Kalhaki is a 2023 Maldivian horror film written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu. Produced by Niuma Mohamed under Newxo Productions, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Ali Seezan, Mohamed Manik, Aminath Rishfa, Washiya Mohamed and Aishath Lahfa in pivotal roles. The film follows a group of friends on a holiday abroad, and how their trip becomes a horrifying nightmare as bizarre events unfold.[1] The film was released on 7 October 2023.[2]
| Kalhaki | |
|---|---|
 Official film poster | |
| Directed by | Yoosuf Shafeeu |
| Written by | Yoosuf Shafeeu |
| Screenplay by | Yoosuf Shafeeu |
| Produced by | Niuma Mohamed |
| Starring | Yoosuf Shafeeu Ali Seezan Mohamed Manik Aminath Rishfa Washiya Mohamed Aishath Lahfa |
| Cinematography | Ibrahim Moosa |
| Edited by | Yoosuf Shafeeu Mohamed Abdul Ganee |
| Music by | Fathuhullah Shakeel |
Production company | Newxo Production |
Release date |
|
| Country | Maldives |
| Language | Dhivehi |
Premise
editThe film follows a group of friends embarking on a holiday getaway in an unfamiliar foreign locale, seeking to craft cherished memories. However, this destination and trip turns into a nightmare when some bizarre and unexplainable events start to unravel, instilling terror and horror in the group.
Cast
edit- Yoosuf Shafeeu as Sharif
- Ali Seezan as Nimal
- Mohamed Manik as Zalif
- Aminath Rishfa as Mashidha
- Washiya Mohamed as Ziyana
- Aishath Lahfa as Lamha
Development
editIn October 2017, the project with a working title Kalhaki was announced.[3] After two years with no updates from the production company, in October 2019, actress Niuma Mohamed re-announced the film as the producer of the film, with a different cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Ali Seezan, Aminath Rishfa, Mohamed Mani, and Mohamed Faisal.[4] The film marks the second production from the studio NewXo Films, following the release of the psychological thriller film Nivairoalhi (2019).[3] In January 2020, the cast and crew of the film departed to Sri Lanka for filming.[3] Filming for the whole project was completed in Sri Lanka within twenty days.[3][5]
Release
editKalhaki was theatrically released on 7 October 2023.[6] The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Aminath Luba reviewing from The Press lauded Washiya Mohamed's performance in portraying the possessed character, commending her ability to stand on par with the senior actors.[7] Apart from her reservations about the climax and the editing, she was impressed with Shafeeu's direction and the acting performances of the entire cast.[7]
References
edit- ^ Lubaa, Aminath (8 August 2023). "Kalhaki: A trip gone wrong". The Press. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Lubaa, Aminath (27 May 2023). "Niuma's Kalhaki coming to Olympus this October". The Press. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b c d Adhushan, Ahmed (14 January 2020). "Crew and cast of Kalhaki departs to Sri Lanka". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (18 October 2019). "Niuma announced two films and a show". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (19 January 2020). "Filming for Kalhaki begins in Sri Lanka". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (24 September 2023). "Horror encounters with Kalhaki Trailer". Sun. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b Luba, Aminath (14 October 2023). "Kalhali Review: A film which turns the lives of several individuals upside down". Sun. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.