Feehaali

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

Premise

Nanna, a young pretty girl begs her ex-boyfriend, Soppe, to meet her in Male', one last time before her departure, hoping she could escape from her old-aged husband, Samad. While having a coffee, Soppe throws a cigarette filter off the terrace which lands on the newly purchased bed which Ahmed was delivering to his short tempered brother-in-law, Masood. Having no cash in had, Ahmed leaves the bed with the pick-up driver 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
Susan Ibrahim Fulhu

Release

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

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". 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". 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.