Nivairoalhi is a 2019 Maldivian film written and directed by Moomin Fuad. Produced by Niuma Mohamed under NiuXo Films, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Aminath Rishfa, Zeenath Abbas, Ahmed Saeed, Nashidha Mohamed, and Ahmed Azmeel.[1] The film was released on 3 January 2019.[2]

Nivairoalhi
Official film poster
Directed byMoomin Fuad
Written byMoomin Fuad
Screenplay byMoomin Fuad
Produced byNiuma Mohamed
StarringNiuma Mohamed
Yoosuf Shafeeu
Ahmed Asim
CinematographyHussain Adnan
Edited byHussain Adnan
Music byFathuhulla Abdul Fahthah
Production
company
NiuXo Films
Release date
  • 3 January 2019 (2019-01-03)
Running time
123 minutes
CountryMaldives
LanguageDhivehi

Premise edit

Mana (Niuma Mohamed) and Riffath (Yoosuf Shafeeu) are a modern dual-career couple, much to the disappointment of their parents, who look forward to a grandchild. Mana returns for a study break from abroad and Riffath observes a distinctive change in her behavior. The relationship between the couple is affected by Mana's mood swings.

Cast edit

Development edit

The film was announced on 20 October 2017 at a grand event held to celebrate Niuma Mohamed's twenty-year career.[3] Releasing the first look of the film, Mohamed declared her "onscreen retirement" and indicated the film to be her last, though she would "still continue to serve in the industry behind the camera".[3] A thirty-second teaser was released on 22 November 2017, featuring a demoralized Mohamed shattering a drinking glass by continuously hitting it on his forehead.[4] Mohamed had earlier worked with director Moomin Fuad in the segment "Baiveriyaa" from the unreleased anthology film Hatharu Halha, which was the first Maldivian anthology film project.[4]

It was earlier projected that filming would begin on 25 January 2018, but it was delayed, citing the need for Mohamed to "gain weight to showcase the perfect physique of the character".[4] Filming commenced on 17 June 2018 on R. Inguraidhoo, for a ten-day schedule. All indoor shots were completed during this schedule and filming for outdoor shots began on 11 July 2018 in Male'.[5] An ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Aminath Rishfa, Zeenath Abbas, Ahmed Saeed, Nashidha Mohamed, Ahmed Azmeel, Mariyam Shakeela, Aminath Rasheedha, and Mariyam Haleem were announced in a promotional event held on 10 April 2018.[6]

Soundtrack edit

The first song from the film, "Reydhanve Mendhanve Dhandhen", sung by Mira Mohamed Majid and Falih Adam, was released on 21 September 2018.[7] Two promotional songs were released prior to the film's release: Zoya's "Maa Rangalhu Vaaney" and Mira Mohamed Majid's "Sihuru Fadhavi Kamana".[8] The latter, directed and edited by Aishath Rishmy and Ravee Farooq, was shot over eight days and was an instant hit upon release.[8]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Reydhanve Mendhanve Dhandhen"Mohamed Abdul Ghanee Mira Mohamed Majid, Falih Adam3:18
2."Maa Rangalhu Vaaney" (Promotional song)Mohamed Abdul Ghanee Zoya Hassan3:10
3."Sihuru Fadhavi Kamana" (Promotional song)Mohamed Abdul GhaneeHussain SobahMira Mohamed Majid, Hussain Sobah4:43
4."Haasve Goiy Husvanee"Fathuhulla Abdul FahthahFathuhulla Abdul FahthahHawwa Ashra 

Release edit

The film was initially planned to be released on Mohamed's birthday, 20 October 2018.[4] However, the team later accelerated the release date to 19 October 2018 based on fan requests, before pushing it back for an early-2019 release.[9] On 27 September 2018, Mohamed confirmed that dubbing for the film was halted since she was suffering from laryngitis.[10] Hence, the release date of the film was postponed to January 2019.[10]

Response edit

Nivairoalhi received mostly positive reviews from critics. Aishath Maaha of Dho? favored the performance of the lead actors, particularly praising Ahmed Asim's work.[11] She also mentioned the "neat arrangement" of its screenplay, though she pointed out its "weak ending", saying it was unsatisfactory.[11] Similar sentiments were echoed from Aminath Luba of Sun, who called Asim "outstanding", while other cast members were thought to be "excellent". Luba also found the scene arrangement to be "gripping", while also calling the film's ending "weak".[12]

References edit

  1. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (29 November 2017). ""Dhevansoora" to release on February 6". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  2. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (3 January 2019). "Nivairoalhi released with a surprise". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (21 October 2017). "Niuma announces her retirement with Nivairoalhi". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d Adhushan, Ahmed (22 November 2017). "A Teaser of Niuma's last release, Nivairoalhi released". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  5. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (19 February 2018). "Shooting for Nivairoalhi to begin on 25th March". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  6. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (11 April 2018). "Star Cast of Nivairoalhi announced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  7. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (22 September 2018). "A new teaser and the official song of Nivaroalhi released". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  8. ^ a b Ali, Ifraz (1 January 2019). "New year greetings with Niuma's last song". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  9. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (11 July 2018). "Nivaroalhi preponed for October 19". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  10. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (27 September 2018). "Nivaroalhi yet again to be released in 2019". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  11. ^ a b Maaha, Aishath (11 January 2019). "Nivaroalhi Review: Its heartbreaking to say Good Bye". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  12. ^ Luba, Aminath (12 January 2019). "Nivaroalhi Review: A different yet satisfying film". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.