Udhabaani | |
Director: | Amjad Ibrahim |
Producer: | Hamid Ali |
Screenplay: | Amjad Ibrahim |
Starring: | Yoosuf Shafeeu Amira Ismail Hamid Ali Aminath Shareef |
Cinematography: | Riyaz |
Music: | Ayyuman Shareef |
Editing: | Yoosuf Shafeeu Abdul Faththaah |
Studio: | Learner's Production |
Country: | Maldives |
Language: | Dhivehi |
Udhabaani is a 2009 Maldivian romantic horror feature film directed by Amjad Ibrahim.[1] Produced by Hamid Ali under Learner's Production, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Amira Ismail, Hamid Ali and Aminath Shareef in pivotal roles.[2] [3] Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, although it performed well at the box office, making it Ibrahim's most successful venture.[4]
Lathaafa (Lathaa) (Amira Ismail) is a schoolgirl from a low-income family. Her parents, Adamfulhu (Hamid Ali) and Mariyam Manike (Aminath Shareef), work all day to earn an income hoping to sustain basic necessities. One night, Adamfulhu goes fishing and is dragged into the sea by a supernatural force. Concerned about him, Mariyam Manike searches for him and finds him at the fishing spot sitting idle. On his return, Lathaa and Mariyam Manike observe differences in his habits; forgetting his daily chores and distancing himself from prayer. Lathaa, who is in a romantic relationship with Laami (Yoosuf Shafeeu), a shopkeeper, sees a black shadow at the beach, causing them to stop meeting there.
Two nights later, Laami comes to Lathaa's house and tries to rape her after she refuses to have sex with him. Mariyam Manike opens the door in time and kicks him out. The next morning Laami's father storms out on him for harassing Lathaa, which Laami had no memory of. Lathaa was expelled from school and her father warns her about her relationship with Laami. To clear his suspicions, Laami and his friend, Areesh (Hussain Solah) spy on Adamfulhu and witness him transforming into a monster. After eating raw fish, he transforms back to Adamfulhu and goes back to his house. A few minutes later, they observe the same man, now disguised as Laami, enter Lathaa's room.
The following day, Areesh is found dead. A witch doctor who figures out the truth through Areesh and Laami, explains the events to Mariyam Manike and hands over two amulets to be used for protection. She ties one of the amulets to Lathaa's hand but she does not have the chance to tie the next amulet on her body. The following day, the witch doctor and Mariyam Manike are found murdered in their houses.