Saaya (2024 film)

Saaya
Official film poster
Directed byYoosuf Shafeeu
Screenplay byYoosuf Shafeeu
Produced byIsmail Shafeeq
Starring
CinematographyShivaz Abdulla
Edited byYoosuf Shafeeu
Music byAyyuman Shareef
Production
companies
  • Shy Productions
  • Eupe Productions
Release date
  • 7 August 2024 (2024-08-07)
CountryMaldives
LanguageDhivehi

Saaya is a 2024 Maldivian romantic horror film directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu.[1] Produced by Ismail Shafeeq under Shy Productions, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Ibrahim Jihad and Aminath Rashfa in pivotal roles.[2] The film was released on 7 August 2024.[3] It follows a newlywed couple whose honeymoon on an uninhabited island is disrupted by a vengeful spirit.[4]

Premise

A newlywed couple, travel to a secluded, uninhabited island for their honeymoon. Their time together is disrupted when a third person, comes to their life. His presence complicates their relationship, creating suspicious and jealousy between the men. As tensions rise, they start to hear strange noises and experience unsettling events, unaware that the island harbors a dark past.

Years ago, a woman was brutally killed while being assaulted on the very same island, and her vengeful spirit has haunted it ever since. The ghost stirs confusion and chaos, feeding on the couple’s growing mistrust and fear. As the island becomes engulfed in a supernatural riot, they must confront the spirit’s wrath and unravel the tragic history of the island, all while trying to survive the escalating turmoil caused by the restless ghost.

Cast

Development

Following the success of Kalhaki (2023), Yoosuf Shafeeu announced another horror film in June 2024, directed and starring Shafeeu.[5] The main cast also includes Aminath Rashfa and Ibrahim Jihad.[6] Filming took place in R. Maakurathu.[7] Filming schedule was disrupted and rescheduled three times due to bad weather.[7] All scenes were shot outdoor in the jungle of Maakurathu.[7]

Soundtrack

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Thee Hithuge Vindhey"Mohamed Abdul Ghanee, Mariyam Ashfa 

Release and reception

The film was released on 7 August 2024 and received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Ahmed Hameed Adam from Minoos praised the technical aspects of the film, including the cinematography by Shivaz Abdulla, background music by Ayyuman Shareef and screenplay by Yoosuf Shafeeu. However, Adam found the climax lackluster due to its open-ended conclusion.[7] Ahmed Nadheem from Mihaaru commended Shafeeu's overall work on the film despite the loopholes in the plot, overdramatic dialogues and overacting by some cast members.[8]

References

  1. ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (8 July 2024). "Teaser of Saaya released". AdduLive (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  2. ^ Ibrahim, Azhan (27 July 2024). "Saaya's trailer: Who is the villain". Dhen (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  3. ^ Neesh Hassan, Fathimath (22 June 2024). "Dhivehi film Saaya to release on August 8". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  4. ^ Hameed Adam, Ahmed (6 August 2024). "Saayaa premiering tomorrow: A different production from Eupe". Minoos (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  5. ^ Naavee, Fathimath (23 June 2024). "Yooppe announced a horror film". Khabaru Online (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  6. ^ Naavee, Fathimath (22 June 2024). "Poster of Saaya revealed". Khabaru Online (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Hameed Adam, Ahmed (8 August 2024). "Saayaa Review: A must watch, many reasons to watch it". Minoos (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  8. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (25 August 2024). "Saayaa Review: Almost possessed by the spirit". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.