Dark Rain Entertainment is a Maldivian production company based in Male' producing Maldivian films. Established in 2006, the studio has produced the first Maldivian films shot entirely in HD, 3D and on DSLR.
Company type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Entertainment |
Founded | Dark Rain Entertainment |
Headquarters | , Maldives |
Key people | Ali Shifau Mohamed Ali |
Products | Film production |
Website | Dark Rain Entertainment |
History
editThe studio's first feature film production was Moomin Fuad's suspense thriller film Happy Birthday (2009) which narrates the story of a simple man who receives a call on his birthday informing him that his wife and son have been kidnapped, only to be returned for a ransom.[1] The film was a commercial failure, despite the positive response from the critics.[1] Winning five Gaumee Film Awards and twelve Maldives Film Awards, the film was also screened at the Venice Film Festival.[2][3]
The company then paced their production more into a commercial phase with the family drama Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010) starring an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Niuma Mohamed, Ali Seezan, Mohamed Manik and Ravee Farooq.[4] The film showcases discrimination against the islanders, family revenge and fatherhood responsibilities.[4] It received a positive response from critics for adopting a "unique approach in presenting the concept to the romance-starved Maldivian audience" was particularly noted and was believed to be a "huge improvement" compared to the recent Maldivian films.[1] Their next production venture was the psychological romantic thriller Zaharu (2011) starring Ali Seezan, Niuma Mohamed and Sheela Najeeb.[5] The film centers on a married man who has a weekend affair with a woman who refuses to allow it to end and becomes obsessed with him.[5] The film was inspired from Adrian Lyne-directed American psychological erotic thriller film Fatal Attraction (1987).[5] Upon release it received a mixed response from critics and was declared a "flop" at the box office.[1]
In 2013, they released the horror film Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D which serves as a prequel to Fathis Handhuvaru (1997) starring Reeko Moosa Manik and Niuma Mohamed in lead roles. It was based on a story by Ibrahim Waheed, Jinaa: Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun (2009), which itself is a prequel to the story Fathishandhuvaru (1996) written by himself which was later adapted to a film by the same name in 1997.[6] The film was marketed as being the first 3D release for a Maldivian film and the first release derived from a spin-off.[7][8] Upon release the film received generally negative reviews from critics.[9] The following year, Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq wrote and directed Hulhudhaan featuring Mariyam Majudha and Roanu Hassan Manik which garnered critical success and was later screened at the Venice Film Festival.[10][11]
In 2015, the studio produced two films. Their first release was the Ali Shifau-directed romantic film Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (2015) starring Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha.[12] The film was declared as the highest grossing Maldivian film of the year, and was also a critical success.[13][14] Ravee Farooq was roped in to direct the suspense thriller film Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey which stars Mohamed Manik and Aishath Rishmy in pivotal roles.[15][16] The film along with his direction and performances were critically acclaimed.[17] It was one of the three entries from the Maldives at the 2016 SAARC Film Festival.[18]
The company collaborated with Ali Shifau, Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha for a romantic comedy film, Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016) which emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian film of the year.[19][20][21] The following year, the studio assigned Ali Shifau to release the romantic comedy film Mee Loaybakee (2017) starring Mohamed Jumayyil alongside Mariyam Azza.[22] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[23][24] This was followed by a family drama Vakin Loabin (2018), marking Shifau's fourth collaboration with Mohamed Jumayyil and his third collaboration with Mariyam Majudha.[25] The film tells a story of a young couple's divorce and its impact on everyone involved.[26] Upon release, the film met with a positive response from critics, specifically praising the screenplay for toning down its melodrama and breaking from the stereotypes of its genre, and it was a commercial success.[27]
Films produced
editFeature film
editShort film
editYear | Title | Director(s) | Producer(s) | Cast | Ref(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | Badi Edhuru | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali | Ismail Rasheed, Abdulla Muaz, Ibrahim Jihad, Ravee Farooq, Aishath Siyadha, Nadhiya Hassan | [35] |
2008 | Ummeedh | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali | Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Asim, Ibrahim Jihad, Hamdhoon Farooq, Sheela Najeeb | [36] |
2012 | Voodoo | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali | Ahmed Nashith, Ahmed Rifau, Umar Ashfaq, Ahmed Hafiz, Shifra Ilham, Abdulla Naseer | [5] |
2014 | Kashfu | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali | Ibrahim Jihad, Fathimath Fareela, Ahmed Saeed | [5] |
2020 | Dhauvathu | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq |
Hoodh Ibrahim, Mariyam Shifa, Ahmed Sunie | [37] |
2020 | Anguru | Ali Shifau | Mohamed Ali Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq |
Aminath Silna, Roanu Hassan Manik | [37] |
2021 | Gulhun | Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq | Mohamed Ali | Aminath Shamana, Abdullah Shafiu Ibrahim, Aishath Rishmy, Ravee Farooq, Aminath Rashfa | [38] |
Television
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e Hassan, Nazim (29 June 2015). "The love for cinema from Moger". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (2 September 2016). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
- ^ Saeed, Fathimath (23 October 2015). "Majority of the awards for "Niuma", "Happy Birthday" announced as best film". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 October 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
- ^ a b c Naseer, Ismail (18 February 2010). "Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa to release on April 5". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 February 2010. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Adhushan, Ahmed (14 September 2017). "11 years anniversary for DRE; what did they achieve?". Dho (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ Faisal, Ibrahim (5 January 2013). ""Fathishandhuvaruge Feshun": Most awaited release of the year". Addu Live (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (7 November 2012). "Premier of "Fathishandhuvaruge Feshun" postponed again". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ Zaina, Fathimath (18 April 2013). ""Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun" is a disappointment". Vnews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (17 April 2013). ""Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun" review". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (28 December 2014). ""Hulhudhaan": A film that deserves many shows". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (25 December 2014). "First and last show of "Hulhudhaan" to be screened tonight". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Naail, Ismail (7 April 2015). ""Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen": A big success with repeat audience" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ Naail, Ismail (10 April 2015). "Unlimited compliments for "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen"" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ a b Naail, Ismail (5 April 2015). "Pre-premiere Review: "Emme Fahu Vindhaa Jehendhen" A new benchmark to romantic films" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
- ^ a b Reehan, Mohamed (9 August 2015). "Ticket sales kick-off for "Mikoe Bappa Bae Bae"". Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
- ^ Reehan, Mohamed (13 August 2015). "Dhivehi movie Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey released". vnews. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
- ^ Saeed, Asiyath Mohamed (13 August 2015). "Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey: Ravi-Mahdi showed difference again" (in Divehi). Haveeru Daily. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
- ^ Ahmed, Jaishan (9 June 2016). "Three entries to SAARC Film Festival; No award" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (8 January 2016). "A new Film, A new Lover, A new Jumayyil" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
- ^ a b Nasheem, Ahmed (6 April 2016). "Vaashey Mashaa Ekee: Unlimited praise" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (3 June 2016). "Upcoming releases of the year" (in Divehi). Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (4 April 2017). "Dark Rain's Mee Laoybakee premiering tonight". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
- ^ Maaha, Aishath (6 August 2017). ""Naughty 40": A mixture of all tastes". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2017). "2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (9 August 2017). "Shooting of "Vakin Loabin" commenced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (6 November 2017). "Shooting of "Vakin Loabin" completed". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
- ^ a b Nasheed, Ismail Naail (4 March 2018). "Pre-premiere review of Vakin Loabin: A break apart from a genre of melodrama; A must watch". Raajje.mv (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ Musthafa, Mohamed (25 December 2018). "Tickets sales for "Goh Raalhu" to kick off from January 4". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (11 April 2018). "Maamui's shooting to commences post Ramazan". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
- ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (7 September 2020). "Beeveema's cast includes Ashfa and Isse". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 14 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ Lubaa, Aminath (10 January 2023). "Trailer of DRE's "Hindhukolheh" is impressive". The Press (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (22 July 2019). "Maju and Jumayyil return with another DRE project". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ Luba, Amintah (5 March 2024). "Fureytha premiered; endless love for the film". ThePress (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (25 September 2019). "Filming all set for Balhindhu". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (30 October 2019). "Badi Edhuru to Baiskoafu". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
- ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (22 October 2019). "Short Film "Ummeedh" available for streaming on Baiskoafu". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ a b Rasheed, Ahmed (7 October 2020). "Dark Rain Short's Anguru to release on 14 October". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (30 June 2021). "DRE's Gulhun released". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ^ Luba, Aminath (1 January 2020). "Rumi a Jannat: A modern comedy". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (6 December 2021). ""Giritee Loabi" to release on 7 December". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ "Dark Rain Chronicles coming to Baiskoafu". Hurihaa (in Divehi). 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.