''Kalhaki'' is a 2023 Maldivian horror film written and directed by

Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, editor, writer, and director. One of the most successful filmmakers and actors in Maldivian Cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient of a number of awards, including eight Ga ...

. Produced by Niuma Mohamed under Newxo Productions, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu,

Ali Seezan Ali Seezan (born 6 February 1977) is a Maldivian film actor, editor, director and producer. He has established a career in Maldives Film Industry and is a recipient of two National Film Awards. Early life Ali Seezan was born on 6 February 1977. ...

Mohamed Manik Mohamed Manik (15 October 1969) is a Maldivian film actor and director. Career 2002–10: Critical acclaim and breakthrough Manik rose to widespread prominence in the television industry and was applauded for his performance in a dual role, Ahmed ...

Aminath Rishfa Aminath Rishfa is a Maldivian actress. Career Rishfa made her screen debut in a video song, "Heela Beleema" starred opposite Mohamed Manik and produced by Udhares Latheef. After featuring in several short films and series, Rishfa collaborated w ...

Washiya Mohamed Washiya Mohamed (born 18 June 1999) is a Maldivian film actress. She made her career debut by playing one of the main roles in the sitcom web series, ''Thin Bibee'' (2019). She gained notice with the web series ''Ehenas'' and continued starring in ...

and

Aishath Lahfa Aishath Lahfa (born 21 November 1997) is a Maldivian film actress. Before pursuing a career in acting, Lahfa was an active TikTok user, which won her recognition as a performer. She made her acting debut in the web series '' Girlfriends'' (2021) ...

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. The film was released on 7 October 2023.

Premise

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

as Sharif *

as Nimal *

as Zalif *

as Mashidha *

as Ziyana *

as Lamha * * * * * * * *

Development

In October 2017, the project with a working title ''Kalhaki'' was announced. 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. The film marks the second production from the studio NewXo Films, following the release of the psychological thriller film ''

Nivairoalhi ''Nivairoalhi'' is a 2019 Maldivian film written and directed by Moomin Fuad. Produced by Niuma Mohamed under NiuXo Films, the film stars Yoosuf Shafeeu, Aminath Rishfa, Zeenath Abbas, Ahmed Saeed, Nashidha Mohamed, and Ahmed Azmeel. The film w ...

'' (2019). In January 2020, the cast and crew of the film departed to

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (, ; si, ශ්‍රී ලංකා, Śrī Laṅkā, translit-std=ISO (); ta, இலங்கை, Ilaṅkai, translit-std=ISO ()), formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an ...

for filming. Filming for the whole project was completed in Sri Lanka within twenty days.

Release

''Kalhaki'' was theatrically released on 7 October 2023. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Aminath Luba reviewing from ''The Press'' lauded

's performance in portraying the possessed character, commending her ability to stand on par with the senior actors. 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.

References

{{Reflist 2023 films Maldivian horror films Dhivehi-language films