion in the dance sequences add energy and excitement, while the time-travel sequences are handled with precision, making them visually captivating.

The music by Shahyd Legacy perfectly complements the story, enhancing both the emotional and action-packed moments. The soundtrack balances pulsating beats for the dance competition scenes with more poignant melodies for the quieter, introspective moments. Shahyd Legacy’s music drives the film’s energy while also underscoring its emotional depth, particularly during Ahu’s and Asee’s character development arcs.

Production Manager Fathimath Myeha plays a pivotal role in keeping the film on track, from coordinating auditions to managing the complex shooting schedules. Her work behind the scenes ensured that the film’s ambitious goals were met without sacrificing quality.

The production, led by Mohamed Munthasir and Ahmed Saji, demonstrates a clear vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries of Dhivehi cinema. Munthasir’s concept, inspired by the real-life showman Roboman, adds an authentic touch to the film, while Saji’s role in assembling a top-notch technical team ensures that every aspect—from CGI to choreography—meets the highest standards.

Director Ibrahim Wisan expertly handles the ambitious time-travel narrative while keeping the heart of the story grounded in its emotional core. His direction ensures a smooth transition between the futuristic 2040 and the more grounded 2024, maintaining tension and excitement throughout. Wisan’s balance between dance, humor, and heartfelt moments makes Roboman: The Movie an engaging watch for families and young audiences alike.

Roboman: The Movie is a landmark achievement in Dhivehi cinema, offering a unique blend of family-friendly storytelling, visually stunning effects, and emotional depth. With its innovative time-travel plot, strong performances, and heartfelt messages about perseverance, friendship, and family, the film sets a new standard for the Maldivian film industry. It’s a family entertainer you won’t want to miss!

P.S. Amelia and Misha are simply outstanding.

ROBOMAN: THE MOVIE: VISION OF KANDI

Ibrahim Wisan, popular in the filmdom as Kandi, is a name that has become synonymous with drama and visual storytelling in Dhivehi cinema. Known for his work as an old-school cinematographer, Kandi has always had a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the visual language of film. With Roboman: The Movie, Kandi takes his career to new heights, marking his first venture into the family film genre and adding another remarkable chapter to his already illustrious career.

Before stepping into the director’s chair, Kandi was widely recognized for his exceptional work behind the camera. As a cinematographer, he contributed to many critically acclaimed projects, known for his ability to capture the perfect shot, evoke emotion, and enhance the narrative through his visual style. His technical prowess and creative vision were evident from the start, making him a sought-after name in the industry.

However, Kandi’s talents were not limited to cinematography alone. His passion for storytelling soon led him to explore the world of direction. His first foray into directing was with a children’s short film, Pink Fairy that charmed audiences with its innocence and imagination. The short film showcased his ability to connect with younger viewers, bringing out the pure and magical essence of childhood through his lens. This marked the beginning of his journey as a director—a journey that would soon take him to new heights.

Roboman: The Movie represents a significant leap for Kandi, as it is his first feature-length film in the family genre. This project allowed him to blend his skills as a cinematographer with his directorial vision, creating a movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Kandi’s transition from shorts to feature films showcases his versatility and willingness to explore new genres, pushing the boundaries of his craft.

With Roboman: The Movie, Kandi has ventured into the family genre, a space that requires a delicate balance of humor, emotion, and drama. The film tells the story of two young cousins, Ahu and Asee, who navigate the highs and lows of friendship, rivalry, and dreams as they compete in the Robo Junior Challenge. It’s a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, filled with moments of joy, tension, and redemption.

What sets Roboman: The Movie apart is Kandi’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to the family film genre. His background in cinematography is evident in the film’s visual language. Each frame is carefully composed to convey the story’s emotional beats, from the vibrant and energetic dance sequences to the more intimate, character-driven moments. Kandi’s dynamic direction, coupled with fluid camerawork and stunning visual effects by Mohamed Saami, creates a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and visually captivating.

Kandi’s direction also brings out the best in his cast, particularly the newcomers, Amelia and Misha, who play Ahu and Asee. Their chemistry and performances add a layer of authenticity and relatability to the film, making the story resonate with audiences of all ages.

Roboman: The Movie marks a new chapter in Kandi’s career, highlighting his growth as a filmmaker and his ability to handle a full-length feature in a genre he had not previously explored. His dedication to creating a film that appeals to both children and adults shows his commitment to expanding the horizons of Dhivehi cinema. Kandi’s approach to directing this film is not just about entertainment; it’s about telling a story that speaks to the hearts of its viewers, encouraging them to dream, to support each other, and to confront challenges with courage.

Kandi’s journey from cinematographer to director has been marked by bold choices, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a deep understanding of the art of filmmaking. Roboman: The Movie is not just another film on his resume—it’s a statement of his growth, his vision, and his passion for storytelling.

Roboman: The Movie is set to hit cinemas on 26th September 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on Kandi’s ever-evolving journey as one of the Maldives’ most promising directors.

ROBOMAN: THE MOVIE: A VISUAL TRIUMPH BY SAMI

In the world of filmmaking, certain artists possess the power to elevate a story, creating visual spectacles that captivate audiences and linger in their minds long after the credits roll. Mohamed Sami is one such talent—a cinematographer and CGI artist whose exceptional work on Roboman: The Movie promises to mesmerize viewers. With his ability to seamlessly blend CGI with live-action footage and his eye for stunning cinematography, Sami has crafted a visually breathtaking portrayal of Malé and a futuristic apartment for Roboman in 2040, setting a new benchmark in Dhivehi cinema.

One of the most talked-about elements of Roboman: The Movie would be its strikingly vivid scenes of Malé in the year 2040. Sami’s vision of the city is both futuristic and familiar, capturing the essence of Malé’s landscape while infusing it with a dynamic, modern twist. His rendition of Roboman’s apartment is equally breathtaking. These scenes transport viewers to a futuristic Malé, where towering structures, vibrant colors, monorails, and other contemporary elements feel both aspirational and grounded.

Sami’s CGI work is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to create a futuristic cityscape that feels authentic and lived-in showcases his visionary talent. The CGI seamlessly integrates with live-action footage, enhancing the narrative without overpowering it. This delicate balance between visual effects and real-world elements is going to keep the audience deeply immersed in the story, fully believing in the world the characters inhabit.

What truly makes Sami’s work in Roboman: The Movie stand out is how effortlessly he merges CGI with live action. Instead of feeling like a separate layer, the CGI is woven into the fabric of the film, enriching the story’s emotional beats and adding depth to the narrative, instantly transporting the audience to a near-future version of Malé.

Sami’s attention to detail is evident in every frame. He uses CGI not merely to create a spectacle, but to tell a story—each visual element serves a purpose. His work demonstrates that CGI, when used effectively, can be a powerful storytelling tool that adds layers of meaning and emotion to a film.

Beyond his groundbreaking CGI work, Mohamed Sami’s expertise as a cinematographer is evident throughout Roboman: The Movie. His camera work is dynamic and fluid, capturing the energy and emotion of each scene with precision. From the vibrant dance sequences of the Robo Junior Challenge to the quieter, more intimate moments between characters, Sami’s camera movements are meticulously designed to draw viewers into the film’s world.

The film’s action-packed dance sequences are shot with a keen understanding of rhythm and flow, enhancing the choreography and allowing the audience to feel every beat and movement. Sami’s use of sweeping shots, tight close-ups, and innovative angles keeps the visuals fresh and engaging, ensuring that each scene feels distinct and purposeful.

Mohamed Sami’s work on Roboman: The Movie would undoubtedly set a new standard for visual storytelling in Dhivehi cinema. His ability to create a believable and immersive world through a combination of CGI and live action, coupled with his exceptional cinematography, marks him as a standout talent in the industry.

Roboman: The Movie is set to be released on September 26, 2024. Stay tuned for more!

ROBOMAN: THE MOVIE TRAILER DROPS WITH DANCE, EMOTIONS DRAMA, AND SPECTACLE

The highly-anticipated Roboman: The Movie trailer has officially dropped, and it’s packed with fun, emotions, and jaw-dropping moments!

From the very first frame, the trailer promises a rollercoaster ride of heartwarming stories and spectacular dance sequences. Amelia as Ahu and Misha as Asee light up the screen with their incredible performances. Their chemistry and passion for dance shine through every shot, leaving us all eagerly rooting for them in the Robo Junior Challenge!

Speaking of the Robo Junior Challenge, the set is a visual treat! With more extras than any Dhivehi film has ever seen, it’s a spectacle that captures the vibrant energy and excitement of the competition. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the drama is real!

And it doesn’t stop there! Dhivehi cinema superstars Mariyam Azza and Ravee Farooq take center stage as judges, bringing their signature intensity and flair to the film. Alongside them, Roboman himself adds layers of suspense and emotional depth, making every moment even more gripping.

But perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment comes in the final shot—a stunning glimpse of a futuristic Malé that has left everyone in awe. The visual effects and set design take Dhivehi cinema to a whole new level, and we can’t wait to see more!

Mark your calendars for September 26! This is one film you don’t want to miss. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with dreams, determination, and dance!

GOODBYE GIRLFRIENDS

I found myself caught in a bittersweet whirlwind of emotions as I typed the words “END OF SEASON 2” on the last page of the twelfth episode of the hit series, Girlfriends. A wave of feelings swept over me, the result of two months of immersing myself in the lives of Zila, Shamla, and Firushan.

Their flat became like a second home to me, their joys and struggles etched in my mind. Season 2, a year and a half after the first, explored the intricate webs of their fates.

Zila’s ascent in the architecture world was haunted by the ghosts of her past, a tribute to her unbreakable resilience in the face of old scars. Shamla, now a sound engineer for a Dhivehi film, faced her own labyrinth of difficulties, including the unresolved hurt and a new relationship fraught with its own challenges.

Firushan became the key that linked their stories, adding richness and nuance to the plot. His battle with a dark secret and his involvement in Zila and Shamla’s lives added a touch of intrigue and mystery.

Each episode unraveled against the colorful scenery of Male’, exposing secrets, pain, love, and finally, healing. It was a story about the human spirit’s amazing ability to bounce back, the bravery to face inner demons, and the lasting power of friendship.

Writing Season 2 was a deeply personal journey, filled with moments so moving that they brought tears to my eyes. As I reflect, my heart is filled with gratitude for Munko, the series creator, and Saaji, the producer, for giving me this captivating story. Their unshakable faith in my writing has been a fountain of constant inspiration and support.

As I say goodbye to Season 2, my eyes look forward to the dawn of Season 3, if destiny permits it to be. Until then, I send my best wishes to the cast and crew who are working hard to make it a reality.

REUNITED WITH MY GIRLFRIENDS

After an agonizing 2 years, 0 months and 7 days hiatus, I’m finally back with my Girlfriends – no, not the kind you’re thinking, but the hit web series I penned for Orkeys Inc. that streamed on MediaNet. It just got a green light for season two, and I will be teaming up again with the genius series creator, Munko, to dish out another 12 episodes of pure awesomeness.

Our fab trio – Zila, Shamla, and Firshan, brilliantly portrayed by Mye, Aisha, and Sharif – are back in town. This season, they’ve packed up and moved to a brand-new apartment. Expect even more drama, adventures, and daily life face-offs. Not to mention, a cocktail of intriguing (and a bit menacing) old and new characters!

Quick brag: I’ve already penned down episodes one and two, and the first episode’s shoot? Done and dusted! Can’t wait to sneak a peek at the rough cut.

Alright, I think I’ve rambled on enough for now. Time to dive back into the world of my Girlfriends. Catch you on the flip side! Cheers! 🥂

A GO-DOWN AND A FAMILY OF CATS

It feels like it’s been a gazillion years since my last post. So much has happened, but honestly, my aging brain has swallowed most of those memories. Luckily, the few projects I recently wrapped up are still clear as day in my cluttered mind.

Let’s rewind to last year when I triumphantly completed GUDHAN for the brilliant folks at Orkeyz studio. This intense thriller was a 12-episode web series, produced exclusively for the Baiskoafu streaming platform. Six strangers chilling at a massage parlor when the police decide to crash the party. Cue the chaos! They make a daring escape through a secret window, only to find themselves trapped in a sketchy go-down. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place. Inside those four walls, tensions rise, and things get downright ugly.

As if that wasn’t enough, I ventured into uncharted territory and penned my very first cartoon series. Titled MIYO?, this whimsical creation served as an awareness campaign by the Ministry of Gender, shedding light on gender-based issues in our society. And guess what? It was another collaboration with the wizards at Orkeyz. MIYO? features a community of feline characters, and boy, did it strike a chord! The reviews poured in, and now there’s even talk of turning this into a full-fledged movie. Meow-velous, isn’t it?

Just three days ago, I put the finishing touches on my latest feature-length screenplay called FUN. Now, I can’t spill all the juicy details, because if I did, I’d be slapped with a lawsuit faster than you can say “spoiler alert.” Suffice it to say, this baby has an interesting concept and revolves around three characters stranded on a mysterious island. Intriguing, right? I must admit, I’m pretty stoked about it.

And guess what? Today marks the beginning of my next big adventure! I’ve started work on an untitled feature for the one and only Hussain Munvvaru. Picture this: drama, drama, and more drama! It’s the perfect recipe for captivating the masses. Hussain and I go way back, having collaborated on his directorial debut, SAZAA, which was a smashing success. We followed it up with DHILAKANI, which didn’t receive the warmest of receptions, but hey, you win some, you lose some. Oh, and how could I forget about our crazy experimental project, INGILI, with him and Ravi? It may have been a commercial flop, but it made history as the first Maldivian film to snatch up an international award. Sometimes you win awards, sometimes you win lessons, right?

Well, folks, here’s to more frequent posts in the future! Stay tuned for more updates and exciting stories from my chaotic yet fulfilling journey.

Cheers!

I MISS MY GIRLFRIENDS

I wrapped up writing the web series, Girlfriends, 12 episodes yesterday. The feeling is indescribable, and my heart is overflowing with emotions. This was not just a project but a journey that left an imprint on my soul, and it was an experience I will forever cherish and hold close to my heart.

From the moment I sat in the first pitch meeting with the series creator, Munko, to the character build-up sessions with the entire cast, I knew this would be special. The concept was simple yet so emotionally charged that I was utterly drawn and immersed in it.

Girlfriends is a story of three twenty-something girls sharing one room, struggling to fulfill their dreams while making ends meet amidst the chaotic city life of Male’. It was a tale of trials and tribulations, heartbreaks and triumphs, and the unbreakable bond of friendship. It was a story that resonated with me on so many levels.

And yet, this was not the first series I have written where the entire series revolves around women. Hinithunvelaashey Kalaa, with fifty-two episodes aired on TVM eons ago, explored the lives of two best friends, girls living on the island of Kelai. While writing Girlfriends, I felt the same intensity and compassion I had for Hinithunvelaashey Kalaa, but a notch above, given that I had to deal with not just two but an array of women characters. And they were tossed into today’s society, which has changed considerably and is fierce and harsh.

I am grateful to Munko and executive producer Saaji for trusting me to write this series to all my heart’s desires. I hope I have delivered to their satisfaction. If only the streamer had given some analytics after premiering each episode. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bugged them occasionally for feedback.

But my gratitude extends beyond Munko and Saaji. I am indebted to the entire cast, especially the four central characters, for their stunning performances. Zila, Shamla, Hawwa, and Firushan, acted by Ayecha, Myeha, Lahfa, and Sharif, respectively, are mesmerizing. They brought their characters to life in an authentic and heart-wrenching way. They are a treat to watch.

Even the actors in the supporting roles were fabulous. Shout out to Maria, Alam, Axam, Afrah, and the rest of the cast. They all stood out and brought a unique flavor to the series.

And let’s not forget the music. Shahyd Legacy’s composition touched every string of my heart, and it was the beat of the entire series, elevating every scene to another level.

Sami has given this series a striking visual with his lensing, an infectious color with his color grading, and his editing is well-paced. He is a true artist in every sense of the word.

Last, I bow to director Kandi Wisan for his assured direction and for giving this series a completely different visual flair with dramatic undertones. He has squeezed the very best out of every actor, and the result is a job well done.

Girlfriends have been etched deeply in my heart, and I miss writing about them. A few months back, I was making their lives happy, fun, sad, and miserable, sometimes putting them in grave danger. Sometimes I felt a lump in my throat to throw any of them into such emotional turbulence, and I felt that none deserved such treatment.

But that is the nature of storytelling. We create characters, put them through trials, and watch them grow. And that is precisely what we did with Girlfriends

Cheers!

WRITING SEASON 3 OF KARUHAKURU

A day ago, I wrapped up writing season 3 of Karuhakuru, the first Dhivehi sitcom series. In short, I had a blast writing all the 12 episodes.

In season 3, best of all, I weathered all the pressure that I faced while writing some of the episodes. However, unlike the previous seasons, they were few and far between. But most importantly, I was able to resolve them with show creator Munko and producer Saaji with ease. Thus, I delivered each episode right on time to fit the shooting schedule, including a day for table-reads. Shooting getting delayed, postponed, or canceled due to unforeseen reasons was beyond me.

The season 3 revolves around the funny yet the lovable family of Rasheed coping with the impending COVID 19 and the ultimate lockdown doom. It will be easier for everyone to relate to this situation since we are still living with it. But for this family, staying home for too long has comical side effects. Some characters find a new love for unusual things, and Liu and Liz, an infatuation for Mabrouk. For him, who didn’t?

One of the biggest challenges in writing season 3 was the newest addition to the family. Wish I could reveal this character and the actor portraying the role, but I can already see Saaji eyeballing and breathing fire at me. Worry not, Saaji, I am not going to spoil anything here. But I can peel this much, the new addition is no small feet, but yes, I consider the character a baby, but a very live wire baby. This actor inspired me to shift my writing into fourth gear and pedal to the metal.

However, the greatest challenge was to keep Nai, the leading man of the series, in a face mask throughout the entire season. But actor Raufath, playing Naai with OCD gusto, has given an outstanding performance in all the scenes he appeared with only his eyes exposed. I haven’t heard any other actor doing that for an entire season in a sitcom. Awesome!

Lamha, the heart, and soul of this series, has shown how quickly she has grown into her character as Liu. Her comic timing is spot on, and her acting sublime.

When I heard from the set that Aysha, who plays Liz, has improved so much, I was tempted to make her role very demanding. With each episode, I tested her acting chops. And I must say that she has come out with flying colors. Her bitterness over Kuday’s mishap is a testament that she could rip the screen even with her screams.

Rasheed remains the firm foundation of the family holding everyone together. Actor Nazim does justice to his character as he did with the previous two seasons, but this time with a coolness that would make even cucumbers green with envy. Wait, they are already green, no?

The always out of element Zack, played by National award-winning Ayya, shows why he is such a versatile actor. He can fit himself into any glove. But the character of Zack is a snug fit for him. In this season, he discovers a way to stand with neither of his feet touching the ground.

Finally, I can’t imagine anyone else but Afrah taking the role of eccentric Kuday. He is lucky enough to return home from Bangkok. He recommences his misadventures with the Rasheed family. This time he has more stories to tell about Joan. Or is it John? John or Joan, ingeynu?

Karuhakuru will always remain my sweetest writing experience ever. I am looking forward to spend few more seasons with Rasheed and his family. I also feel that I have grown with each and every one of them—my sincere thanks to the entire cast and crew, especially Orkeyz Inc. Yes, that did the trick. I no longer feel the fiery breath of Saaji anymore.

Cheers!

BAVATHI review

First and foremost, I want to congratulate first-time writer-director Ilyaas Waheed for his above par effort to bring a movie not only dealing with an ominous subject but presenting it with such a never before seen visual flair and style. His work as a writer and a director is promising and deeply felt. Our film industry has found a force to be reckoned with.

This film also marks as the first Dhivehi psychological thriller that focuses mainly on the psychosis of the protagonist and delving deep into a few clinical practices used in psychology. It’s a slow burner, though. But once it starts to simmer and comes to a full boil, it’s an experience both spine-chilling and thought-provoking.

The narrative is hard to explain without spoilers. But I say this much, it’s surprisingly imaginative. In most part, there are glimmers of brilliance in Ilyas’ writing and directing. And it’s the way he peels off the narrative layer by layer using beautiful and sometimes creepy visuals mixed with intense drama that stands out. For a first-timer, I say he is impressive.

Nuzhath Shuaib has established herself as one of the most versatile actors in the local film industry today, showing her acting prowess in a vast range of roles. It’s not surprising that she accomplished her stardom in such a short span of time. Here, her performance, which is evenly balanced with restraint and nuance, will put her a notch above the rest. She plays an alienated woman who begins to experience strange occurrences around her once she relocates to Male’ after marrying a fitness trainer she meets from her island.

As the narrative progresses, she keeps raising the level of her performance as her life starts spiralling both physically and mentally to a point where her reality becomes blurry. In some sequences, she made me disconcerting and in one pivotal scene, gasping for air even.

However, its at the climax where she bites to the bone of her meaty role showing her acting brilliance with aplomb. It’s a role that any actor would die for. But she made her performance so convincingly powerful that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in it. I am her biggest fan now.

My admiration goes to all the newcomers in the cast, especially Ahmed Ifnaz Firag and Fathimath Latheefa. The former plays the fitness trainer that Nuzhath marries who is not only sympathetic, he’s likeable and will stop at nothing to protect the love of his life. And the latter plays Nuzhath’s uncompromising mother. For their debut, both give decent performances.

Even though veteran actor Mohamed Rasheed appears briefly, his role is crucial to the narrative and heavily supports the new actors. He gives assurance to them.

One of the highlights and in my opinion, also an essential character in this movie is the visual effects combined seamlessly into the narrative. I applaud Orkeyz, the VFX and the technical team behind this film to bring the unique vision of Ilyas to the screen with such finesse. If my memory serves me right, no other Dhivehi film to date has used visual effects so extensively, if not effectively as this.

Kandi Visan’s cinematography is another plus. The way he has set the mood elevates the mystery and the creepiness around Nuzhath. And the long tracking shots used sparingly are lively and a joy to watch.

Regardless of how much technical effort employed, a film is soulless without music. This is where Mistee, the music composer shines. After a praiseworthy composition for Illnoise, Hahdhu and the recent blockbuster, Gohraalhu, he has done it again. Unlike the previous films, which are of contrasting genres as well, he has composed a piece of brooding and moody music that’s so fitting to the sensitive theme of this film. It’s at times heart-pounding too.

In short, this film shines in all the filmmaking departments. For a film from a first timer, it’s technically good and well-performed by the entire cast with a gripping narrative. Highly recommended.