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 byYoosuf Shafeeu
Written byYoosuf Shafeeu
Screenplay byYoosuf Shafeeu
Produced byNiuma Mohamed
StarringYoosuf Shafeeu
Ali Seezan
Mohamed Manik
Aminath Rishfa
Washiya Mohamed
Aishath Lahfa
CinematographyIbrahim Moosa
Edited byYoosuf Shafeeu
Mohamed Abdul Ganee
Music byFathuhullah Shakeel
Production
company
Newxo Production
Release date
  • 7 October 2023 (2023-10-07)
CountryMaldives
LanguageDhivehi

Premise

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The 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

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Development

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In 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

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Kalhaki 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

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  1. ^ Lubaa, Aminath (8 August 2023). "Kalhaki: A trip gone wrong". The Press. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (24 September 2023). "Horror encounters with Kalhaki Trailer". Sun. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  7. ^ 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.