Feehaali

2021 Maldivian film
  • January 1, 2021 (2021-01-01)
Running time
25 minutesCountryMaldivesLanguageDhivehi

Feehaali is a 2021 Maldivian crime thriller short film written and directed by Moomin Fuad.[1] Produced by Mohamed Zuhuree under Final Chapter Studio, the film stars Mohamed Zuhuree, Washiya Mohamed and Anoof Ali Musthafa in pivotal roles.[2] The film was digitally released on 1 January 2021.[2]

Premise

Nanna (Washiya Mohamed), a young pretty girl begs her ex-boyfriend, Soppe (Anoof Ali Musthafa), to meet her in Male', one last time before her departure, hoping she could escape from her old-aged husband, Samad (Mohamed Zuhuree). While having a coffee, Soppe throws a cigarette filter off the terrace which lands on the newly purchased bed which Ahmed (Ali Fizam) was delivering to his short tempered brother-in-law, Masood (Ismail Rasheed). Having no cash in had, Ahmed leaves the bed with the pick-up driver (Ahmed Ishar) and flees from the scene. Ahmed gets rid of the bed by selling it to Samad for a cheap price. Due to the time-restriction in loading the bed into their boat, Samad takes it to his guest house. On entering his room, Samad is greeted with a surprise where he sees his young wife making out with her ex-boyfriend. Outraged, he suffocates him to death and buries him in the very same bed.

Cast

  • Mohamed Zuhuree as Samad
  • Washiya Mohamed as Nanna
  • Anoof Ali Musthafa as Soppe
  • Ismail Rasheed as Masood
  • Ali Fizam as Ahmed
  • Ahmed Ishar as Driver
  • Nathasha Jaleel as Azima
  • Mariyam Shifa (special appearance)
  • Susan Ibrahim Fulhu (special appearance)

Release

Feehaali was digitally released on 1 January 2021 on the occasion of New Year.[2] It was made available for streaming from Baiskoafu application on the same day.[2]

Critical response

Upon release, the film received extremely positive reviews from critics. Ifraz Ali from Dho? praised the direction and writing by Moomin Fuad and wrote: "Similar to his previous ventures including Goh Raalhu and Nivairoalhi, the film ends with a difficult situation for the audience to evaluate and process what just happened; such is his power at his work".[3] Echoing similar sentiments, Fathimath Sausan Ali from CNM called the film as one of the best local recent local productions with a "jaw breaking" climax. "In an half an hour, the film justifies the crime-nest of the capital city with its path-breaking direction, writing, cinematography and editing".[4] Calling the film a "masterpiece" by Final Chapter Studio crew, Ahmed Rasheed from MuniAvas commended the performance and technical work of the whole crew and wrote: "Everyone involved in this project deserves full marks for forcing the audience to hold their breath from the very beginning till the credits roll out.[5]

References

  1. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2020). "Feehaali: New year gift from Moomin Fuad". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 8 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Rasheed, Ahmed (30 December 2020). "Moomin Fuad's New Year gift is Feehaali". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  3. ^ Ali, Ifraz (24 January 2021). "Film Review: The perspective of Male's crime nest". Dho?. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  4. ^ Ali, Fathimath Sausan (5 January 2021). "Feehaali: The city was shown in its truest form in just half an hour". CNM. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  5. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (1 January 2021). "Feehaali: A recommended suspense thriller!". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.