Nina (2023 film)

Nina is a 2023 Maldivian crime thriller film directed by Ilyas Waheed. Produced by Asim Ali and Ahmed Wahyd under IFilms, the film stars Nuzuhath Shuaib in title role while debutant Sharaf Abdulla, Mariyam Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela feature in pivotal roles.

Premise
Nina, a gym and martial arts instructor, finds solace in a relationship with Hamdh, a friend. However, her life is disrupted by a dramatic event, leaving her beaten and broken. Nina must find revenge seeking justice for those responsible.

Cast

 * Nuzuhath Shuaib as Aishath Nina Hussain
 * Sharaf Abdulla as Hamdhu
 * Mohamed Nial Naasih as Kaif
 * Mohamed Jumayyil as Zafar "Farey"
 * Hamdhoon Farooq as Ali "Albo"
 * Mariyam Rasheedha as Latheefa
 * Hassan Saamih Mohamed as John
 * Ibrahim Shaif as Simhadh "Sippalhey"
 * Hassan Sinan as Mode
 * Hassan Zaidh as Kaattey
 * Ali Yooshau as Ahmed Adhil
 * Nathasha Jaleel as Abidha
 * Aisha Ali as Marie
 * Ali Inaz as Asadh
 * Mariyam Shakeela as Shareefa
 * Adam Rizwee as Isse
 * Mohamed Arusham as Car Driver
 * Abdulla Arim as John's brothr
 * Hussain Sameeh as Shiham
 * Mohamed Shaavy as Amir
 * Hawwa Shaazna as Doctor
 * Ahmed Rasheedh as Doctor
 * Ahmed Ifnaz Firag as news presenter (Special appearance)
 * Mariyam Azza as Azza in the item number "Azza" (Special appearance)
 * Aishath Rishmy (Special appearance)
 * Ravee Farooq (Special appearance)

Development
Following the success of Bavathi (2019), director Ilyas Waheed announced Nina in August 2019 with a cast including Nuzuhath Shuaib, debutant Sharaf Abdulla and Mohamed Jumayyil. After completing the shoot in Male', the cast and crew departed to Laamu atoll on 4 February 2020. As required for the film, Shuaib trained in martial arts. Shooting for the film ended in March 2020. In mid-2020, it was reported that veteran actress Mariyam Rasheedha has joined the cast of the film after a break of more than two decades. Following the child abuse allegation over Jumayyil, the production studio severed ties with him and affirmed that he will not be involved in the marketing and promotion of the film, though no confirmation was given by the studio if his role will be retained in the film or replaced. Filming was completed in early 2021.

Release and response
The film was scheduled for theatrical release in late 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officially launching the film on 31 May 2023, the director announced the release date of the film as 6 August 2023. Following its release, the film garnered extensive acclaim from critics. Akram Abdulla of Dhauru lauded Nuzuhath Shuaib's portrayal of the resolute protagonist, highlighting her embodiment of an unapologetically strong woman within a narrative that is deemed less substantial. Barring few scenes, Abdulla considered the film to offer an overall "thrilling experience".