Mahdi Ahmed

One of the great pleasures of writing for cinema is crafting characters who carry weight without explanation — characters who can shift the energy of a scene the moment they step into frame. In Kan’bulo, that weight belongs to Ahmed Nimal’s portrayal of Rauf.

Working with Nimal is a lesson in how less is always more when you trust the actor. His performance isn’t loud. It’s not theatrical. It doesn’t demand attention — it commands it. From the earliest drafts, Director Munavvaru and I knew Rauf needed to be played by someone who could embody presence with precision. Someone who understands that authority doesn’t come from shouting; it comes from the quiet confidence of someone who believes they control the room, the situation — and sometimes, the people.

Watching the dailies and the rough cut, it became clear to me how much Nimal brought beyond what was written. His understanding of pacing, of silence, of stillness, transformed simple scenes into something tense, layered, and unforgettable. His performance shapes the emotional landscape of this film. He fills the gaps between the lines with something unspoken but deeply felt.

Audiences may not know what to make of Rauf at first. And that’s by design. Ahmed Nimal ensures that with every glance, every gesture, they’ll lean in closer — trying to understand him, trying to figure him out. That is the mark of an actor fully in control of his craft.

As a screenwriter, there’s no greater reward than seeing an actor breathe life into a role in ways you didn’t even imagine. Ahmed Nimal does this, and more. His work in Kan’bulo will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Kan’bulo is set to be released on 31 August 2025.