Nina (2023 film) explained

Nina
Director:Ilyas Waheed
Producer:Asim Ali
Ahmed Wahyd
Ilyas Waheed
Screenplay:Ilyas Waheed
Starring:Nuzuhath Shuaib
Sharaf Abdulla
Cinematography:Ibrahim Wisan
Editing:Ahmed Ameed
Mohamed Sami
Music:Hussain Thaufeeq
Studio:IFilms
Runtime:115 minutes
Country:Maldives
Language:Dhivehi

Nina is a 2023 Maldivian crime thriller film directed by Ilyas Waheed. Produced by Asim Ali and Ahmed Wahyd under IFilms, the film stars Nuzuhath Shuaib in title role while debutant Sharaf Abdulla, Mariyam Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela feature in pivotal roles.

Premise

Nina, a gym and martial arts instructor, finds solace in a relationship with Hamdh, a friend. However, her life is disrupted by a dramatic event, leaving her beaten and broken. Nina must find revenge seeking justice for those responsible.

Cast

Development

Following the success of Bavathi (2019), director Ilyas Waheed announced Nina in August 2019 with a cast including Nuzuhath Shuaib, debutant Sharaf Abdulla and Mohamed Jumayyil. After completing the shoot in Male', the cast and crew departed to Laamu atoll on 4 February 2020.[1] As required for the film, Shuaib trained in martial arts.[2] Shooting for the film ended in March 2020.[3] In mid-2020, it was reported that veteran actress Mariyam Rasheedha has joined the cast of the film after a break of more than two decades.[3] Following the child abuse allegation over Jumayyil, the production studio severed ties with him and affirmed that he will not be involved in the marketing and promotion of the film, though no confirmation was given by the studio if his role will be retained in the film or replaced.[4] Filming was completed in early 2021.[5]

Release and response

The film was scheduled for theatrical release in late 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

Officially launching the film on 31 May 2023, the director announced the release date of the film as 6 August 2023.[7] Following its release, the film garnered extensive acclaim from critics. Akram Abdulla of Dhauru lauded Nuzuhath Shuaib's portrayal of the resolute protagonist, highlighting her embodiment of an unapologetically strong woman within a narrative that is deemed less substantial. Barring few scenes, Abdulla considered the film to offer an overall "thrilling experience".[8]

Notes and References

  1. News: Nina's cast and crew in Laamu . Sun . Divehi . Jaishan . Ahmed . 4 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210111120317/https://sun.mv/131065 . live . 11 January 2021 . 11 January 2021 . dmy-all.
  2. News: Filming commenced for Nina . Avas . Divehi . 2 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210111123351/https://archive.mv/dv/articles/MLNNE . live . 11 January 2021 . 11 January 2021 . dmy-all.
  3. News: Nina shows her strength in the trailer . Divehi . Mihaaru . Adhushan . Ahmed . 14 August 2020 . https://archive.today/20200819162714/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/78816 . live . 19 August 2020 . 19 August 2020 . dmy-all .
  4. News: Jumayyil has a small role in Nina, will not be part of future films . Dhen . Divehi . 4 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210111124153/https://dhen.mv/6564 . live . 11 January 2021 . 11 January 2021. dmy-all.
  5. News: Ille's "Neena" to release next year . Mihaaru . Adhushan . Ahmed . Divehi . 4 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220108164735/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/79793 . live . 8 January 2022 . 12 August 2023. dmy-all.
  6. News: Release of Nina postponed due to COVID-19 . Mihaaru . Adhushan . Ahmed . 4 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210111123737/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/79793 . live. 11 January 2021 . 10 January 2021 . dmy-all.
  7. News: Dhivehi film "Neena" to release in August . Dhuvas . 31 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230531102152/https://dhuvas.mv/238046 . live . 31 May 2023 . 12 August 2023 . dmy-all.
  8. News: Neena: A good film worth a watch . Dhauru . Abdulla . Akram . 7 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812094902/https://dhauru.com/post/entertainment/20806 . live . 12 August 2023 . 12 August 2023 . dmy-all.