Dhanmalhi

Dhanmalhi is a 1993 Maldivian teledrama directed by Reeko Moosa Manik. Produced and distributed by Television Maldives, the film stars Reeko Moosa Manik, Lilian Saeed and Suneetha in pivotal roles. The film shows the conflict between a husband and wife and the progression of the husband due to his wife's behavior.

Premise

Idhrees is married to an indolent, deceptive and manipulative wife, Faree who does no work other than sleep and watching television citing her ill-health. Idhrees, who is treated as a servant to Faree gets his final warning at his job for being continuously late to work. Hussainfulhu, a well wisher for Idhrees, advises him to take control of his life. Meanwhile, a colleague of Idhrees, Hafsa shows interest towards him while his wife suspects him having an affair with another woman.

Cast

Reeko Moosa Manik as Idhrees
Lilian Saeed as Fareedha
Suneetha as Hafsa
Koyya Hassan Manik as Hussainfulhu
Arifa Ibrahim as Fareedha's mother
Shakir as Solih

Reception

Upon release, the film mainly received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It was lauded for demonstrating the classical regressive view from a female's perspective unlike other locals releases and also for the performance of Reeko Moosa Manik and Lilian Saeed. Similarly, another critic applauded the cinematographer and director's work in utilizing the locations as a "transitioning point" in the film, however criticized the film makers conception of a healthy marriage.