Dark Rain Entertainment
Dark Rain Entertainment
Dark Rain Entertainment (DRE) is a Maldivian film production company based in Male’. Founded in 2006, it helped push Maldivian cinema forward by producing films shot in HD, 3D, and on DSLR cameras. The studio has partnered with notable Maldivian filmmakers and actors to create many popular movies and TV projects.
History
- 2009: The studio released Happy Birthday, a suspense thriller by Moomin Fuad. Although it received positive reviews, the film was a commercial disappointment, but it earned several awards and gained attention at the Venice Film Festival.
- 2010–2011: DRE shifted toward more commercially driven cinema, producing Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010) and Zaharu (2011), both featuring strong ensemble casts and addressing social themes.
- 2013–2014: Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (2013) became a landmark as the first Maldivian 3D release and a spin-off prequel; Hulhudhaan (2014) drew critical praise.
- 2015–2018: The studio produced Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (2015), which became the year’s highest-grossing Maldivian film, and Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey (2015). Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016) and Mee Loaybakee (2017) were also major hits, followed by Vakin Loabin (2018), a well-received family drama.
- 2019–2021: Goh Raalhu (2019) and Maamui (2019) continued the studio’s run of popular releases. In 2021, Dark Rain expanded into TV/web series with Rumi a Jannat and Giritee Loabi.
- 2022–2024: The company released Dark Rain Chronicles (2022), a web-series project, and continued producing content like Hindhukolheh and Beeveema (both 2023), followed by November (2023) and newer projects Fureytha (2024) and Bibii (2024).
Selected films produced (highlights)
- Happy Birthday (2009) — directed by Moomin Fuad; earned critical praise and multiple awards despite not doing well at the box office.
- Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010) — directed by Ali Shifau; featured an ensemble cast and tackled social themes.
- Zaharu (2011) — directed by Ali Shifau; a psychological romantic drama with a noted cast.
- Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (2013) — directed by Ali Shifau; promoted as the first Maldivian 3D release.
- Hulhudhaan (2014) — directed by Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq; critically praised for its screenplay.
- Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (2015) — directed by Ali Shifau; became the biggest Maldivian box office hit of 2015.
- Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey (2015) — directed by Ravee Farooq; acclaimed for direction and performances.
- Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016) — directed by Ali Shifau; one of the year’s top-grossing Maldivian films.
- Mee Loaybakee (2017) — directed by Ali Shifau; a major hit starring Mohamed Jumayyil and Mariyam Majudha.
- Vakin Loabin (2018) — directed by Ahmed Musthafa; praised for its modern take on romance and family drama.
- Goh Raalhu (2019) — directed by Mohamed Ali; among the year’s notable Maldivian releases.
- Maamui (2019) — directed by Ali Shifau; a popular ensemble comedy-thriller.
- Hindhukolheh (2023) — directed by Ali Shifau; another notable collaboration within the Maldivian film scene.
- Beeveema (2023) — directed by Ahmed Zareer; cast included prominent local actors; received attention in the press.
- November (2023) — directed by Ali Shifau and Aishath Fuad Thaufeeq; notable collaboration.
- Fureytha (2024) and Bibii (2024) — continuing the studio’s trend of new Maldivian releases.
Short film projects
- Badi Edhuru (2007) and Ummeedh (2008) were early short works.
- Voodoo (2012) and Kashfu (2014) followed, along with Dhauvathu (2020) and Anguru (2020).
- Other short films include Dhauvathu, Anguru and Anguru’s collaborators, used to develop talent and experiment with formats.
Television
- Dhafaraa (2006), Reyfanaa (2007), Inthihaa (2008), Yaasmeen (2008), FB! (2008), Silsilaa (2009), Naamaan (2011) were among the studio’s early TV projects.
- 2021–2022: Rumi á Jannat and Giritee Loabi, web series that expanded DRE’s storytelling into streaming formats.
- 2022: Dark Rain Chronicles (web series) and related projects, continuing the company’s push into serialized content.
Dark Rain Entertainment remains a leading force in the Maldives’ film and TV scene, known for driving new production techniques, mentoring local talent, and delivering a string of popular, award-winning projects that helped grow the country’s entertainment industry.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 16:34 (CET).