Are you not entertained!

Every Ramadan promises a multitude of new programs on Maldivian television and this year is no different. What sets apart the entertainment promised for this year is how the industry is bouncing back from the crippling effects of the pandemic, and to learn more, MFR reached out to some key studios to hear what they’ve got planned.

Local productions have been taking the industry by storm in recent years, and one of the most notable ones are most definitely Ifilms. Pioneered by talented director/producer, Ilyaas Waheed, they are proud to announce a series titled ‘Biruveri Vaahaka’, which literally translates to ‘Horror Stories’. This 15 episode series is written and produced with each episodes as a stand alone — in terms of cast and production — culminating in a revelation of a finale.

Shooting, they have conceded, had been delayed immensely due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, but they have finally managed to complete the project with a desirable launch in Ramadan. Two of the stories have been written by Hoodh Ibrahim while the rest were written by Ilyaas himself, with the series being produced by the team behind the popular production ‘Bavathi’, this series promises to be historic. It is going to be aired via Dhiraagu TV, the telecommunications company’s streaming service.

Ilyaas also added that they are currently waiting on the release of another production, a feature length movie, by the name of NINA, but the major drawback has been the temporary shutdown of the main Maldivian cinema, Olympus. With the COVID-19 restrictions being lifted all established and aspiring production houses are hopeful that the cinema will be reopened to allow proper publication of the local work by talented individuals and teams. 

Orkeyz Studio is another local production house that has their work churning out day and night. A name that is widely known from acclaimed productions such as the popular sitcom ‘Karuhakuru’, as well as the dramatic, wildly popular series Girlfriends, Orkeyz Studio described their latest project as another game changer. Titled ‘Gudhan’, it is going to involve a very large cast of talented players, and their celebrated writer Mahdi Ahmed continues to amaze with compelling storytelling and dialogues. This production has also been aimed for release during Ramadan.

Medianet as a broadcasting company has been taking strides to develop their own productions by utilising local studios and producers, and their work has been ramped up for Ramadan. They have been very excited to announce the new content scheduled for this year. Videoclub — a component of their streaming service — will be accessible on MSTV, MS Lite and MS App. MSTV can also be accessed through their Smart TV application as well as through the latest Medianet Decoder, for subscribers based in Malé and Hulhumalé. 

Their plan is to release new episodes,  or movies, everyday throughout the month of Ramadan, covering a variety of genres and scopes, including popular originals such as ‘Kahthiri’ and “Vai Roalhi ah ves sirrun’, as well as bringing back the ever popular dramatic retelling of Islamic history, ‘Muhamadhu Rasoolullah’.

Some of the titles Medianet has scheduled for the upcoming month are;

Medianet Originals Premiering New Series

Continuing Medianet Originals Series

Medianet Originals New Movies

New Local Movies on Videoclub

New Local Series on Videoclub

Hollywood Movies

Kids Special

Entertainment on Maldivian local channels and streaming platforms promises to be loaded with new content, surprises, and returns of popular productions this Ramadan. So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for all the exciting new releases, and be ready to find new favourites in the acting scene as the month goes on. With this initiative by multiple studios and production houses, there is hope that the film and theatre industry may not only be revived after the pandemic, but also evolve to achieve greater heights of creativity and innovation in the year, if not months, ahead.